The Flyers will live to fight another day - and since the game is in Philadelphia Saturday there will be no shortage of aggression from the orange and black - as they shutout the Penguins on the road 3-0.The Flyers played their most disciplined game of the series and frustrated the Penguins throughout the contest holding them to 13 shots in the game's final 40 minutes.
Besides a few tense moments when goaltender Marty Biron lost sight of the puck behind the net, he was in great position all night to make every save. Rebounds were a rare occurrence and it allowed the Flyers defense to remain calm when the Pens brought the heat.
Penguins fans must've been surprised as their captain Sidney Crosby disappeared for most of the game. Evgeni Malkin was still dominant with his physical play and puck handling but was unable to score with his stick in this one. Malkin put one past Biron in the 2nd period, but replays showed a distinct kicking motion on the play and the goal was correctly disallowed.
For the Flyers, the bounces went their way - and not to sound like a whining fan but it just hasn't happened for this team so far in the postseason. The Pens had several sloppy offsides on odd man rushes and failed to execute down low when the Flyers' defense was out of position. One area of concern is the play of center Jeff Carter. The NHL's 2nd leading goal scorer in the regular season has been non-effective in this series showing little interest in competing at a higher level.
It's great to see the Flyers extend this series, but they won't pull out this comeback unless Carter brings his goal scoring touch back.
Game 6, Saturday @ 3 PM on NBC. I'll be there with orange on.
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Meanwhile, in Columbus, the Red Wings spoiled the Blue Jackets' first playoff series with a 4-0 sweep. In an amazing back and forth hockey game, Johan Franzen sealed the deal giving the Wings a 6-5 lead with under a minute to go.
So, will the Chris Osgood questions continue or cease to exist? We'll find out once the second round matchup is determined.
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