The NHL is getting what it wants ... a bonafide first round series between two cities and franchises that not only detest one another, but are good enough to win the Stanley Cup. The loser is a very good team.

I find it hard to believe there will be another series that attracts the ratings of this series during the play-offs. There isn't a more intriguing matchup you could have.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think Vancouver-Chicago will be close but only because we haven't gotten a chance to up the hate with the Flyers the last couple of years.

The NHL is getting what it wants ... a bonafide first round series between two cities and franchises that not only detest one another, but are good enough to win the Stanley Cup. The loser is a very good team.

I find it hard to believe there will be another series that attracts the ratings of this series during the play-offs. There isn't a more intriguing matchup you could have.
- Oneonta Penguin

Leafs Habs? This is going to a fantastic series though. I cant decide which team to load up on with players for my pool, cant split gotta go with just one.

Leafs Habs? This is going to a fantastic series though. I cant decide which team to load up on with players for my pool, cant split gotta go with just one.
- david22

For realsies? This isn't 1962.

Leafs Habs? This is going to a fantastic series though. I cant decide which team to load up on with players for my pool, cant split gotta go with just one.
- david22

I didn't realize the Leafs and Habs were both going to the playoffs.

On Malkin: Sure it's great that he sticks up for himself and all but he is playing right into the Flyers hands. He's letting a rookie (a great rookie but still a rookie) get under his skin. Coots is blanketing Malkin and initiating after the whistle scrums like the rest of his teamates- exactly the way to play Pittsburgh. Malkin needs to realize this and stick to playing hockey.

On Crosby getting special treatment: C'mon man, obviously. I saw at least 4 blatant slashes go uncalled but you know what? He's a star and that's how stars are treated in this league. Don't like it? Blame Gretzky.

On Fleury: By far my biggest concern right now. I really hope he can turn it around in short order because if he doesn't we're toast.

On Bylsma: I hope there is a method to his madness. If he doesn't start countering what the Flyers are doing in the playoffs he's going to get schooled. Settle on some lines, simplify the powerplay and for god sakes put a defenseman on it.

I still believe Bylsma is playing with his new toys and tinkering. I have faith we'll return to some form of normalcy in the playoffs. Or at least I hope we do.

Finally, I franking love this rivalry and I can't wait until April 11th.
- canadianpenfan

all good points.


From a Flyers fan perspective I didn't like Lavi's comments after the game about the Pens being gutless. Not only do I think the remarks were ridiculous, but more importantly, why start something with the Pens and give them a reason to elevate their game?

all good points.


From a Flyers fan perspective I didn't like Lavi's comments after the game about the Pens being gutless. Not only do I think the remarks were ridiculous, but more importantly, why start something with the Pens and give them a reason to elevate their game?

- FlyerGuy

Crosby had some poorly timed comments after the game as well. It's gamesmanship on both ends, no need to disect everything they say.

Speaking of Pierre McGuire: Did anyone else notice how he praised Kris Letang (doesn't really matter who the player was) for faking a stick to the face? This is what is ruining the game right now. A few years ago, the object was to take the hit - or stick - to make the play. Now, according to McGuire, the object is to show the refs that you might have been hit with a high stick. Personally (I can't blame Letang) it's this thought process that will make soccer players out of the men in the NHL.

I saw a stat during the game yesterday, 5 players have I think it was 50 points and 100 PIM'S. You had 3 of them.
- canadianpenfan

I knew at 14 I had to get creative with the kind of guys I needed. In real and fantasy hockey Getzlaf disappointed me greatly. I'm shocked at the kind of year he had.

I knew at 14 I had to get creative with the kind of guys I needed. In real and fantasy hockey Getzlaf disappointed me greatly. I'm shocked at the kind of year he had.
- Gunner Staal

My team was BOSS you guys rigged the league so I'd lose

Been interesting times in here lately, I take it?

Knocked Grossman out 7-10 days and Briere out indefinitely... Flyers are going to be hitting everything they see all game from beginning to end. Hope Pitt is up for it.

This is shaping up to be one of the ugliest/best first round match ups in history.

