New life: Flyers shutout Pens to force Game 6

by Travis Hughes on Apr 23, 2009 11:41 PM EDT in 2009 Playoffs

[Recap] - [Boxscore] - [Highlights] - [Photos]
Flyers win 3-0, trail series 3-2

You know that feeling that slowly creeped into your psyche over the last few hours? That's called confidence, folks. We were told this series was over. Teams don't come back from 2-0 down. Teams don't come back from 3-1 down. It doesn't happen.

Our Flyers took a huge step toward making it happen tonight. With a dominating 3-0 shutout victory in Pittsburgh, the series shifts back to an already-hyped up Philadelphia for Game 6 where the Flyers will have a chance to tie this thing up at home.

When your team has six 25-goal scorers, you usually don't expect to win games with goaltending and defense. But that's what the Flyers did tonight. Pittsburgh brought the heat in the first period, obviously amped by their own crowd and a chance to close out the Flyers early. They outshot Philly 15-5 in the stanza, but the Flyers clogged up passing lanes and didn't allow many quality shots on Martin Biron. The few that did get through were easily turned aside by the Flyer netminder who looked absolutely determined tonight.

The Flyers weathered the storm from Pittsburgh and in the second period, things started going their way. Their most unlikely duo would team up for the first tally of the night when Dan Carcillo charged across the Pens blueline and left a drop pass for Arron Asham. Asham tee'd up and fired probably the hardest shot he's ever taken over the shoulder of Marc-Andre Fleury. He's human after all, and the Flyers led 1-0.

And when Arron Asham scores a goal on a pass from Dan Carcillo, you know things are going to go your way. That's exactly what would happen. Biron continued to be stellar throughout the second period, allowing nothing but a soccer puck kicked by Evgeni Malkin by him. It didn't count, of course, and the shutout was held up.

The help Biron picked up from the defensemen tonight was immeasurable. The pairing of Braydon Coburn and Matt Carle was especially impressive, and Coburn played a huge role in frustrating Malkin who couldn't get anything going tonight, no matter how hard he tried. Carle played an excellent game defensively, but he also contributed on the offense. He kept a play alive by stealing a puck along the boards that led to Claude Giroux's third period goal, and an excellent outlet pass a few minutes later led to Mike Knuble's goal that made it 3-0 Flyers.

The Mellon Arena crowd was absolutely dead tonight, even when their team was only down a goal. When Giroux scored to make it 2-0, people started heading for the exits. Comparing the atmosphere tonight to the Wachovia Center on Tuesday night is like comparing apples and oranges. And something tells me we haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fired up playoff crowds in Philadelphia.

Game 6 is going to be insane. Pittsburgh is scared.

2 down, 14 to go. LET'S GO FLYERS!

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Excellent stuff

Now that we know Fleury is beatable, I think we have a serious chance to win this series. Everybody needs to go full bore, like we did in the 2nd period. Also, Alberts played a helluva game defensively.

Check out nickandroll.blogspot.com

by n1ck34 on Apr 23, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

it didn’t help you in game 4, after you threw down 5 goals against Fleury in game 3. You’d hope, and this goes for Biron, too, that these netminders are professional enough, and mentally tough enough not to let the results of one game bleed over into the next…

by ahtrap on Apr 24, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

They say Game 4 is the hardest to win

At least that’s what they said when we were trying to win the 4th game last year against the Caps, ha ha. And it took us OT in Game 7 to do it. I’ll gladly take that in this series, please.

by doubleh on Apr 23, 2009 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

Giroux's goal...

I can’t imagine people started leaving at that point. There were still 16 minutes left in the game. After Knuble’s goal, sure, but not after the Giroux goal.

Whatever. We win. I’m happy. I’m not going to game 6 so I won’t bring my bad luck with me.

But I can’t imagine Pittsburgh is scared, either. Crosby is likely upset for not scoring, though it’s not like he played badly. We all saw what happened after the last game we thought we had Fleury solved. Dangerous territory we’ve got here heading into game 6.

Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?

by mikefive on Apr 24, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

I’m almost positive I read something on Twitter right after Giroux’s goal that said the place was starting to clear out. Maybe not substantially, but the “feel” of the game definitely didn’t look good for Pittsburgh. I could see how some people would leave.

As for Pittsburgh being scared, I believe Bylsma said before the game today that he “fears” a Game 6. I’ll look for the exact quote.

Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Travis Hughes on Apr 24, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Why would they be scared?

They have the 3-2 advantage. I’m sure they wouldn’t trade places with us. And I don’t buy the momentum argument for a second. Your momentum only lasts as long as your level of play.

Briere was talking about it after Game 3 on the post-game, saying that they could feel momentum shifting from period to period.

