What's Wrong?

The question around Pittsburgh and in hockey circles being asked most these days is: "What's wrong with the Penguins?"  Down three zip to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the playoffs, and worse, being outscored 20-12, losing two games buy more than three goals.  One answer is so simple, I'm not sure why Penguin's fans have not noticed it.

They are playing ghosts.

Ghosts of Penguin past.  The early 90's teams, where you score 7 or 8 goals on the rush, knowing you can stop your opponent from scoring 6.  The Flyers have a talented Claude Girouix leading the way with a very good cast around him.  One of the highest scoring teams all year, they do not depend on one player or one line.  They roll three very good lines that can score at will, usually after a turnover or a missed shot 200 feet away.

But, it's not exactly like the old Penguins, as scoring isn't all they do.  They are still the Broadstreet Bulies.   Leading the league in penalties, 472, and penalty minutes, 1318.  A rare mix of toughness and scoring.  Dirty play?  Sure.  It wouldn't be Philadelphia.  

But this team has learned how to make it work, even with two goalies who have not had the best years, though they have played well down the stretch.   Able to kill off all those penalties, score the occasional short-handed goal, and score more than your opponent is what makes these Flyers click.

I thought only one team had the best chance to beat the Penguins.  It is sad that of these two teams, one will be going home early.