Lange Called This One, Pens Cruise!

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Amazing how far we’ve come.  It used to be, way back when, that a displaced Penguins fan like me would have to call someone – on a land-line – in Pittsburgh to learn about the Penguins fate on gamenight.  Now, with the NHL Center Ice Package, despite being geographically challenged, I can watch 90 percent of the Pens’ games.  However, despite the omnipresence of the dish, the dastardly dispute between DirecTV and Comcast/Versus forced me to miss tonight’s demolition of the Flyers.

So in this age of mind-blowing technology, I could not watch the 6-1 hammering that took place in Mellon Arena tonight.  Alas, all was not lost and technology still carried the day.  Through the beauty of the iheartradio app, I was able to listen to the NHL’s all-time greatest play-by-play announcer call the action through a configuration between my iphone and stereo.  The goals just seem a little more exciting – ok a lot more – when ole Mike Lange makes the call. 

The stars certainly showed for the Pens in this pummeling.  Three points for Crosby, two goals for Staal (was Pens Labyrinth seeing into the future with the picture on yesterday’s preview?), one goal and one helper for Malkin.  Fleury makes 26 saves, including a few that raised Lange’s octaves.  Forget the power play, the Pens should play more on the penalty kill.  Two short-handed goals in this blood bath.  Kindof makes you feel bad for the Phakers.  No, not really. 

Speaking of the Phakers…where are their stars right now?  Mike Richards and Jeff Carter?  Both minus-2. Not a star, but how about Matt Carle, he had an assist on their only goal and still ended up -3.  After six goals allowed on 35 shots, any chance Boucher starts Thursday night?  I’m guessing we see Johan Backlund. 

The most important goal of the game was probably the first – and it came on the power play!  The Flyers brought momentum to the Arena following last night’s victory in Boston.  There is no doubt that win put a little jump in their skates.  However, the Penguins did exactly what they needed to do.  Score early, deflate their confidence, and fight, take the energy out of their system.  

Three fights in 16 seconds?  Now that is the passion a Pittsburgh team should show when faced with adversity. (Cheap shot at Steelers in case you didn’t pick up on it.) 

So the beat goes on for the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.  They better bring their boxing gloves Thursday night and have their heads on swivels.  One way or another, that game has every chance of turning u-g-l-y. 

Come back tomorrow and read the first of many articles we’ll write about Olympic hockey. 

What am I watching tonight?  Third period of Blues/Flames then on to Rob Scuderi and the Kings.  Isn’t hockey season great?! 

Penguins 6, Flyers 1 Highlights

Media’s Three Stars – Crosby, Staal, Orpik

Labyrinth’s Three Stars (just watched the highlights via NHL on the Fly) – Staal (2 g, 1 wicked shortie), Crosby (1 g, 2 a), Orpik (2a, +2)

Blew a Tire – TIE – Matt Carle (1 ast., -3) and Brian Boucher (29 saves, 6 ga…ouch!)