--
The Flyers kill the remainder of the PP, but there sure is an uneasy feeling in here. Hatcher tried to smear Francis Bouillon through the glass. He should have been penalized, but a five-minute major and game misconduct was too harsh. It's clear the zebras aren't going to cut the Flyers any slack. Philadelphia needs to stop putting themselves in position for the refs to job them. Hey, is that Tim Donaghy on the ice?
--
Saku Koivu goal. The Habs still have 1:36 left on the PP and 11:19 left in regulation. They could very easily take the lead here.
--
Derian Hatcher gets a five-minute major for boarding and the Canadiens cash in. Montreal still has 2:48 left on the PP.
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Backup goalie Jaroslav Halak is in net for the Canadiens. (Sorry for the delay in posting this. Freakin' Internet is painfully slow here at the Wachovia Center.)
--
R.J. Umberger takes advantage of some hard work by Jeff Cater as the Flyers go up three. Guy Carbonneau takes a long like down the bench at backup goalie Jaroslav Halak.
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Mike Richards scores on shorthanded. The Flyers have taken three shots this period, two of them went in. About three minutes left in the period.
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Scottie Upshall finds the back of the net after some nifty stickhandling by Joffrey Lupul. It came at 7:04 of the period and was the Flyers first shot of the stanza.
--
The Flyers are real lucky to get out of the first unscathed. Montreal hit two posts and clanged another off the outside of the net. The Flyers have to stay out of the box. The Canadiens power-play can be lethal and to fool around with it is to invite danger.
The Flyers managed only five shots in the period. Carey Price has been shaky. It'd be worth it just to start throwing pucks at him.
We don't have the TV feed in here. What did the Versus/TSN guys have to say about that scrum at the end of the period?
--
A major scrum ignited by Downie's trip of Carey Price results in another Canadiens power-play. The conspiracy theorists have even more fodder.
--
Silly slashing penalty by Steve Downie coincided with a Sami Kapanen hooking infraction put the Flyers at a 2-man disadvantage for a full two minutes.
They killed it off thanks to Lady Luck and Marty Biron. Mike Richards and R.J. Umberger were exceptional during the kill.
--
Great poke-check by Marty Biron to foil a breakaway by Saku Koivu.
But what's even more cool is that Ed Hospodar is in the house. Lou Nolan just introduced him and his mug was shown on the big screen.
--
Anybody who thinks the animosity angle is an overblown storyline manufactured by the media and fans should have seen this little exchange during the pregame warmup.
Riley Cote and Steve Downie were jawing at Tom Kostopolous and Maxim Lapierre at center ice. At one point, Cote came thisclose to putting his stick in Kostopolous mid-section. (Cote has been scratched and will not be part of tonight's festivities.)
It never got physical, but it was starting to boil when Braydon Coburn came in and gently guided Downie away from the scene.
Somewhere, Eddie Hospodar is smiling.
--
In last week's preview, the Daily News forecasted that Steve Begin would be the Canadiens player Flyers fans most likely would detest. We were close. Linemate Tom Kostopoulos will wear that badge.
Kostopoulos' sucker-punch of Kimmo Timonen was cheap and ridiculous. Perhaps the only thing worse was that Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau defended Kostopoulos by saying Timonen deserved it. There are a couple Flyers who can agitate -- Scottie Upshall and Scott Hartnell come to mind -- but Timonen isn't one of them. In fact, he's one of the most respected players in the league.
Flyers coach John Stevens smartly compared Timonen to Montreal captain Saku Koivu, another classy Finnish player and another highly-regarded player. Kostopoulos has had an eventful two games. He became the toast of Canada with his Game 1 winner and the series villain two days later.
In case you're wondering, Kostopoulos wears No. 6. On his radio show this afternoon, Reggie Dunlop put a bounty on his head.
Rich Hofmann has been at the Daily News since 1980. He previously blogged the Eagles' postseason run in 2006. 
