Flyers' win is one for the ages
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Flyers' win is one for the ages
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
PITTSBURGH - It wasn’t as epic as their five-overtime win over the Penguins in the 2000 playoffs, and it didn’t have as much meaning as their 4-3 comeback victory in OT that jolted Boston in Game 7 of the 2010 conference semifinals.
Still, the Flyers’ had-to-see-it-to-believe-it 4-3 win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday night was one for the ages.
They trailed 3-0 in the first period and looked doomed.
They trailed 3-1 with 11 minutes left in regulation and were about to lose the series opener.
They double-shifted defensemen because of a second-period injury suffered by defensemen Marc-Andre Bourdon.
And, still, they persevered.
And put doubt in the collective minds of the Penguins, who are in an almost must-win position for Game 2 on Friday.
Give these Flyers credit. They stage more comebacks than Don Rickles.
“I don’t necessarily believe in momentum in the playoffs,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “… One (game) has nothing to do with the next. It’s just one win, and now we have to focus on the second game and making sure we’re better in a lot of areas.”
Brayden Schenn became just the eighth rookie in Flyers history to notch three points in a playoff game, and Danny Briere continued his amazing playoff success with a pair of goals.
Briere, who had missed the previous three games because of back spasms, now has 31 goals in 58 playoff games with the Flyers. All told, he has 98 points in 98 playoff career games.
“On an individual basis, this is probably one of the top five,” said Briere when asked to rank the game. “Every game is special, but to come back out of a 3-0 hole with such a young team and battle back and not quit, it’s (gratifying).”
The Flyers faced a 3-0 deficit after the first period.
“We had two choices - either we start playing or pack it in and try to get ready for Game 2,” Briere said. “It was an easy choice.”
The Flyers took Option No. 1.
As a result, they overcame a three-goal deficit and won a playoff game for the sixth time in franchise history. They had last done it in the decisive game of the 2010 series against Boston, the one where they not only overcame a 3-0 deficit in Game 7, but a three GAMES-to-none deficit in the series.
“We had a couple bounces go our way and we got back in the game,” Briere said. “You put in all that work and come back _ and to win on top of it makes it even more special.”
Briere said his performance “wouldn’t have meant anything if we didn’t win that game….There’s only one goal here.”
They are 15 wins away from reaching it.
Briere and Flyers and bears, oh my. By Jaromir Jagr’s estimate, there were 70 fans who wore bear costumes to the game. The fans were mocking goalie Ilya Bryzaglov, who said he didn’t fear the Penguins _ just bears.
“How did they get tickets?” Jagr asked about the fans in costumes. “They were everywhere. I was scared, too.”
Breakaways. The Flyers had 39 hits, including eight by Scott Hartnell, seven by Wayne Simmons and five by Max Talbot … Flyers are 35-37 all-time in OT playoff games … In franchise history, the Flyers are 22-8 in playoff series after winning Game 1.
This is the game upon which a whole series can turn. Considering injuries, this has been the Year of the Rookie, with a little Danny Briere magic worked in as well. To that troll Hexy, who pretends to be a fan, he missed the boat on Braydon Schenn who was a force. The Flyers made a whole city collectively proud, and will keep this board troll free. Which is better, the joy of a Flyer win, or that the Penguin's defeat was at the hands of the Flyers? All I can think of now is Keith Primeau in the fifth overtime in 2000. As Bernie would say, "that's some fun, eh? GO FLYERS GO!!— PhillyboyinNYC- the conference semi vs. boston wasn't an OT game, it was 4-3 in regulation, Gags scoring on the PP for too many men on the ice. no need to consult any wikipedia, i was there, front row, behind flyers bench. check the "history will be made" youtube videos.— jmudukes79
- Just think of what this team can be if they ever play a decent first period. Go get 'em Friday!— Snap Crackle Propp
- The Flyers clearly have greater depth and their resilience is unmatched. Bryz was solid, the defense tightened up after a slow start (especially Grossmann who didn't clear the puck on the Crosby goal). Our top line was neutralised for much of the game but then the Flyers have guys like Schenn, Couturier, Voracek, Simmonds, Talbot on the depth chart, players that play with skill and heart.— flyerdommo
- I liked how the Flyers shut them out for the final 42 minutes. Huge win! Now let's hope they can play a full 60 minutes Friday.— BobbyD
- Do you think maybe the Flyers should come out and play a period against themselves on Friday and get all of those cheap goals out of their system?— HighDrama
- For the first time in my 38 years of being a Flyers fan I was not worried when they were down 3-0. This is the way they have played all year and especially in the 2nd half of the season. Great game and let's hope Bryzaglov carries his hot streak into the next game. GO FLYERS!!!!— grimm39
- Sam, that Penguins in 7 pick was gutless! At least no Pen trolls on the board today saying really dumb stuff about yinzs.— Voytas
- one down, 15 to go. no more. no less.— raoool
- Anyone who was here in December spouting off about trading Brayden Schenn please step forward and turn in your philly.com username.— sla6yer
- Beat these filthy, disgusting Penguins and their fans and it's all gravy after that. The Tonner needs to stock up on Genny Cream Ale because he really put some away after the Schenn and Voracek goals. Oh man, the Tonner's a little foggy today.— hunglikeaton
- Excuse me but did some 19 yr old Flyers rookie just totally shut down the leading scorer in the league Malkin for an entire game? I must be dreaming.— Simon Nolet
- @Tonner - Stock up for Friday's game because this series is gonna embarass most of the so-called "hockey experts" who picked the Penqueens.— DaveCicc
- It was a great win, seemed like the first period the Flyers were skating around like dears in headlights. It pisses me off how they keep talking about Briere being offsides, but no mention of Pittsburgh's third goal were no icing was called. This is the kind of game that launches a team and kills a team. I will be surprised if Pittsburgh wins another game.— Philly Squid
- I will be the first to admit that I was one of the people calling for schenn to be traded (although I was more adamant about trading JVR). I will also be the first to step forward and eat crow.
Schenn was a one man wrecking crew last night, and played well up to the preseason hype he earned. If he ends up breaking out in the playoffs like Giroux did 2 years ago, then I will gladly eat a whole murder of crows.— jpatt6 - Sissy Crosby played with a headache. He is one tough hockey player...— Ouwachon
- After it was 2-0, I told my father that the Flyers had the Pens just where they wanted them. Oddly, it seems to be the case lately.— acoren
