Back in the early 2000s, the Flyers entrusted their netminding chores to a goalie named Roman Cechmanek. Fluxing between stretches of sheer brilliance and extremely erratic play, the Czech Republic native earned the moniker ‘Bipolar Goaler.’
An apt word to describe the Penguins-Flyers series, too. Talk about peaks and valleys. After eviscerating Philadelphia, 7-0, in the series opener, the black and gold fell victim to their bitter in-state rival in Game 2 by a 5-1 margin.
During this crazy-quilt, hot-air balloon of a series, what goes up must come down…and vice versa. Mercifully, with the series arguably on the line, the Pens turned the tables yesterday afternoon in Game 3 to score a resounding 5-1 victory over a thoroughly undisciplined and penalty-plagued Flyers squad at the Wells Fargo Center.
Things didn’t look too rosy for our boys at the outset. Continuing their surprising dominance from Game 2, Philly piled up an 11-4 edge in shots on goal during the first period while enjoying a decided advantage in territorial play. However, two big plays made all the difference.
A mere 75 ticks after the opening faceoff, Flyers rookie Nolan Patrick scooped up a loose puck in his end, breezed through the neutral zone and blew past Olli Maatta just inside the Pens’ blue line. Breaking in alone on Matt Murray, he showed backhand before attempting to go top shelf. Murray robbed him with a terrific glove save.
Then, just past the midpoint of the period, Brian Dumoulin pinched to keep a play alive in the Flyers’ zone. The puck skittered to Patric Hornqvist, who chipped a short pass to Sidney Crosby. In another subtle yet heady display of skill, Sid kicked the puck to his stick, circled behind the cage and beat Philly netminder Brian Elliott to the far post for his fourth goal of the series.
The game was still very much up for grabs until Flyers captain Claude Giroux carelessly high-sticked No. 87 early in the second frame. Derick Brassard took a short pass from Phil Kessel in the left circle and ripped the puck over Elliott’s left shoulder to stake the Pens to a 2-0 lead.
The floodgates opened a short time later, thanks to an ill-timed hooking penalty to Philly’s Jakub Voracek. Kris Letang slid a perfect feed into Evgeni Malkin’s wheelhouse. ‘Geno’ did the rest, blowing a wicked one-timer past Elliott from the right faceoff dot. Five seconds later, Dumoulin gathered in a gorgeous cross-ice drop pass from Crosby and beat Elliott through the five-hole to give the Pens a commanding 4-0 lead. The tally effectively ended Philly’s chances for a comeback.
After Flyers rookie Travis Sandheim ruined Murray’s shutout bid late in the second period, Justin Schultz capped the scoring early in the third with yet another power-play tally on a drive from center point. In all, our guys went 3-for-7 with the man advantage. Indeed, the Flyers’ largesse was a pivotal factor in the lopsided outcome.
“We took six minor penalties in a 30-minute span in the middle of this hockey game,” Flyers coach Dave Hakstol duly noted. “You’re not going to win hockey games that way.”
Puckpourri
Crosby led the way with a clutch four-point performance, giving him seven points after three playoff games. His effort earned him star of the game honors and praise from his coach.
“It’s an indication of how competitive he is,” said Mike Sullivan. “When the stakes are high, if we’re in an away building and they’re important games, Sid tends to play his best. And he’s done that time and time again.”
The Malkin-Dumoulin markers tied an NHL record for the fastest two goals in playoff history. Oozing his trademark passion, Geno was named No. 3 star behind Crosby and Murray, who made 26 saves in another sterling performance.
Around the League
In other Eastern Conference playoff action Boston, Columbus and Tampa Bay hold 2-0 series leads over Toronto, Washington and New Jersey, respectively.
Out west, Nashville and San Jose hold similar advantages over Colorado and Anaheim. The Vegas Golden Knights and Marc-Andre Fleury are up 3-0 on Los Angeles. Winnipeg has a 2-1 lead over Minnesota.
