As I gather my things and make my way out the door for the drive down to Mellon Arena, I wanted to get a few quick thoughts out.

First off, sorry to the XM guys...didn't realize you would need me that early in the day and was tied up. Didn't get the message until too late! Rats...

The Penguins are as close to unbeatable on home ice right now as any team in the league. They showed signs of that home dominance down the stretch and have really made it a fact in these playoffs going 6-0. Obviously the Flyers are going to have to break serve at least once to win this series. That will be no easy task.

The loss of Kimmo Timonen is really hurting the Flyers right now, especially because they have to contend with two number one lines coming at them in back to back shifts. Even I didn't realize how tough a task that would until I watched game 1. Malkin's line would come out and work their magic, cycling and producing chance after chance, the Flyers would fight that off and then have to deal with Crosby and Hossa doing their thing. It is no easy task...

Special teams are going to be very important. Both power plays were held off the board Friday night, but Malkin did get a short handed goal. The Penguins will find a way to score with the man advantage, they have done it throughout the playoffs. The Flyers have also got to find a way...they had 3 opportunities Friday night and they could have been the difference. Randy Jones is no Timonen back there, but looked capable of quarterbacking things...he needs to find a way.

Marc Andre Fleury won round one of the goaltending battle. This battle is probably the key to the series...if you can't keep the puck out of your net, you cannot win.

I expected Sidney Crosby to come out flying on Friday night and he didn't disappoint. I expect that to continue. The Flyers bring out the best in Sid and vice versa...look for that battle to be the most exciting of the series the rest of the way.

Malkin is laying claim to being the best player in the National Hockey League and adds to the argument nightly. What he is doing during these playoffs doesn't come along all the time. Enjoy it now...

Stay tuned for more post game...

* * * * * *

Series Notes:

The Penguins are 27-15 all-time in Game Two of a playoff series, and have gone 18-5 on home ice. They have more wins in Game Two than any other game of a series and have more home wins in Game Two than any other game.

Including both the playoffs and regular season, the Penguins have won 14 straight games at Mellon Arena.

Including both regular season and playoffs, the Penguins have won nine of the last 10 meetings at Mellon Arena vs. the Flyers.

The Penguins have lost more regular season games (129) to Philadelphia than any other NHL team .

Evgeni Malkin has points in 8 of 10 playoff games this season. He has multiple points in five of those games, including three points in four of those contests. He has scored a goal in six playoff games. He registered a career playoff high plus-three in Game One vs. the Flyers.

Including both playoffs and regular season, Marc-Andre Fleury has won 16 straight starts at Mellon Arena. His last loss at home was November 21st, 2007.

The Penguins have won their first six home playoff games, which sets a team record.

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