They began the playoffs without of the NHLs all-time great defenseman in playoff history in Chris Pronger.
He has post-concussion syndrome and may never lift a stick on the ice again.Since their pre-trade deadline acquisition of Nicklas Grossmann, the Flyers have a guy who clears the crease, commands respect and hits with authority. A lot like Pronger.Grossmann took a shot to the head in the first period from Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy, buckled to the ice obviously woozily and then went to bench. Shortly after the Kennedy hit, Grossmann was also drilled by Evgeni Malkintwo hits. Hockey Night in Canada thinks the second hit was worse on their replay angles.Though he would return, Grossmann was relegated to the bench in the third period and never took a shift, playing just 8:54 in the game.He could have suffered a concussion. For now, the Flyers are listing him as day-to-day. Any prolonged absence without Grossmann would severely challenge the Flyers ability for a deep playoff run.Quite simply, there is no one as physical as him on their roster.Power playsThe last time the Flyers had two games with at least three PPG in the same series was the 1984-85 Conference Finals against Quebectwo straight games on May 9 and May 12. The Flyers now have nine power-play goals in this series.Shanaban coming?You can properly expect that Zac Rinaldo will get a call from NHL Lord of Discipline Brendan Shanahan on Friday for a series of mindless penalties near the end of the second period. Were talking a cross-check to Zbynek Michalek, a roughing, a game misconduct and 10-minute misconduct. Expect a one-game suspension as Rinaldo has a prior suspension (two games) from February.
Dubious recordPittsburghs 10 goals are tied for the most allowed in playoff game by the Flyers. They lost 10-7 to the Pens in 1989. Mario Lemieux had five goals in that one.PenaltiesThe Flyers came into the game second only to Pittsburgh with 85 penalty minutes. They garnered 64 penalty minutes in Game 4, giving the Flyers the unequivocal lead over Pittsburgh with 149 PIM. Pittsburgh has 133 in the series.Wont soon be forgottenThis has already been a memorable playoff series, and theres still at least one more game to be played.Its been a wild ridefrom eight goals scored twice to 10 goals scored in Philly, from the double-hat trick game in Pittsburgh to high-profile fights between stars in Game 3.At least, thats what Ilya Bryzgalov thinks.I think this series will be remembered for decades for sure, Bryzgalov said.An interesting ridePenguins head coach Dan Bylsma had what he called an interesting ride in a Philadelphia cab prior to Game 4. Bylsma said he and assistant head coach Tony Granato were regaled with a story about Sidney Crosby. The driver, not realizing that two members of the Penguins organization were in the back seat, told them a tale about a Flyers fan he knew, a person whounlike many locals, not to mention the Daily News headline writershad positive things to say about Crosby and his abilities.It was the first time, though it was indirectly, that Ive ever heard a compliment to Sidney Crosby in Philly, Bylsma said. They keep screaming at him, and hes going to keep playing Theyve shouted. Theyve put signs. Theyve screamed. Theyve chanted. Sids going to be ready to play.Loose pucksJordan Staals hat trick was the first against the Flyers in the playoffs since 2006 against Buffalo. ... Claude Giroux now has 10 points (5G, 5A) in the four games of the series.E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net, Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com or jgonzalez@comcastsportsnet.com.