Pittsburgh Penguins: Five Things to Watch in First-Round Matchup

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 26: Sidney Crosby
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 26: Sidney Crosby
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History

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 15: Linesman Scott Driscoll
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 15: Linesman Scott Driscoll

In 2012, the Penguins and Flyers met for one of the most brutal playoff series in recent years. The Flyers leased space in the Penguin’s head throughout the series, causing multiple meltdowns and lopsided games. A penalty-filled affair saw the Flyers win in six games.

Including that series, the Penguins and Flyers have met 6 times in the postseason, with the Flyers holding an advantage in the series. The Flyers have won 4 of the 6 previous meetings and hold a 19-16 win lead over the Penguins. In the six series, only one has gone to seven games (1989), two have been won in 5 games, and 3 in six games. Nobody has been swept in previous meetings on these teams.

With that said, these are not the Broad Street Bullies of the past. This Flyers team is one of the least penalized teams in the NHL, which leads us to our next item: