Now we got ourselves a series…

In a crazed Mellon Arena last night, the Pittsburgh Penguins served notice that they were not going to go quietly into that good night, chalking up a 4-2 victory over the defending champs. Once again, the third period was key as the teams went in tied at two. Pittsburgh was reeling, being out played, out shot and out chanced in the second period... and came out on fire in the third... this time it was the Penguins getting a clutch goal from veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar and outstanding netminding from Marc-Andre Fluery.

You have to give full marks to Detroit coach Mike Babcock, he is matching lines incredibly well, making sure that the right combinations are on the ice to stop Sidney Crosby. Pen’s coach Dan Byslma did a nice job last night in switching things up, playing an overload line with Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Bill Guerin at the right times. While Sid the Kid is being corralled well by the Red Wings, last night his teammates did the job to soften up the Detroit D.

Many in fans of the Winged Wheel are complaining about the officiating, especially the uncalled cross check by Chris Kunitz in the third, but overall the officiating has been acceptable. Unlike the NBA playoffs, at least these NHL officials are allowing some flow to the game.

Game Four is tomorrow night…

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We’re having a “Hockey Celebration” tonight at Byrd Dog’s Pizza in Smyrna. HBR is teaming up with The Thom Abraham Show to deliver a very special HockeyBuzz Radio…

Tonight’s guest’s include voice of the Predators Pete Weber, play-by-play voice of the Detroit Red Wings Ken Kal, Penguins blogger Brian Metzer, the Big Dawg himself, Thom Abraham and a few surprises that are still being nailed down to join Brandon and I for a live remote.

There will be great food and cold beer… and by the way… speaking of beer. Byrd Dog’s will have a keg set up for HBR listeners for Penny Drafts starting at 6pm. That’s right, penny drafts until the keg is gone.

Plenty of giveaways will be happening as well… including a couple of Predator Holiday Three Packs, tickets for the Jeff Fisher Roast, race tickets and more…

Byrd Dog’s is located at 114 Front Street in Smyrna… for more info and directions, call 459-3431.

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Join Brandon Felder and me for the fastest hour in radio… HockeyBuzz Radio... Start time is 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR, you can listen online at www.wnsr.com or you can download the podcast of the show at www.hockeybuzzradio.com

Don't forget to check out www.hockeybuzzradio.com for playoff schedules, playoff standings, updates, links to more hockey and Predators information along with our new weekly feature called “On the Mark” featuring opinions on all things hockey from hockey writer Mark McGee.

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