Sunday, March 22, 2009

Flyers 3, Penguins 1

The Pens weren't going to win all of their remaining games. They had a great streak, but it wasn't going to continue forever.

There were a few very specific items about today's game that led directly to the loss:
  • Martin Biron made a few huge, key saves. He did just about everything right, and when he didn't, his D was there to bail him out (I'm thinking of Parent making a save on a puck that had gone through Biron).
  • The Flyers converted on their power play chances. This was a combination of good bounces and a bad kill.
  • The Flyers controlled their emotions. This was huge, and maybe the biggest warning sign for the Pens heading into a potential first round matchup with the Flyers. If you had said before the game that Gonchar would have a double-minor for roughing and Scottie Hartnell wouldn't have any penalty minutes, I might have said you were crazy.
So, all told, the Pens have played their way into the playoffs. They can stay there by playing reasonably well. They don't have to win every game, and it's okay that they didn't win this one. Still sucks to lose to Philly.

Next up: Only two games in the next 9 days, starting with the Flames visiting the Igloo on Wednesday. Big game.

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