And I, too, was shocked that the fans left so early. Did they really feel like their team had no shot at coming back in the game? It was only 2 goals. Teams can score goals in the matter of a minute—shoot, the Pens did just that in Game 5. I can understand if you’re down by 4 or 5 (like that Sabre-Flyers game, remember that?), but only 2?

Hard to believe, Harry.

by doubleh on Apr 24, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m looking for the quote from Bylsma, but NHL videos aren’t working on my computer right now for whatever reason. Go to the Pens site and look for Bylsma’s presser from before the game, though.

Frank mentioned it in the Pensburgh open thread too.

Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Travis Hughes on Apr 24, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah Bylsma said he fears a Game 6. don’t have the exact quote but it was mentioned on the broadcast. I said it in my thread and I’ll say it again here – why would a coach say something like that? No team should say they’re scared in the playoffs, especially one up 3-2 (as doubleh mentioned). Just struck me as odd.

But even though he did say they were afraid of a Game 6, there’s at least some confidence in knowing that Pitt took a win in Wachovia just a few nights ago. I think they’ll look to rely on that again and forget Game 5 ever existed. If they come out in Game 6 looking like tonight then the series is heading back to Pitt for a seventh. Dismal effort.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Apr 24, 2009 2:16 AM EDT up reply actions

only explanation is desperation comes when youre close to the end and determination only strengthens the will to no end…

bylsma fears what we all fear, the ultimate choke… welcome to our world frank, one day youll understand.

by fitzy first on Apr 24, 2009 3:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I was wondering about that quote too. Since you guys think Stevens 7 game marathon quote was stupid which one was more moronic Stevens or Bylsma? I am going with Bylsma since you should never say something like that in the playoffs and Stevens quote has turned out to be true.

by The Legend on Apr 24, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Well Stevens’ quote turned out to be true because I think it was genuinely said coming from the eyes of an underdog. Bylsma’s race to four philosophy still holds true because no one wants to come out of the first round playing seven games. You want to make easy work of the opposition, rest up and save the longer series for when you’re deeper in the playoffs. But Bylsma’s quote wasn’t exactly flattering, that’s fo sho.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Apr 24, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

We shouldn’t go into this game thinking it’s going to be easy. We need to have the same mentality that we had tonight, because, aside from a venue change, there is still absolutely no margin for error.

And yet…I think the Flyers get that. They say they get that they need to have the exact same thought process that they had tonight: do or die.

Now let’s hope they can follow through.

by Ben Feldman on Apr 24, 2009 12:08 AM EDT reply actions

You could tell from the way they played on defense tonight that they understood the urgency.

Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Travis Hughes on Apr 24, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

The defense was top notch tonight. No lanes, shot-blocks like crazy and very disciplined. From Pitt’s angle I don’t think Boucher looked bad on the blue line but I almost suspect the shake up in the lineup had an effect on the team. Obviously I have a giant 0 in the scoring column to prove this so I’m not exactly going out on a limb here…

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on Apr 24, 2009 2:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Every game

Is a Game 7 from here on in.

On the post game show—I’m a post-game freak, so you need to know that about me—Stevens said their mentality in this game was definitely bringing it back to the Wach to play Game 6 in front of their fans.

by doubleh on Apr 24, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, that was a great quote. I was looking for it to throw it in the recap, but… like I said, NHL sites aren’t working for me. Killer.

Let’s hope they aren’t settling with just getting it home, though. For whatever reason, and I felt this before tonight’s game too, I feel like this team is still extremely confident regardless of the deficit. It’s rubbed off on me, that’s for sure.

Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Travis Hughes on Apr 24, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Keep proving me wrong ...

I said that they might be done and I hope they still prove me wrong for two more games. Great game and great overview!

by Fortune favors the brave(s) on Apr 24, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea, Idk if I would classify Pittsburgh as scared but I get what you are saying Travis. I think that the Flyers have shown they are equally good if not better than the Penguins in this series. That is debatable, I know, but I look at the way the Flyers have won in Game 3 and Game 5 and just how they really did dominate. Then I look at the Penguins wins and aside from Game 1, the Penguins in no way dominated the Flyers, especially Game 4 where you could make the argument that the Flyers were clearly the better team on the ice but were fooled but terrific goaltending and bad bounces. I am sort of with you doubleh, in that momentum comes and goes but I think that we def. have to be optimistic after seeing how this team has played, especially in the last 3 games, coupled with that things are coming back to Philly. The Wach will be the opposite of the Igloo in every way on Saturday. That place will be the definition of pandemonium for a good 2 and a half hours (I don’t want to hear anymore whining from Penguins fans at that game in Philadelphia. I don’t condone some of the things that people say and do but walking in their with a baby blue Penguins jersey is asking for trouble and you will get what is coming to you). I just think that if the Flyers feed off the energy of the crowd like they did in Game 3 and play defense like they did in Game 5 what says they can’t win and force a game 7?
With that said, the Penguins are very good hockey team and will have no intention of letting the Flyers do that. They will be pissed and ready to go. Unlike the Flyers at times, the Penguins will have no problem getting up for this game making them just as likely to end the series. Lets hope not.
I cannot pick who I think is going to win Game 6. Both these teams are skilled and motivated and I cannot claim to see a clear favorite which will make for an incredibly interesting game. Lets hope its not the last so that we can take it back to Pittsburgh and win it in their building – that would be GLORIOUS!

