Playoff Beard #17 - Penguins @ Flyers, Game 3 Eastern Conference Finals*

In Game 2, the Flyers tried their second approach in as many games to dealing with the Penguins. This time around, it was the physical game, which took the place of Game 1's run-and-gun style.

The result in Game 2? Exactly like Game 1.

The Pens win, 4-2.

The bad news for the Flyers--the most recent bad news, anyway--was the loss of yet another top defenseman. Braydon Coburn took a deflected puck to the face early in the first on Sunday night. He didn't return, and will miss tonight's Game 3 as well after receiving 50 stitches and having his eye swell shut.

Coburn's absence meant more ice time for Derian Hatcher--with predictable results. Hatcher soon got tired and frustrated, making bad moves and taking stupid penalties. Hatcher will likely loom large in Game 3... and it will likely work to Pittsburgh's advantage again.

The good news for the Pens in Game 2 was the return of Max Talbot from a broken foot. Talbot made his presence known by netting what turned out to be the game-winner; after both Steve Downie and Hatcher failed to clear the puck from the Flyers end, Talbot quickly snatched the puck and dished it to Big Georges Laraque. BGL, as is the fourth line's M.O., dumped it down low, where Gary Roberts quickly centered to the charging Talbot... who deftly went top-shelf on Marty Biron.

Roberts is now a late scratch for tonight's contest with an undisclosed illness. Adam Hall is slated to take his place on the fourth line.

The Flyers are likely to play as if possessed when the puck drops tonight, and with good reason. Going down 3-0 on the series would all but erase their chances of advancing. While the Pens would like to at least get a split of the road games, they stand a very good chance of finishing off Philly in four--if they can allow the Flyers' desperate flailings to roll off without retaliation. The Flyers have little left but the kitchen sink to throw at the Penguins after repeated dips into an ever-shrinking bag of tricks. Staying focused, taking the lead, and then stifling the opponent's offense has brought the Pens to 10-1 in the postseason; they need only do more of the same to stick the proverbial fork in Philadelphia's Cup chances.

Game 3 is tonight at 7:30 pm. And here's your playoff beard pic du jour:

















LET'S GO PENS!