I don't think for a minute we have seen the best of the Pittsburgh Penguins in this playoff series.
I do think we have seen glimpses of the Flyers' best. And even in losing Game 4, I think the Flyers were the better team that game.
I expected, at some point, Sidney Crosby would explode and be the dynamic player he's capable of being. I wonder when it's going to happen.
I wonder how many Flyers are saying to themselves, "If only we came into Game 1 prepared to play."
I know GM Paul Holmgren did. He told in Pittsburgh the team's attitude going into Game 1 was "cavalier."
He didn't mean Cleveland, either.
I think the series would be different at this point, had the Flyers had the right approach down the stretch. And into post-season.
I took the Penguins in 7 games because they played better hockey down the stretch than the Flyers. And because I didn't like the vibes I got in the dressing room from players who felt all along the fourth seed was a given.
Which is why the Flyers lost home ice by finishing fifth.
I spoke to Mike Lange, the voice of the Pens today, and he agrees with me that Pittsburgh can be better.
So can the Flyers.
They can get this to a 7th game.
If they don’t come out thinking it’s automatic.
Or that Marty Biron is going to pitch another shutout.
The Flyers need to think Marc-Andre Fleury is going to be real stingy in net.
“We’re still under pressure with one more loss, we’re done, but we’ll take a Game 6 back in Philly,” Mike Knuble told me yesterday. “You don’t want to get ahead of yourself, but you have to win tomorrow. That’s the task at hand.
“I’ve been here four years and it will probably be the most exciting game I’ve played in my career here. All of us are looking forward to it.”
So am I.