Blog : Pens Vs Flyers Game 1 Review

OK, so the Pens went in to the Wells Fargo Center getting ready to start the season off strong. They came out ready to play, notching a couple of goals in the first period. The first goal came on a power-play by Tyler Kennedy (1) with assists from Paul Martin and Matt Niskanan. Then later in the period, James Neal (1) scored off of the face off on an assist from Evgeni Malkin.
The Penguins completely dominated the first period. There defense was sharp. They were called on 3 penalties in the first period, and the PK stepped up and killed all 3 penalties. That was huge. The Penguins also had 11 shots in the first, compared to the Flyers 6.
In the second period, the Flyers came out with pressure, and scored a goal off the stick of Claude Giroux (1) not 30 seconds into the period. It seemed that the Flyers were controlling the game completely. They really turned the tide, and controlled the puck. They applied pressure, and outshot the Penguins 11-8 in the 2nd. Marc-Andre Fleury stood tall though. He really was phenomenal today.
The third period was a faster pace if you ask me. It looked as if they were settling in to the game finally, both teams. There were a couple of penalties on the Penguins in the 3rd as well, but the PK once again did not back down. The Pens finished 5/5 of the penalty kill. One of the Penguins penalties was interference on Engelland, and I I thought that was a bad call.
The Penguins were 2/3 on the power play today, including a late 3rd Period empty net goal by Chris Kunitz (1), with an assist from Paul Martin.
Marc-Andre Fleury was really outstanding today, stopping 26 of 27 shots faced, and really making some great plays when the pressure was on. The Penguins need him to be a super-star if they want to host another Cup come June, and he proved that greatness today. He's my Star of the game.
Today's 3 Stars ( Official)
3rd Star- Marc-Andre Fleury 26 saves, pct ,963
2nd Star- Claude Giroux 1 Goal
1st Star - James Neal 1 Goal
Also a big shout out to Craig Adams for making a great save in the goal crease to preserve the Penguins lead, and to Marc-Andre Fleury for taking the Penguins all time goalie wins record with 227 career wins!
Next Game: Sunday January 20, 2013 @ Rangers 7 PM