Until then I will be basking in Marty’s shutout, the defense’s clinic and timely goals from 3 different lines. Go Flyguys!

by Mitchell Green on Apr 24, 2009 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

Hey Travis

Michael Wilbon says it best, when do i get some dap for having confidence in these boys for stealing a game? Do i get a shout out next time?
whistles times, they are a changin

CCB

by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Apr 24, 2009 1:01 AM EDT reply actions

every game is a different story

after watching all games this season, i just gotta say where does this come from?

where can the intensity be bottled and used when needed, and will biron show up next game and get some of the same breaks he got…

all the flyers have to do is play smart and not stupid…

I think they finally found what its like to be reserved and not cheat (ie-penalties), like the pens were trying desperately to do…

satan is a joke, why did they dress him…

anyway, great effort, what a great win… but, will they do it again… maybe the jinx is on for the pens to finally show how much they can suck as well…

by fitzy first on Apr 24, 2009 1:59 AM EDT reply actions

what gave me confidence

was the reports from the morning skate: the flyers were relaxed. it’s almost as if they know they found their game and expect to win….

that, and as mentioned, the power combination of asham and cote (chuckles).

World F#$king Champions

by psudrozz on Apr 24, 2009 8:03 AM EDT reply actions

*~~cote~~ carcillo?

by Screen Name 20 on Apr 24, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Thoughts about the past few games

I know a few days ago, the Pens tried to claim that their 3rd and 4th lines were better than the Flyers and that they had more depth. After watching the last two games, the Flyers 3rd and 4th lines have made their Pens counterparts look like a joke.

The fourth line of Asham-Ross-Carcillo has scored once in each of the last 3 games (granted Carcillo’s was when he was on a different combination). Not to mention that their goal last night was versus the first line of the Pens (Guerin’s drop pass for Crosby picked off by Carcillo leading to a drop pass of his own to Asham)

Next, look at the 3rd line. Giroux has been playing like a demon. Starting to change the ideas about him from “He will be a great player”, to “He already is a great player”. Powe has been flying around the ice doing whatever he needs to do and then some. Love his effort in all aspects of the game. He’s going to be a good player as well. Briere has been looking ok since coming back from surgery (definitely better in the past 3 games or so).

Plus, look at the D. Alberts has been a decent shut-down defender, being the most physical of the 6 Flyers defenders. Jones has been ok, nothing spectacular, but no real liability. Coburn-Carle have been a good shut down pairing the past three games or so. Timonen-Parent…enough cannot be said about how well they have shut down arguably two of the best players in the NHL (not perfectly, but then again, no one is)

The Pens 3rd and 4th lines….not even close. The Pens’ D…only the first line is decent. The other two have led to most of the Flyers scoring chances.

As for the Flyers first two lines…if you’re trying to shut down two of the better lines in the league, matching them in productivity is what is needed, and they almost have. Lupul-Carter-Hartnell need to step it up a bit, but overall that line is barely keeping par. Gagne-Richards-Knuble is ok as well, but again, just trying to keep par with their opposing line.

I’m looking forward to game 6 on Saturday. Should the Flyers play as well as they did the past couple of games, we should be seeing them on Monday in Pittsburgh. GO FLYERS!

by fleetflyfan on Apr 24, 2009 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

I agree with slight differences

The Pens 3rd line has been their best overall line for work. They’ve done a great job generating chances, but haven’t really buried them. And with Giroux’s play the past 3 games, I think they finally surpassed the Pens line. (Side: Giroux in Game 4 was absolutely the best skater on the ice. Above and beyond anybody. I couldn’t praise him any more unless I was Pierre MaGuire jumping on Crosby’s tiny wang.)

And while the Flyers first two lines have been ok, “keeping par”, I think there’s a difference. Crosby has been shut down, but Malkin ran wild the first three games. The Flyers top two lines have been relatively ineffective on the score sheet. But what is important is that both lines have eliminated Crosby and shut down Malkin’s wingers. I’m perfectly okay with this series being between our 3rd and 4th lines vs. theirs, as long as our top two continues to shut down their top two – because our top two has already been shut down pretty well.

by Geoff Detweiler on Apr 24, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions