It is completely and totally over exaggerated. Since the beginning of sports, superstar level players get the benefit of the doubt on some calls. It's nothing new. The role the officials play in the outcome of a game is lot of time completely exaggerated.

It was pretty obvious why the Rinaldo call was made in that game. Using that is a poor example.
- MJL

But for his point it wasnt a poor example. Thats not by any means a 5 minute major penalty. Dont call it that way.

I would think though that if it is truly up in the air, then there would be a portion picking the Flyers.. which I do not see.
- Hextall271

Agreed 100%. I thought the same thing. It's okay...I like the underdog role and proving people wrong. It's more fun that way.

Of course the players will decide the outcome of the series captain obvious, but it is sad how much leeway those two dirty crybabies get from the refs. I rarely agree with anything that is spewed from the mouths of Milbury or Torts, but they were pretty close to the mark with their comments on 87 and 71.
- aantny88

This. +1.

I can't stand James Neal. Power Forward? To me a Power Forward is the type of game Hartnell and Simmonds play. Go to the net, get dirty, mix it up, look for tips and rebounds. Even JvR is guilty of not playing this way but at least I've seen JvR drive to the net with a player on his back and score (Last year's post season). Then again, I hate the Pens and he is one.
- roenick97

We'll keep our 40 goal scorer, thanks. Anyone who has watched Neal go in the corner and come out with the puck, win battles along the boards, and score goals around the net knows he is very good at using his big frame to his advantage. Its no accident that Malkin had such a big year the same years that Neal got addded to his line. You don't need to drop the gloves all the time to be a power forward. (although the way he manhandled Ference last week in a rare fight was something to see)

We'll keep our 40 goal scorer, thanks. Anyone who has watched Neal go in the corner and come out with the puck, win battles along the boards, and score goals around the net knows he is very good at using his big frame to his advantage. Its no accident that Malkin had such a big year the same years that Neal got addded to his line. You don't need to drop the gloves all the time to be a power forward. (although the way he manhandled Ference last week in a rare fight was something to see)
- Emperor Filonius

I agree -- I'll take Neal on my team any day.

They certainly do! Giroux is at that level performance wise, but he rarely gets the benefits those 3 do from the officials.
- aantny88

Be careful, there...you'll have Pens fans jump all over you for even suggesting that Giroux might be on the same level as their precious stars. They will argue & fight with this notion tooth & nail, saying that G is "good but not up to that level yet." Even after pointing out that the SI poll this season of 150 NHL players who ranked Crosby #1, Giroux #3, and Malkin #6...they wanted to hear none of it. I told them it was okay to have their opinion but I'd take the more education opinions of 150 pro hockey players, thankyouverymuch. I said they'll see for themself what level Giroux is on over the next 2 weeks.

But for his point it wasnt a poor example. Thats not by any means a 5 minute major penalty. Dont call it that way.
- jak521

It absolutely was a poor example. That game was officiated from a completely different perspective. If the game had an impact on the standings and the playoff seedings, do you think the same call would've been made? I don't. It was preemptive move by the officials to keep peace in a game that was basically meaningless and had the potential to blow up into a powder keg. That makes it a poor example.

how come the devils don't play until Friday? That's a long lay-off.

Be careful, there...you'll have Pens fans jump all over you for even suggesting that Giroux might be on the same level as their precious stars. They will argue & fight with this notion tooth & nail, saying that G is "good but not up to that level yet." Even after pointing out that the SI poll this season of 150 NHL players who ranked Crosby #1, Giroux #3, and Malkin #6...they wanted to hear none of it. I told them it was okay to have their opinion but I'd take the more education opinions of 150 pro hockey players, thankyouverymuch. I said they'll see for themself what level Giroux is on over the next 2 weeks.
- shonoff95

There was no way you were going to win that argument in the Pens forum. Crosby's game speaks for itself. He was the most dominant player in the game when he got hurt and once again has the highest point per game average in the league since his return. You can quote whatever polls you like in regards to Malkin, but he's going to win the Hart Trophy this year, he's a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and he now has 2 scoring titles under his belt.

There's no denying Giroux is a VERY talented player, but he simply doesn't have the resume' that Crosby and Malkin have.

how come the devils don't play until Friday? That's a long lay-off.
- flyersfan51

happens every year. usually it's because one building or another is booked, but not so with bank atlantic center evidently.

happens every year. usually it's because one building or another is booked, but not so with bank atlantic center evidently.
- OrangeBlack27

Bruins blogger is reporting that Horton's out for the entire playoffs.

how come the devils don't play until Friday? That's a long lay-off.
- flyersfan51

Because nobody cares about a devils/panthers match up

So as most know I have (frank)ing Pre-Cana tonight from 7-9... What I just found out though is that a co-worker is also in my class. She is from South Philly, but is getting married to a Yinzer.

Because nobody cares about a devils/panthers match up
- funmaster18

hahah -- nicely played. they should have them play all afternoon games. it's gonna be a boring series there.

GO BBBRRYYYYZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!

What's everyone doing for the game? And do we all grow playoff beards?

There was no way you were going to win that argument in the Pens forum. Crosby's game speaks for itself. He was the most dominant player in the game when he got hurt and once again has the highest point per game average in the league since his return. You can quote whatever polls you like in regards to Malkin, but he's going to win the Hart Trophy this year, he's a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and he now has 2 scoring titles under his belt.

There's no denying Giroux is a VERY talented player, but he simply doesn't have the resume' that Crosby and Malkin have.
- Emperor Filonius

yet

What's everyone doing for the game? And do we all grow playoff beards?
- flyersfan51

probs just gonna watch at home with the wife. open invitation.

So as most know I have (frank)ing Pre-Cana tonight from 7-9... What I just found out though is that a co-worker is also in my class. She is from South Philly, but is getting married to a Yinzer.
- jak521

Marriage can wait.

Thats what I want to see after the 3rd period horn sounds. Get the "W" Bryz.

pfft!
PFFFT!

Come on bro! PFFT!
- jak521

It was execrably bad.

I hope to see a lot of Orange at the Phillies game tonight...

probs just gonna watch at home with the wife. open invitation.
- OrangeBlack27

ill be there by puck drop thx

I hope to see a lot of Orange at the Phillies game tonight...
- phi1671

The radio is playing the Flyers on 610 and the Phillies on 94.1

Flyers playoffs still gets a backseat to the Phillies who are playing their 5th game, what a joke.

probs just gonna watch at home with the wife. open invitation.
- OrangeBlack27

nice, I'm going to my buddies house to watch with a few friends, drink a couple of beers. maybe show off my NHL 12 skills before or after.