The Drubbing

It’s madness. The 2009 NHL playoffs began last week and the match-ups have provided  quite a bit of excitement. Granted, my last post didn’t pan out the way I had envisioned with regards to who was getting into the post-season, nevertheless the intensity, the violence, the passion, and the overall play has been nothing short of outstanding.

I’ve got a particular interest in the Philly-Pittsburgh series. The first two games left me with a sour taste in my mouth, but Sunday’s Flyers performance has me feeling a lot better about things. Seeing Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin making plays yet the Pens still losing is great. Those two fall into the category of “you can’t stop him, but you can slow him down.” If they light up the scoreboard and fill the stat sheet, yet the Flyers still win the series, I am “eh”  okay with that.

When Crosby gets his panties in a bunch it’s hilarious. He seems to incessantly chirp in the referees ear. After the hit delivered by Pens forward Chris Kunitz on Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen, I am sure the Flyers are going to take their liberties with the Penguins players when able – so Crosby will be back whining before you know it.

I’m not certain the hit Kunitz delivered was illegal, but I definitely think it was questionable. Timonen admitted he put himself in a vulnerable spot, but it appeared Kunitz was up around Timonen’s head. Either way, there was no injury, no penalty, and no action taken by the league so that argument can be dismissed.

What can’t be dismissed is Tuesday night, Game 4. It is sure to be a fun one. 

The Flyers are still down 2-1 in the series and will look to even things up. Some teams are built for intense match-ups; and the Flyers have what it takes in order to be both physical with the Penguins and stay true to who they are as a team. The Crosby/Malkin led Penguins I don’t think have the same type of makeup. Crosby doesn’t ooze “tough-guy” to me. Compare him to Flyers captain Mike Richards and there is a sharp contrast. Richards undoubtedly does not have the physical skills of Crosby, but he has the leadership qualities that will help send Pittsburgh packing.

It’s a crazy time of year, but this is a crazy tournament. Lord Stanley’s Cup is up for grabs and the level of tenacity is only going to go up.