1. The Flyers have pretty well controlled Malkin and Neal but other Penguins have killed them in Games 4 and 5. I'm thinking Philadelphia will try to shut down the Staal line more effectively and that will have to free-up Neal and Malkin somewhat so that they should be getting better opportunities and some goals.
2. Crosby's play in Game 5 concerned me a bit. He appeared to be somewhat lackluster except for his dominance in faceoffs. A better performance will be required from him and the rest of the team The Flyers know THEY have to be at their best if they don't want to travel back to Pittsburgh for a Game 7 when the Penguins would have all the momentum as well as home ice. Even though the Flyers have done well at Consol since it opened I wouldn't want to be them in a Game 7 there.
3. Pascal Dupuis was held scoreless in Game 5 so I look forward to him producing mightily on Sunday.
3. I anticipate another close, low-scoring game unless the Penguins can dominate in the first period and build a multiple-goal lead which could produce a Philly meltdown.
4. Hand-in-hand with the above, good defense and strong goaltending will be required from the Penguins to force that Game 7.
This series was anticipated to be one of the best (if not the best) of the entire first round and it has been even more than the hype indicated it might be. If the Penguins can pull it off they'll have played probably the most physical series they'll be required to play as they advance. This could be a benefit or a detriment. If they can come through it with no additional injuries the toughness required to win this series could result in the remaining match-ups just being gravy.
I like the Penguins 4-3 in a close game or 6-2 if they can start fast and play a full 60 minutes.
LET'S GO PENS!!!
Oh, and stay out of the penalty box.
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