Bad Script - Flyers 4, Penguins 2

So what happened?

Jordan Staal scored just 44 seconds into the game.  That was the high point for the entire evening.

The Pens were undisciplined, taking three minor penalties in the first period.  This did two things - first, it allowed the Flyers to tie the game at 1-1, and (more importantly) it kept the Pens from developing any kind of offensive game.  That was the story for the entirety of the evening.  The Pens simply couldn't get anything going.

Jagr scored on a backhand that went off of Orpik's stick, and Talbot added an empty net goal at the end.  That was the bad script I mentioned in the title.  It wasn't a good way for things to go from the Pittsburgh perspective.

Who scored?

Staal (15), Kennedy (5)

The Good?

• Rinaldo was scratched.  That probably kept anyone from getting hurt.
• Nice start with the Staal goal early on.  Kennedy used his speed to bust in and steal the puck behind Bobrovsky.  He got it out in front to Staal, who did the rest.  This is how the Pens needed to play all night long, and it just wasn't there.
• Faceoff domination.  The Pens went 37-17 as a team off the draw.

The Bad?

• A total inability to get the puck in behind their defense and go to work.  After the Penalty Box Parade in the first, things never got in sync.

The Ugly?

• James Neal was unable to bury a puck sitting in front of a wide-open net.  I think that would have completely changed the game, as it was just past the mid-point of the first period.

Any Surprises?

• No - considering the recent history against the Flyers in Consol, this should not have been a surprise.

What's their record now?

The Pens are 21-12-4.

Who's next?

A quick trip over to play the Devils for a New Year's Eve matinee.