PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins were looking to sweep the Flyers out of the NHL Eastern Conference finals in Philadelphia.

But that didn't happen, so their Stanley Cup playoff series is coming back to Pittsburgh for Game 5.

The Flyers gave it their all Thursday night to hand the Pens their second loss of the post-season with a score of 4-2.

Pittsburgh leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 and will try to close it out at Mellon Arena at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Vote: Who Will Win?

"Defense wins championships," said 6-foot-7 defenseman Hal Gill, who the Pens acquired at this year's trade deadline. "If we keep playing well defensively, we have the firepower and it's going to be there."

"When I came to Pittsburgh, the team was in last place," Pens coach Michel Therrien said Wednesday. "When you're in last place, there is a reason. They had good players, but the commitment, not only defensively, but the all-around commitment was not there. If you want to have some success, we had to change everything: the attitude, work ethic, and commitment, because we were going the wrong way."

Game 5 is sold out. Hundreds of fans who don't have tickets are expected to watch a free broadcast on the giant screen outside Mellon Arena.

---

The Fans Are Talking

Here's what you're saying about the Pittsburgh-Philadelphia series on ThePittsburghChannel.com's message board.

LKSteelers says, "They needed to keep those hoodlum Cryers under control! Pinching and grabbing Sidney and ripping his helmet off with 22 secs left in the game. Very poor sportsmanship shown by the Cryers and their fans. Pens will come back and win it in the 5th game! Let's go, Pens!"

kelster24 says, "IT'S THE PENGUINS ALL THE WAY BABY! Like it or not Flyers fans!"

GaryTR says, "The Rules committee and half witted referees will allow the FUTURE OF THE NHL, Sid or Geno to be two handed, punched, hit from behind or otherwise molested by a obviously inferior team because hockey has ALWAYS BEEN THAT WAY. Sure the Pens started and followed through on the action on Friday, but JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE, the future of the Penguins and more importantly the NHL let alone the careers of 71, 87 could be in jeopardy thanks to the Filthadelphia Flyers."

Jaxlady200 says, "Okay, Philly wake up. Crosby is the consummate player. ... Look at your own players being whiny. Oh, and as for Pgh feeling like the 'other city,' we are the city."

FluffyKat says, "Philadelphia teams get your hopes up. Pittsburgh teams win championships. LET'S GO PENS! Sincerely, a happy Pittsburgh girl married to a disgruntled Philadelphia fan."

Bryan_Mc says, "Let's Go Flyers! hoping for a great series. considering where we finished last year, we're playing with the house's money
flyers in six!"

Reenie16 says, "I agree. Here we go Flyers! Flyers, enough said."

---

Who's Hot?

So far in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Pens are unbeaten in seven games at Mellon Arena and have lost just two of 13 games overall.

Captain Sidney Crosby (four goals and 15 assists) is tied for first place in NHL playoff scoring with 19 points.

Evgeni Malkin (eight goals and 10 assists) is tied for third place.

Marian Hossa, whom the Pens picked up in a last-minute trade deadline deal in February, has been a strong threat in the playoffs with 15 points (eight goals and seven assists).

Pittsburgh native Ryan Malone is right behind Hossa with 12 points (four goals and eight assists).

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury leads the league in the playoff wins with 11. He is second only to Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood with a 1.83 goals against average.

Philly's top scoring threats are Danny Briere (nine goals) and Mike Richards (seven goals, including two in Game 1 of the Pens series).

---

Wagers Put Local Pride On The Line

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have agreed that the loser of their bet must wear the winner's jersey for a day and drop a ceremonial puck during a game in the other team's city next season.

"And I'm going to make sure he shakes my hand on this bet," said Onorato. "That's how confident I am on this bet."

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium President Barbara Baker said the Philadelphia Zoo will get 12 Primanti Brothers sandwiches and a case of Iron City beer if the Pens lose.

But if the Pens win, Baker and her staff will receive 12 Philly cheese steaks, pretzels and Hires Root Beer.

---

Related Links:
More Pittsburgh Sports News

Get RSS | E-Mail Alerts

---