If the coaching staff was concerned with Rinaldo's lack of discipline and propensity to take penalties, they would likely dress Harry Z. All of a sudden Shelley is a Lady Byng candidate as far as playing disciplined hockey? Nonsensical gobbly gook.
- PLindbergh31

How good of a job did Homer do this year? I remember when most of the posters on here didn't think this team was good enough to make a deep run. Now look. We have what 8 goals from rookies in 3 games? Jagr and Talbot have been Huge too. This is just crazy when you think that last year Richards, Carter, Leino, and Versteeg were on this team and our goaltenders were Boucher and Bobrovsky.... and we had Zero youth outside Giroux and JVR on the horizion. Now look. Schenn, Couturier, Read, Rinaldo, Wellwood, Bourdon, Simmonds, Giroux, Voracek, Gustefson, Bobrovsky, and thats not to mention Sestito, Zulnerczyk, Cousins, Manning, and Brown all potential future players... Just wow...
- RooNosHockey

Settle down, you're getting all flushed and excited...

If people are worried about an extra day between games, what happens if the Flyers beat the Pens tomorrow night and have to wait several extra days for the next series to begin?

And let's not act as if the Flyers have started every game with vim, vigor and precision performance.

If something like an extra day throws them off - which I don't believe it will - that's a crack that needs mending.
- wolfhounds

Im worried that the extra day allows the Pens to refocus and see that their defensive awareness has been completely lacking thus far. That they somehow accept it and rededicate themselves to a more defensive style of play nad make the adjustments. This team spooks me and I wont be able to relax until the horn sounds and the Flyers win a fourth game. Conversely, I dont think the extra day matters to how the Flyers are playing one way or the other.

Good points. But Shelley played well the last couple games of the season, and the fight with Rupp was inspiring, and he had some big hits.

At this point in time, I believe Shelley has more of a leash to play with from the officials than Rinaldo does and that alone could make him a more effective player. I mean, Rinaldo essentially got kicked out of the game for a weak x-check where Kennedy didn't even get knocked down...in other words, as soon as he steps on the ice the arm is halfway up.
- wolfhounds

So why is Shelly the next best option? Dress Zulnerczyk or Brown.

Good points. But Shelley played well the last couple games of the season, and the fight with Rupp was inspiring, and he had some big hits.

At this point in time, I believe Shelley has more of a leash to play with from the officials than Rinaldo does and that alone could make him a more effective player. I mean, Rinaldo essentially got kicked out of the game for a weak x-check where Kennedy didn't even get knocked down...in other words, as soon as he steps on the ice the arm is halfway up.
- wolfhounds

That's really what it's about, not some non-existent claim that Shelley is some un-penalized champion of sportsmanship. It's that he'd be able to step in and quietly do the job adequately, present a reason not to erupt into a brawl while he's on the ice (say what you will about him bleeding at the end of half his fights, he's still got a pair of cement fists), and isn't going to be under the referees' microscope.

It's still an inconsequential decision and discussion.

Im worried that the extra day allows the Pens to refocus and see that their defensive awareness has been completely lacking thus far. That they somehow accept it and rededicate themselves to a more defensive style of play nad make the adjustments. This team spooks me and I wont be able to relax until the horn sounds and the Flyers win a fourth game. Conversely, I dont think the extra day matters to how the Flyers are playing one way or the other.
- KINGKENZO

It also allows them to think about how they got into this situation, and how bleak it actually looks. It could have an adverse effect on the Pens too.

That's really what it's about, not some non-existent claim that Shelley is some un-penalized champion of sportsmanship. It's that he'd be able to step in and quietly do the job adequately, present a reason not to erupt into a brawl while he's on the ice (say what you will about him bleeding at the end of half his fights, he's still got a pair of cement fists), and isn't going to be under the referees' microscope.

It's still an inconsequential decision and discussion.
- BulliesPhan87

Coming off 16 goals in the last two games, I think the lineup will remain the same.

If the coaching staff was concerned with Rinaldo's lack of discipline and propensity to take penalties, they would likely dress Harry Z. All of a sudden Shelley is a Lady Byng candidate as far as playing disciplined hockey? Nonsensical gobbly gook.
- PLindbergh31

He was only making a suggestion about Shelley but we all know the Flyers will stick with the current lineup that's been winning.

Coming off 16 goals in the last two games, I think the lineup will remain the same.
- PLindbergh31

That'd probably be my decision. I'd keep the focus on the top nine putting this series away, anyway. I grow tired of seeing this Pittsburgh garbage.