Hey,
Are you concerned with D and bottom lines?
Transition? Constant Odd man rushes and breakaways? Lackluster low energy starts?
Brassard nd Kessel?
Minutes spread or Letang 25+ minutes?
What’s your opinions?
Hello Dee,
I’m not really worried about the bottom six. I actually like Aston-Reese and Sheahan on the fourth line and I think Brassard’s coming around.
The defense is what it is. Although he’s generally played well thus far, Letang drives me nuts at times with his fast-and-loose decision-making, especially in the d-zone.
It’s been such a ragged series, it’s hard to get an accurate read on us. But, yes, I am worried about our inconsistency and penchant for giving up odd-man breaks and uncontested shots. There was one play in particular yesterday when a Flyers forward skated straight down the slot, past two or three Penguins. Nobody laid a glove on him, let alone took the body.
It may not cost us against Philly…arguably the most undisciplined team I’ve ever seen…or in the next round against Columbus or Washington. But if we play a team like the Bruins, who are good, physical and absolutely relentless?
Faggeddaboudit.
Rick
PS–I wish we had two more guys…a forward and a defenseman…who played with some aggression and bite. My forever Penguins lament…
Couldn’t Agree More..
Forwards and Defense are not communicating nor supporting each other..
I think it’s lack of effort sometimes (miss Defensive assignments), not strong on Winning puck battles and no awareness to be a 5 man unit on ice plus in distress from opponents heavy forechecking like Flyers they are kind take advantage of pucks on the boards ,bad sloppy nz turnovers and aggressive pinch by D to get their chances in pens zone.. only Crosby seems aware and on all parts the ice..
D waiting to long to make effective passes to forwards and they can’t make simple clear attempt .. Bad pinching .. throw passes anywhere under distress..
I’m tired of them given open ice and nz turnovers to opponents to do want they want..
I know it will get better with down low support and better more defense in the defense as they move along in the playoffs especially the team you have suggested..
I missed the quick somewhat D to D passing quick out forwards..Crisp Deep Breakouts..
Tighten solid healthy Defense , Urgency to win and Goaltending is the key..IMO
Offensively they will be fine ..
Letang Is Letang .. I try my hardest not watch his play .. i think minutes should be spread out more ..20-21 minutes for him.. I’m more happy to celebrate and support other players play and pens organization.. I can’t with him..He’s doing ok good ..
I’m happy for Dumoulin.. he’s a big positive from top pairing I can count on..
Weird series.. I know you see Dumoulin doing his thing and Shultz as well.. Dumoulin is so underrated..I love the guy.. Right?
Hey Rick,
I really hadn’t sorted through my thoughts from the game enough to write anything coherent, so excuse the hodgepodge of thoughts;
After Friday’s loss I must Confess I was worried, considering that the Pens gave away Home-Ice advantage and have struggled on the road. My 2 – rays of hope rested in Philadelphia’s home record (worst in the playoffs I believe) and the Pens Hydra (Crosby – Malkin – Kessel) and neither let me down.
As you noted Murray was impressive flashing the leather and making many big time saves.
Although I didn’t grade him that high for his regular season, Dumoulin has shown some good offensive flare in the post-season again. The kid does seem to play much better in the second season.
Interestingly enough, not only did the Pens regain Home-Ice with their win, CBJ jumped up 2 – 0 on Was, giving hope to the idea that the Pens may get to Home-Ice Series
(Look-out here comes one of my rant points)
Not only did the Big Pens re-claim the series lead yesterday, but the Baby Pens ended their regular season. Despite some peoples criticisms the kid Sprong led the team with 32Gs 33As and 65Pnts in 65GPs. He also finished a +4 in the +/-. Teddy Blueger notched 21Gs. The Baby Pens did put Angello in for the last 2 games. He didn’t score but squeezed off 4 shots in those games.
Also, have you seen what the Flower is doing? Gotta give MAF greadit!
Sorry, gotta give MAF credit! don’t know how I fat fingered that one.