PITTSBURGH -- Much of the talk from the Penguins at Thursdays practice was the issue of their power play going flat three times against the Flyers in Game 1.
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma tried different looks and different setups, yet couldnt find success. Meanwhile, the Flyers had just one power play and one shot, but made it count with a critical third-period goal from Brayden Schenn.
We felt like we take a shot and they clear it, we didnt really get set up, Sidney Crosby said. Or really try to expose anything.
We tried to get shots, which is a good mentality to have. We probably could have been a bit more patient on the setup. It wasnt for lack of effort. We had some bad entries, too.
Bylsma said he is going to continue to change the looks against the Flyers, moving Crosby up high and shifting Steve Sullivan from the left point to the right. He even had Crosby working both power play units in Thursdays practice.
Yeah, we went with couple different looks and people in different spots for that type of situation and probably will continue to look for that as we go forward, Bylsma said.
Sullivan seemed irritated when reporters asked him about the power play and other things, as well. The Pens and Flyers tied (19.7 percent) as the fifth and sixth best power plays, respectively in the league this season.
NHL
We have to continue to get shots on net, Sullivan said. Its just one game. Oh-for-3 and if you get a goal and score its 1-4 and its 25 percent and you probably lead the league. I really dont think the power play is the issue right now.
Sniper James Neal, who led the Pens with 18 power play goals this season, would differ.
We need to do different things on power play, Neal said. Its something we put a lot of emphasis on. We got to be better in that area. Special teams is going to win you games.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpantoch@comcast.net