That'd probably be my decision. I'd keep the focus on the top nine putting this series away, anyway. I grow tired of seeing this Pittsburgh garbage.
- BulliesPhan87

Without Neal, I'm thinking the Penguins are going to play Crosby and Malkin on the same line the entire game. Limit that line, and it's handshake time.

Coming off 16 goals in the last two games, I think the lineup will remain the same.
- PLindbergh31

Exactly.

So why is Shelly the next best option? Dress Zulnerczyk or Brown.
- RooNosHockey

I don't care either way, none of them are likely to play all that much. But if the game gets out of hand like the other day, Shelley is the best guy to have available.

Without Neal, I'm thinking the Penguins are going to play Crosby and Malkin on the same line the entire game. Limit that line, and it's handshake time.
- PLindbergh31

They will play together in spots, but not for the whole game.

It also allows them to think about how they got into this situation, and how bleak it actually looks. It could have an adverse effect on the Pens too.
- RooNosHockey

Had this team not won a cup, I would think that the case. But this coach and most of their stars and depth players know what it takes to win. They showed last year they can commit to a defensive style, its a matter of them reaccepting it. Can it done in one day, doubtfully, but until this team is out, they worry me.

They will play together in spots, but not for the whole game.
- Gunner Staal

I think they may play together a significant amount. It's desperation time down 3-0, and without Neal in all probability, Bylsma has to pull out all the stops.

Speaking of Shelley ... it sure seems like our won/loss record is poor when he plays.

just sayin' ...

I think they may play together a significant amount. It's desperation time down 3-0, and without Neal in all probability, Bylsma has to pull out all the stops.
- PLindbergh31

Kill the beast!!!

All depends on Bryz. Nothing else. If he comes out and keeps playing like the 3rd period of the last game. We will win wed. If he plays like he did the first 2 periods, we are going back to Pitt. Which in itself isn't a bad thing. Pitt will play their best game to date Wednesday. But, IMO, I think it's a bit too late for that. They aren't going to get the calls like they have in the past. The refs will be on high alert and not let them play, so to speak. If we can get a goal or 2 and Bryz plays very well. Handshakes will be made. It starts and ends with Bryz. Just my thoughts.

Speaking of Shelley ... it sure seems like our won/loss record is poor when he plays.

just sayin' ...
- FlyerGuy

Astute point Sir. He's played 30 games this year, and the Flyers lost 16 of the 30.

All depends on Bryz. Nothing else. If he comes out and keeps playing like the 3rd period of the last game. We will win wed. If he plays like he did the first 2 periods, we are going back to Pitt. Which in itself isn't a bad thing. Pitt will play their best game to date Wednesday. But, IMO, I think it's a bit too late for that. They aren't going to get the calls like they have in the past. The refs will be on high alert and not let them play, so to speak. If we can get a goal or 2 and Bryz plays very well. Handshakes will be made. It starts and ends with Bryz. Just my thoughts.
- Deasr1

Would love to see a ho-hum solid 3-1 win, where the defense puts the clamps down and Bryzgalov plays well.

I think they may play together a significant amount. It's desperation time down 3-0, and without Neal in all probability, Bylsma has to pull out all the stops.
- PLindbergh31

They have never played an entire game together, ever. Staal bumping up to wing would have a better chance of happening.

They have never played an entire game together, ever. Staal bumping up to wing would have a better chance of happening.
- Gunner Staal

You would know better than I.

All depends on Bryz. Nothing else. If he comes out and keeps playing like the 3rd period of the last game. We will win wed. If he plays like he did the first 2 periods, we are going back to Pitt. Which in itself isn't a bad thing. Pitt will play their best game to date Wednesday. But, IMO, I think it's a bit too late for that. They aren't going to get the calls like they have in the past. The refs will be on high alert and not let them play, so to speak. If we can get a goal or 2 and Bryz plays very well. Handshakes will be made. It starts and ends with Bryz. Just my thoughts.
- Deasr1

Yup. Bryz needs to be much better in Game 4. He has been making some big saves, but in Game 3 he gave up at least 2 crap goals. That can't happen. Put the boot down on their throats and don't let up.

Astute point Sir. He's played 30 games this year, and the Flyers lost 16 of the 30.
- PLindbergh31

that's enough of a reason for me to not play him.

Would love to see a ho-hum solid 3-1 win, where the defense puts the clamps down and Bryzgalov plays well.
- PLindbergh31

Agreed. I would love to see Bryz with some good solid goal tending to close this thing out. Pitt is a dynamic team. One solid win could change the whole complexion of this series. Do I think they come back and win it all, no sir. Do I think they can, absolutely. They maybe the one team, other than perhaps us, to do it. They don't scare me as much as they did a month ago, however, I don't want to truly see them get hot.