Gameday: Battle of Pennsylvania, Part VI

by Travis Hughes on Feb 21, 2009 12:16 PM EST in 08-09 Game Threads

Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers, Feb 21, 2009 1:00 PM EST

#10 Pittsburgh Penguins (28-25-6, 66 pts) at # 4 Philadelphia Flyers (31-16-9, 71 pts)
Wachovia Center - 1:00 PM EST - Philadelphia, PA
TV: CSN HD, FSN Pittsburgh
Radio: 610 WIP, XM 205
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Behind Enemy Lines: Pensburgh

The Flyers are red hot entering today's matinee with the Pittsburgh Penguins. They've scored 16 goals in their last three games, and they'll need to keep up the same kind of offensive ferocity if they want to beat the rival Penguins today.

Pittsburgh has not been red hot. They fired head coach Michel Therrien after a blowout loss in Toronto a week ago, and they've gone 1-1 under interim bench boss Dan Bylsma. They are atrocious on the road, with just one win in 2009. Given that record, they begin a crucial stretch today where they will play seven of their next eight away from the Igloo.

That one road victory came in Philadelphia on January 13th, however, so the Flyers cannot overlook the flightless birds from Western PA. They are a desperate team and they're always fired up when they play at the Wachovia Center, so they should have a little extra jump in their step this afternoon.

The Flyers will need to match that extra jump. They need to play the kind of spread out, four line hockey they did on Thursday night against Buffalo. If that happens, then this should by a win for the good guys.

Between the Pipes: Martin Biron is in for the Flyers for the fourth straight game. He's 1-1-1 this season with a 3.59 GAA in three games against the Penguins.

Marc-Andre Fleury goes for the Penguins.

Pittsburgh Penguins Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Philippe Boucher	foot	02/13/2009
Mike Zigomanis	shoulder	12/04/2008

Questions To Answer

The Flyers have done a great job of shutting Sidney Crosby down this season. Can they do it this afternoon?
Can Marty keep up his good play but avoid giving up the weak games?
Back on January 13th, the Flyers looked lifeless against the Pens. Can they match Pittsburgh's intensity today?
Godard-Cote rematch?

Go Flyers.

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Comments

Must we protect their pussies?

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 1:12 PM EST reply actions

Great save by Biron there. Just what the PK needs

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 1:15 PM EST reply actions

Biron and RIchards look sharp early on.

by njh3293 on Feb 21, 2009 1:19 PM EST reply actions

Need to keep momentum going…Let’s see if Biron can continue his strong play.

by AnthonyI on Feb 21, 2009 1:20 PM EST reply actions

great shift there

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 1:28 PM EST reply actions

Ryan Parent does not get the credit he deserves. That last shift, he knocked down two Penguins in front of the net, then leads the breakout which starts a 2 on 1. He’s going to be good for a long time.

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions

first period

score it cote over goddard, rd. 1 10-9.

unfortunately, i am stuck with the pitt telecast. one would think they are winning the game with their description. oh, and any analysis they have is invalid for accusing richards of diving on the PK. he was tripped, was falling, and was still going after the puck. losers.

still, outstanding intensity in the first. even jones looks marginal. i think we still are tending to take to many chances in our own zone leading to turnovers.

alberts had a great period, as did carle, biron, and parent. as shagg noted, he is playing light years ahead of where he was last season.

World F#$king Champions

by psudrozz on Feb 21, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Randy Jones just standing there on the PK with two guys behind him… why does he get ice time???

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 2:14 PM EST reply actions

Not a good period at all. Can’t blame Marty for two goals that go in off the crossbar – that’s just excellent shooting. But the Penguins have controlled this period from the start.

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 2:26 PM EST reply actions

A four minute power play and Giroux isn’t out there until 30 seconds left…

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 2:33 PM EST reply actions

wow

pens came strong that period.

for a team that has played like absolute garbage on the road, why do they show up against us?

World F#$king Champions

by psudrozz on Feb 21, 2009 2:42 PM EST reply actions

Lot of credit to Matt Carle there. He’s had a great couple of games. Jonesy finally gives him credit for it.

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 3:02 PM EST reply actions

Wow. How do you not call that? The ref is literally 5 feet away from a cheap shot on Giroux. Like these teams needed a reason to seek revenge against each other. Talbot better watch his back

by Geoff Detweiler on Feb 21, 2009 3:23 PM EST reply actions