Ed Barkowitz was the first Philadelphia Newspaper journalist to write a blog, starting back in 2002.
Comments (40)
Canadiens ≠ Classy
Posted by Anonymous | April 28, 2008 6:45 PM
the female on the flyers pregame show should be fired for wearing (accidently) the canadians colors. theres no excuse for that, she knew what she was doing. if she cant support she should be let go. maybe the canaian broadcast network will hire her. we dont need to be to see someone like her during the playoffs while we are trying to keep the faith. I really dont want to see her during the next game. She should appoligize for her so called mistake. then still i dont want to see her during a flyers televized game. her heart cant be with the orange and black. my guys on the ice beserve better than that.
Posted by deprivedsob | April 28, 2008 7:19 PM
the female on comcast sports net should appoligize for wearing the canadians colors during a flyers game. she said it was an accident, get the heck outa here. she has no alliance to this club. the orange and black nation says see you later blondie, dont let the door hit you were the sun doesn't shine. go let her work for the canadian broadcast network.
Posted by deprivedsob | April 28, 2008 7:24 PM
Sorry, Deprived, but that's the same idiotic reasoning that makes people criticize Barack Obama for not wearing a flag pin on his lapel. Broadcasters are supposed to be neutral.
Stop bringing Flyers fans down with your stupidity.
Posted by Brian | April 28, 2008 7:38 PM
I like Downie's energy, but ever since Stevens put him in the lineup, I've just been waiting for his temper to boil over. Some solid goal tending and a couple of posts are compensating for his irresponsible play. He'll hurt us more than he'll help us.
Posted by Brian | April 28, 2008 7:45 PM
Downie's play on the goalie wouldn't have been a penalty if the name on his jersey was different. And it would have been nice to see how montreal got a 5 on 3 power play. the cameras didn't show it and the announcers didn't talk about it.
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 7:59 PM
the woman on the pregame show is a professional, not a fan. she can wear whatever she wants.
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 8:00 PM
Who is the CSN woman in question?
This sadly sounds like something that Attytood blogger Will Bunch would complain about. He gets riled up over non-issues ALL THE TIME
0-0 after 1.
Lets go Flyers!
Posted by Walter Benjamin Barry | April 28, 2008 8:05 PM
Ed- the announcers were all pro-canadiens, anti-flyers during the scrum. they were acting like downie committed this obvious, egrigious (sp?) penalty
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 8:21 PM
Ed - I didn't say that right. The annoucners were acting like downie ran the goalie when the replay clearly showed he was just trying to get the puck
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 8:22 PM
Who is this will bunch that keeps getting mentioned?
Posted by connor | April 28, 2008 8:27 PM
You are supposed to slam a Montreal player into the goalie. Thats how you win big games.
What a pattern you fools have...run the goalie...run the goalie...run the goalie...
Bee-Ron should get put on his sorry back...
Posted by Idiots | April 28, 2008 8:27 PM
I'm not saying the Flyers are going to win the series. But Montreal isn't all that. Washington was much tougher to play against.
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 8:28 PM
I love these people who get all offended that the flyers run the goalie. THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DO IDIOTS! If you're the other team.. STOP THEM FROM DOING IT! Speaking of goalies, Price's glove hand is awful
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 8:39 PM
Do the Habs even want to play? I'm sure it's comforting to know that their super-loyal fans will be waiting to console them when they head home. They don't play with any spirit or pride.
Posted by Brian | April 28, 2008 8:48 PM
How does Price not get a diving penalty there? He feels a stick (going for the puck) hit him and goes down like he was hit by a sniper. He also pulls his own mask off, which should be delay of game (play stops when a goalie loses his mask). However, as long as he continues to be unable to catch the puck, I'm happy he's playing.
The Versus announcers continue to be awful. Disinterested play-by-play and virtually no insightful color. Can't wait for JJ and Clement for Game 4.
Posted by Echo | April 28, 2008 8:58 PM
Both teams looked a little fatigued in the first 12 - 15 minutes. Then the Flyers got the bounce back in their step.
