Unfortunately I missed the first period, where Claude Giroux scored the first goal of the game for the Flyers. Giroux has continued to be hot for the Flyers with 15 goals and 14 assists so far this season.
Evgeni Malkin scored a power play goal for Pittsburgh in the 2nd period to tie the game at 1. Tonight was Malkin's first game back after missing four games with a knee injury. I think it's safe to say that he's returned to full health.
The Flyers answered with this great goal from Nikolay Zherdev:
Zherdev did a great job of being patient with this one - if he had taken a shot sooner, it would have been easily blocked by Orpik or Fleury.
Malkin answered again on the power play to tie the game at 2.
The Flyers reclaimed the lead and kept it after Scott Hartnell scored a power play goal by deflecting in a shot from Chris Pronger. Hartnell also had a great chance in the 2nd period when he missed a nearly wide open net.
Aside from getting assists on both of Malkin's goal, Sidney Crosby didn't do much else besides throw himself on the ice and flail around trying to get penalties.
I'm glad to see the Flyers win this game. I think the game could have been more physical - it usually is when these teams play each other. I'm not happy that it broadcast on Versus, those commentators are awful and it's glaringly obvious how much the NHL worships the Penguins and Crosby (maybe that's is part of why he's one of the players I can't stand). All the Flyers need to do now is get control of their power play, and I think they'll continue to dominate.
In other news, the Sabres continue to be up and down. I haven't seen a lot of their games lately, but what I have seen has been really sloppy play. Tomorrow night they face the Boston Bruins, who defeated them last week in overtime. Lets go Buffalo!
"Aside from getting assists on both of Malkin's goal, Sidney Crosby didn't do much else besides throw himself on the ice and flail around trying to get penalties." ???? I didn't notice this, but Brier did buy a call, and then got one himself for doing so. Carter did lay Crosby out nicely though.
ReplyDelete"I think the game could have been more physical" I disagree. Other than the fact there wasn't a fight, it was a very physical and aggressive game.
"All the Flyers need to do now is get control of their power play" This is a huge deal for them. 1 for 6 I think? I was happy with the Penguins pk though.
Also, I think it's funny that philly has been trying to pawn off Zherdev for weeks, but now make it seem like they love him and he's been a mainstay this season.
As for the commentators, the play by play guy was from the Capitols, and I think the color commetator was from Boston. I didn't think they did a great job either, but they seemed to be more in favor of the Flyers. I guess it's all a mater of perspective. We need more Mike Emerick though.
I love hockey.