As discussed on the NHL on TSN Panel and on Twitter on Wednesday night:
In Game 1 against Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Flyers lived up to their reputation as the comeback kids in the playoffs.
Two years ago, in the Jeff Carter-Mike Richards era, the club came back from a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Bruins before they eventually lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the Chicago Blackhawks.
This was the first playoff opportunity for the post-Richards and Carter Flyers, and they came through in a big way. While Philadelphia struggled in the first period, and were down 3-0, they battled their way back and eventually Jakub Voracek ended the game in overtime.
The Pittsburgh Penguins looked as sleepy and dysfunctional in the third period and overtime as the Flyers did in the first period when it looked like they were going to get run out of the rink.
By the time the game was over, people were wondering where Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby were, considering the Flyers' playoff catalyst Danny Briere stepped up.
Briere, who has the second-most playoff goals in the NHL since the lockout, not only scored the first two goals for the Flyers, but he drew the penalty that led to the tying goal in the third period.
The Weber Incident
At this point, there has been no mention to the Nashville Predators about a disciplinary hearing for Shea Weber pushing Henrik Zetterberg's head into the boards/glass in Game 1 of their series. I would be shocked if Weber is suspended. Whether we like it or not, and many don't, the outcome or result of a hit usually trumps intent.
Weber's vicious first punch was a glancing blow, and the second was a turnbuckle move that looked worse but wasn't as forceful. The worst part for me was the time of game. It was over.
Weber-Zetterberg will be reviewed but I suspect Paul Gaustad's hack on Pavel Datsyuk at the same time will be reviewed, too. The review may not result in a hearing, though.
(Editor's Note: Weber was not suspended but was fined $2,500.)
Bitz on Clifford
I think there will be a disciplinary hearing on Thursday for Canucks forward Byron Bitz regarding his hit from behind, boarding major that took Kings forward Kyle Clifford out of the game.
Clifford was in a vulnerable position; his head was down and was smashed against the boards.
Bitz got five and a game and the Kings forward did not return to the action, so I think that will definitely lead to a hearing.
(Editor's Note: Bitz was suspended two games on Thursday.)