Habs can't match the griding, physical play. They tried on that dive by Price but it was almost laughable (sad if you're a Habs fan).
Flyers doing a great job on puck support and back checking. They look pretty good tonight.
Posted by Hockey Guy | April 28, 2008 9:06 PM
Maybe the Habs should put Will Bunch in net.
He is pathetic at everything else he does, so he would fit in nicely with Montreal tonite!
GO FLYERS
Posted by Walter Benjamin Barry | April 28, 2008 9:10 PM
That was certainly a penalty on Hatcher. But 5 minutes plus game? This isn't the ice capades.
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 9:12 PM
We'll hear about that Hatcher hit for the rest of the playoffs. But, like the rest of the year, neither the Flyers or their fans care. Have some pride, Habs. Stick up for yourself.
Posted by Brian | April 28, 2008 9:13 PM
This unbelievable call and others like it is why the NHL will never be taken seriously....the inconsistancy of the officiating.
Thanks "VS" for these Canadian announcers. Flyers fans cruel??? (for the Bronx cheer on Price after a save) We aren't burning cars and chanting through the Canadian National anthem!
Posted by Mitchell | April 28, 2008 9:27 PM
I like how the announcers accused Briere of diving.
They're just bitter they're not covering the Pens-Rangers series or the Devils-Avalanche.
Posted by Brian | April 28, 2008 9:28 PM
Habs can't quite get that third goal. better give them a power play
Posted by Bob | April 28, 2008 9:33 PM
This is ridiculous. I'm still trying to figure out how Montreal didn't have 2 minor penalties coinciding w/ Hatcher's major. Umberger didn't fall on his own ... that would be interference, hooking, slashing ... something. Followed by the dude Hatcher plastered cross checking him in the back right in front of the ref in retaliation. HELLO???
Posted by Zebra Hunter | April 28, 2008 9:39 PM
It is unbelievable how slow the clock seemed to move after Montreal's 2nd goal, yet the Flyers PP just evaporated in seemingly seconds. Granted, that's 2:00 off the game clock, but MAN ... is there a single team in this town that ever does it the easy way??
GO FLYERS!! 1:10 to go boys!
Posted by Clock Watcher | April 28, 2008 9:42 PM
un-be-lievable
i'm looking for a respirator...
Posted by Coronary Central | April 28, 2008 9:44 PM
I'd say woot but I'm still clutching my chest. Air is tough to come by right now.
I'm glad we won, and we'll take the win. But seriously, there have been some very 'curious' Officiating.
Posted by flyler | April 28, 2008 9:55 PM
I did not think the officials could get worse than in the first period, but that major on Hatcher took the cake. Of course the hit from behind on Hatcher, they did not see.
The Flyers deserve metals for having to play against 7 guys.
Posted by dtgodek1 | April 28, 2008 10:21 PM
I did not think the officials could get worse than in the first period, but that major on Hatcher took the cake. Of course the hit from behind on Hatcher, they did not see.
The Flyers deserve metals for having to play against 7 guys.
Posted by dtgodek1 | April 28, 2008 10:21 PM
The play-by-play guy that VS. assigned to this series is Joe Beninati... the normal play-by-play guy for the Capitals. Does it surprise you that he gives the Flyers just about zero credit for anything?
I really miss being in the Philly area and being able to hear Clement. That guy is awesome. Even though Jim Jackson gets criticized by some Flyer fans, he's infinitely better than the ridiculous coverage by VS.
Posted by PSUFlyers | April 28, 2008 10:46 PM
I am so proud of our FlyBoys!!! The world is so obviously against them, the world that is Bettmantopia! We have fought through so much adversity and we are coming out on top. I take back all i said about Stevens, for he is getting the boys to play together and has a solid gameplan against le criminals!
