The Philadelphia Flyers look like they want to end this first-round playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday and they're being led by Claude Giroux. Philly's top forward had an unreal opening shift in which he decked Sidney Crosby to the ice before skating in on goal and giving his team a 1-0 lead.
It was the first shot of the game and it had to do a ton for the Philadelphia psyche -- both on the ice and in the stands -- as the Flyers had not cracked Marc-Andre Fleury at even strength since Game 3. Philly's power play has carried the team's offense throughout the first round, and when Scott Hartnell gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead with a power play goal at the 13:01 mark of the period, it set a Flyers franchise record for power play goals with 12 overall.
The period was mostly defined by defense as through the first 10 minutes or so, Pittsburgh had controlled zone time and had created sustained pressure in the Philadelphia end of the ice. But a calm game from goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and solid defensive positioning by the Flyers have been the difference, and the Penguins have not been able to put together many quality chances.
For complete coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, stick with SB Nation's NHL hub. For more on the Flyers, visit Broad Street Hockey and SB Nation Philadelphia. For more on the Penguins, head to Pensburgh and SB Nation Pittsburgh.
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