Talbot Changes Momentum – Pens Win Series

 Yes, Max Talbot changed the outcome of the game. Moments after committing a terrible turnover in his own end, Talbot decided to single-handedly turn the flow of the game in favor of the Pens. At this point, the Pens were down 3 – 0. Mad Max decided to engage a fight with Daniel Carcillo. This is a man, who is clearly out of Max’s class when it comes to fighting. Basically, Talbot committed to getting lumped up in order to motivate his team. It worked! 

Fedotenko scored moments later andthecomeback was on. Five unanswered goals later, and the Pens are on to the second round.

I thought the Pens played a great game from start to finish. There were a couple of bad plays, but overall I thought they were outplaying the Flyers even as the score reach 3 – 0 in favor of the bad guys. The Pens were able to take their game to a higher level in the second period out-shooting the Flyers 20 – 9. They were able to tie the game and eventually win on a goal by Gonchar. Crosby added an empty netter for good measure. The Pens showed a lot of character in this game. It is games like this that allow me to believe they have what it takes to take this run deep.

It would have been nice for the Pens to win the series on home ice, but it is still very exciting. The NHL playoffs are the best time of the year. I could not be more excited and eager to watch the next round.

Notes: 

• It was nice to see a couple of guys, who were long overdue, get on the scoresheet. Both Fedotenko and Gonch had not scored in these playoffs. Both of their goals were huge factors in the outcome of tonight’s game.
• Satan did not look too bad out there.
• I thought everyone seemed to lift their games up a notch or two tonight.

Here is to continued success in round two. Go get ‘em boys!