On the Downie trip of Prissy, after Prissy took a dive 2 guys pummeled Downie and 2 guys took free runs at Kapinen behind the net, each getting a shot in, yet we come out shorthanded. On Hatcher's, it should have been 4 min, and since he is a Flyer I expect a suspension. Plus, the free retaliation on the crosscheck to Hatchers back afterwards went unpenalized. Could it be anymore obvious how the league feels about the Flyers!! It's getting out of hand.
But we have and will prevail!!!
LETS GO FLYERS!!!!
Posted by TNFlyerFan | April 28, 2008 10:49 PM
A penalty on Hatcher, yeah, but what about something for the retaliation? Had the Flyers done that, they would have been tagged too! And what was with that 5 on 3 in the first? 4 men collide and suddenly two Flyers are in the box?
Posted by dwdrubs | April 28, 2008 10:53 PM
The Versus play-by-play was rotten. They missed too many plays and completely dropped the ball on the two minor penalties in the first period. They didn't even mention that the Habs were on a 5 on 3. Maybe we're spoiled in Philly with Jim Jackson -- he actually calls the game. The Versus guys just did color the entire time, and even that wasn't very good. I'd rather watch the CBC next time.
Posted by Missing J.J. | April 28, 2008 11:32 PM
Brian, by super loyal Habs' fans you are talking about the refs right? I seem confused...lol. I Do want to congratulate the Flyers on winning the first ever dual challenge playoff game, it's tough to beat a hockey team and refs at the same time. Montreal is supposed to be the best team in the east, they shouldn't need the extra help. That is unless the refs are Canadian...lol.
Posted by cg | April 29, 2008 12:16 AM
I hope Hatcher's in the locker room getting his brain watered...it needs to grow. What was the height/weight differential?!? We escaped.
Posted by Jeff | April 29, 2008 12:30 AM
The refs did everything in their power to give Montreal this game with a full 2 minute 5 on 3, and then the Hatcher 5 minute major, but no penalty on the cheap shot on Umberger, or when Downie all 5'8" of him taking on 2 Habs who threw punches at him and Flyers end up short handed. Another time Downie got knocked into the net with no penalty called, and the Kukkonen penalty with 5:59 left in 3rd. What a disgrace. Gary Bettman must be so proud. Wonder if Price starts Game 4?
After it got to 2-0 the Canadiens bench looked like they were waving the white flag, but the officals had to get them back in the game.
GO FLYERS!!!
Biron has the Habs number and they know it.
Posted by BobD | April 29, 2008 1:15 AM
WHY DO YOU CRY AFTER YOU WIN?
I HAVE NEVER HEARD FANS CRY SO MUCH!!!
Posted by BOBBY ORR | April 29, 2008 6:12 AM
Why is Hatcher even on the ice for the Flyers...all he does for the most part are STUPID things. He almost cost them the game with his thoughtless 5 minute penalty in the 3rd. It will be hard enough to win this series with the officiating against us even at home...isn't it obvious that all of these Canucks in the NHL want these Habs to advance since they are the only Canadian team left in the tournament? The Flyers should be up 3-0 if they had not gotten "HOSED" in game 1. And by the way...there is NOTHING classy about this Montreal team and their coach!
Posted by Pete | April 29, 2008 6:58 AM
If Hatch is going to get a 5 Major and Misconduct for that hit on Boullion, fine, whatever, but Boullion should have also got a 5 minute major for retaliation/instigation after the cross-check.
I hope somebody kicks Plekanec in the face next game for his cheap shot attempt on Umberger.
In every instance that there could have been offsetting minors last night, the stripes made sure that the Flyers got an extra penalty. These ref's arent stupid, they know exactly what they are doing.
...and you think this is bad??? Imagine if we play Pittsburgh. We'll have guys get penalties for skating near crosby in the warm up.
Posted by Dave | April 29, 2008 9:17 AM
Why can't someone hit Saku Koivu he plays with his head down along the boards. He is going to score a big one. He is hitting everything.
Posted by lonnie | April 30, 2008 2:51 PM