Penguins/Flyers Series

As of this post, the Penguins and Flyers are in the midst of an epic playoff series. The Flyers are up 3 games to none, but part of me hopes the Penguins make an epic comeback. A full 7 games, to me, is the only way this series should end.

These 2 teams hate each other. It all started at the end of the regular season. These 2 teams had played each other during the last week of the season. The game itself didn't have a ton of meaning. Both teams were already in the playoffs. But that didn't stop those teams from fighting after the game was over.

To be honest, I am not a fan of either of these teams. If I had to make a list of 5 teams I dislike the most, they would both be on it (along with Ottawa, Boston, and Toronto). It seems fitting that they are now deep in a battle. A playoff series battle full of goals and fights. I watched the majority of game 3 from my couch and I couldn't turn away. Every 2 minutes there was another fight, another goal, or both. The games have ended 4-3, 8-5, and 8-4. Penalty minutes started off slow. The first 2 games were physical, but the emotions have increased with each game, culminating with a total of 158 PIM handed out in Game 3.

Want a list of penalties? Well, here it is:

1st Period
2:39
Deryk Engelland: 2 Minutes for Roughing
2:39
Zac Rinaldo: 2 Minutes for Roughing
5:14
Jakub Voracek: 2 Minutes for High-sticking
6:44
Matt Niskanen: 2 Minutes for Roughing
6:44
Matt Niskanen: 2 Minutes for Cross checking (Served by James Neal)
6:44
Claude Giroux: 2 Minutes for Roughing
7:24
Kris Letang: 2 Minutes for Cross checking
12:02
Kimmo Timonen: 10 Minute Game Misconduct
12:02
Kris Letang: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
12:02
Kris Letang: 10 Minute Game Misconduct
12:02
Steve Sullivan: 2 Minutes for Roughing
12:02
Jakub Voracek: 2 Minutes for Roughing
12:02
Kimmo Timonen: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
12:02
Claude Giroux: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
12:02
Kimmo Timonen: 2 Minutes for Slashing
12:02
Sidney Crosby: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
14:15
Brayden Schenn: 2 Minutes for Charging
14:15
Arron Asham: 10 Minute Match Penalty for Deliberate injury (Served by Steve Sullivan)

2nd Period
0:35
Jordan Staal: 2 Minutes for Hooking
9:13
Nicklas Grossmann: 2 Minutes for Kneeing
12:30
Chris Kunitz: 2 Minutes for Tripping
17:22
Chris Kunitz: 2 Minutes for Slashing

3rd Period
15:18
James Neal: 2 Minutes for Charging
15:18
Craig Adams: 10 Minute Game Misconduct
15:18
Craig Adams: 2 Minutes for Instigator
15:18
Chris Kunitz: 2 Minutes for Roughing
15:18
Scott Hartnell: 2 Minutes for Roughing
15:18
Craig Adams: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
15:18
Scott Hartnell: 5 Minute Major for Fighting
15:18
Jakub Voracek: 2 Minutes for Roughing
15:18
Wayne Simmonds: 2 Minutes for Roughing
15:18
Wayne Simmonds: 10 Minute Misconduct
15:18
Deryk Engelland: 10 Minute Misconduct
15:18
Sidney Crosby: 2 Minutes for Roughing
15:18
James Neal: 10 Minute Misconduct
17:38
Zac Rinaldo: 2 Minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
17:38
Zac Rinaldo: 2 Minutes for Cross checking
17:38
Zac Rinaldo: 10 Minute Misconduct

As of right now, no suspensions have been given by Shanahan... But I expect that to change. Some of the in-game hits were way too brutal to avoid suspensions. The main issue is that these teams are rivals AND they are both full of goons. Physicality is how these teams win.

This series has been the most entertaining by far. Even if you aren't a hockey fan, you may want to tune in to Game 4 anyways. (Wednesday night at 7:30 on NBC) The physicality will be at a new high between the overflowing emotions of Game 3 and the possible elimination of the Penguins. And if the previous scores are any indication, the goal-scoring shouldn't decline much.