Speaking of Pierre McGuire: Did anyone else notice how he praised Kris Letang (doesn't really matter who the player was) for faking a stick to the face? This is what is ruining the game right now. A few years ago, the object was to take the hit - or stick - to make the play. Now, according to McGuire, the object is to show the refs that you might have been hit with a high stick. Personally (I can't blame Letang) it's this thought process that will make soccer players out of the men in the NHL.
- danham92

Claude Giroux did the same thing - embellished something when he was on the bench in the last game that the Penguins totally blew. It led to a late power play. Letang's was at least closer to being hit.

Knocked Grossman out 7-10 days and Briere out indefinitely... Flyers are going to be hitting everything they see all game from beginning to end. Hope Pitt is up for it.

This is shaping up to be one of the ugliest/best first round match ups in history.
- Flyers2821

This makes them want to hit us more? Not the brawl or the fact we hate each other?

This makes them want to hit us more? Not the brawl or the fact we hate each other?
- dbell646

The brawl was a result of the hit smart guy.

I am going to the game in Pitts this sat.. a few of my friends are coming up from philly to see the Flyers and Phillies..

Seeing Grossmann and Briere out now I suspect this last game could get very ugly.
I hope none of the key players on either team get any serious injuries out of it.

Knocked Grossman out 7-10 days and Briere out indefinitely... Flyers are going to be hitting everything they see all game from beginning to end. Hope Pitt is up for it.

This is shaping up to be one of the ugliest/best first round match ups in history.
- Flyers2821

I always get a kick out of the fans trying to intimidate the other fans via what their team is going to do to the other team.

Seriously...neither of these teams will shy away from physical contact...that's the whole point of why the series looks like it could be brutal.

And the whole point of why both cities would probably like it a lot more if it was the conference finals when we meet, as opposed to round 1.

The brawl was a result of the hit smart guy.
- Flyers2821

A legal hit ...

I always get a kick out of the fans trying to intimidate the other fans via what their team is going to do to the other team.

Seriously...neither of these teams will shy away from physical contact...that's the whole point of why the series looks like it could be brutal.

And the whole point of why both cities would probably like it a lot more if it was the conference finals when we meet, as opposed to round 1.
- icedog97

Trying to intimidate other fans? lol what on earth are you talking about?

Stating that the Flyers are gonna be even more pissed now that Briere is out and it's just going to ratchet things up even more, has nothing to do with your fans.

A legal hit ...
- Oneonta Penguin

Never said it wasn't, but clearly it pissed the players/coach off at the time and the fact that it resulted in him out indefinitely is just going to fuel things even more.

I agree, the hit was a textbook open ice hit.

And one more thing John...


Not a single mention of team Foster taking down Frolik my Balls in the epic championship? I'm dissappointed, I had a victory song and everything.
- canadianpenfan

hes mad bc i took him down for 3rd place!!

I didn't realize the Leafs and Habs were both going to the playoffs.
- Oneonta Penguin

Just saying that would also be a very intense playoff series that could at least rival the intensity.

Trying to intimidate other fans? lol what on earth are you talking about?

Stating that the Flyers are gonna be even more pissed now that Briere is out and it's just going to ratchet things up even more, has nothing to do with your fans.
- Flyers2821

So why did you post it?

Do you like to state the obvious?

Claude Giroux did the same thing - embellished something when he was on the bench in the last game that the Penguins totally blew. It led to a late power play. Letang's was at least closer to being hit.
- Oneonta Penguin

Letang / Giroux, whoever. My thought is that faking is ruining the game. Or am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Speaking of Pierre McGuire: Did anyone else notice how he praised Kris Letang (doesn't really matter who the player was) for faking a stick to the face? This is what is ruining the game right now. A few years ago, the object was to take the hit - or stick - to make the play. Now, according to McGuire, the object is to show the refs that you might have been hit with a high stick. Personally (I can't blame Letang) it's this thought process that will make soccer players out of the men in the NHL.
- danham92

Doesnt matter who it is your right, thats really lame of pierre if he does say that. I had a friend say the same thing about players making a good play if it helps their team. Not cool I say, all teams do it, but they shouldn't.

So why did you post it?

Do you like to state the obvious?
- icedog97

To converse with Penguins fans about it. Why else would I come in here to talk about it? Isn't that one of the better features of this site? Interaction with other teams fans, especially during the playoffs? It should be atleast... but when anyone comes into another fanbases thread to converse they are immediately fighting an uphill battle to even have a conversation.