Phigment

"Flyers and NHL follow me at http://twitter.com/BobHaynesJr"

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Flyers vs Pens - Game 3 - Pens win - Lead Series 3-0

Game Notes
The loss of the two top defensemen is key for the showing so far. With Timmonen and Coburn, the Flyers were the underdog, but had a chance. Without them, the Pens are just toying with the Flyers. As the remaining 6 move up to play against better competition, they just cannot get the puck out cleanly. The Pens have to puck forever.

I hate to say it is over, but...the Pens have only lost one game so far and barring a collapse by them, they will be playing for the cup soon (after a week off). The only Flyers line that has had consistent scoring opportunities is the Richards, Umberger and Lupul line. Prospal looks lost and very slow.

I am not disappointed in the Flyers this year. We were all hoping for a playoff berth and were rewarded with a run into the ECF. They are simply being outclassed by a quality team that has no major injuries right now. If the Flyers had Kimo, Braydon, and Simon playing at full speed - this series would have been much closer.

Play with passion on Thursday guys, make them work harder and prevent the sweep!

PreGame

Quote from the Courier Post this morning
Holmgren said he had no bone to pick with the officiating.

"I think the referees have done a commendable job in this series," he said.

"The calls even out. I've got no issues with the referees. We're 0-2 right now because we haven't played very good. We've got to play a lot better if we want to come back."
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This is why I love Paul Holmgren. I have had the opportunity to meet and chat with him a few times. He is not about excuses or complaining. He is very matter of fact and a great leader. The Flyers are lucky to have a guy like this running the show.

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Here is a get well soon to Braydon Coburn. The entire NHL community is very glad that he only suffered a cut and no damage to his eye on Sunday. As Flyers fans all hope that he is back in the lineup as soon as possible.

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After what can only be described as a super effort and play by the Flyers defense in Game 2, they should be lifted with the smooth skating Parent playing tonight if Coburn's eye is too swollen still. The mobility that Ryan brings will help the Flyers even out the territorial advantage that the Pens have had in this series so far.

The coaching staff has to figure out a way to play in the offensive zone more. The best way to defend the Pens is to keep the puck from them. The Flyers need to create a cycling and puck possession attack and get the crowd going nuts tonight.

I really want to see the Flyers win tonight for a very selfish reason. It is not so I can talk smack or brag about "my team", I get nothing if they win or lose. I have learned to appreciate the playoffs as a gift that my team gives to me. There are many teams that would love to be playing still. I hope for a win tonight so that the fans are treated to the best hockey possible. Nothing in any sport surpasses the passion and excitement of a Stanley Cup playoff series. The series doesn't start until Game 4 usually. When the series is 2-1 and Game 4 starts the levels ratchet up even higher as one team is poised for a strangle hold and the other is fighting to get even. Game 5 takes it another level - especially if the series is 2-2, but even a 3-1 series has a crazy atmosphere. Game 6 and Game 7 are indescribable. Here is to hoping that two of the very best teams in the league put on the show we all want to see.

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I expect to see some line juggling tonight by Stevens. He has to get Briere going and find him someone that can combat what the Pens are doing to him. I like the idea of moving Umberger to his left side and letting he and Hartnell clear some room for Danny. Prospal can play wing with Richards. Richards can play with any group on the team and still produce, come to think of it, he has all year long.

Here is to hoping that Stevens dresses Downie tonight and the kid responds with a big game. The coaching staff, not Downie should be blamed for the turnover in Game 2. Why with 10 minutes left in the 3rd period do you put a kid on the ice that has played just over 2 minutes in the game so far. If you dress him, play him. The more time on the ice, the more he can punish the defenders of the Pens and wear them down.

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