Flyers vs. Penguins, ECQF Game 3 Post-Game: Respect for Pittsburgh gone, but Flyers have 3-0 series lead

"Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn't hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.

"The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.

"We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players. We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action."

That was Penguins owner Mario Lemieux back in February of 2011, reacting to a fight-filled game between his club and the New York Islanders. Every single thing in that statement, minus "on Friday night in Long Island," could be attributed to the way his team behaved in today's loss to the Flyers.

As much as I want James Neal to get his for those deplorable runs at Sean Couturier and Claude Giroux in the third period, and as much as I want some vigilante justice on Arron Asham's ass for his cheap shot on Brayden Schenn in the first period, I'd rather we have to wait til next season. Neal and Asham should not play the rest of the year.

I've lost all respect for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization today. I used to hate them, but in hating them, I respected them, especially the way their organization has handled things over the last six to seven years. Now? What a joke. There's no respect there at all. Let's sweep these bastards on Wednesday.

Ben's coming with the recap momentarily. For now, use this as a post-game discussion thread. Go Flyers.