Battle of Pennsylvania @ Blogspot: Issue Se7en

Once again FOX Sports Pittsburgh had their gimmick of posting Penguins Analyst Bob Errey down at ice level between the Pens/Flyers bench area. As much of a "evil knievel-like" stunt that was, he also braved his environment without a helmet!

Tonight's game was also the return of Brooks Orpik. He didn't start the game, but stepped out on the ice after the opening volley. The opening goal came about half way in the first period when Colby Armstrong hit home a powerplay goal 7:21 into the game. The rest of the game had Marc Andre Fleury standing tall and on his head.

Just before the second period opened, the broadcasting crew found the parents of R.J. Umberger in the stands dressed in their Flyers garb. They asked the parents on their thoughts about rumors having their son traded to the Penguins, but the father was pessimistic about the idea stating that if R.J. Umberger had a bad game, they would be subjected to all of the criticism on the radio.

The Flyers frustration, thanks to Fleury, turned to chippy feisty behavior. Several Penguins and Flyers pushed and shoved with 5:15 left to go in the period. This would certainly be the key to the game. If one player on either side were to lose their cool, it could cost them a penalty kill. This is crucial when the Flyers saw their locker room still down 1-0 at the end of the 2nd period.

Colby Armstrong has really proven himself an offensive force lately posting his second goal of the game early 2:50 into the 3rd period. Crosby helped out with Rita on that goal earning Sid 2 points at that point in his race to chase Ovechkin.

With just over half the game to go, Andre Roy retaliated a hit given to him by Gauthier responding with a barrage of punches. The result was a 7 minute powerplay for the Flyers assessing Roy a 5 minute major and a 2 minute instigator minor with a game misconduct.

The Mellon Arena erupted with loud cheering and a minor standing ovation when the Penguins were able to kill off the penalty. "Let's Go Pens!" and "Go home Flyers!" were heard when the Penguins had a 2-man power play opportunity of their own.

In the end, the Penguins threw their arms up in victory 2-0. They have reason to be happy as their rejuvenated club saw them ending with 28-18 in faceoff wins vs. the Flyers and kept close to shots on goal with 20 to Flyers 22.