Here's the best of pre-game quotes leading into tonight:
PGH players say they have to do a better job of finding Evgeni Malkin on the ice:
“We didn't create enough chances by breaking the puck out,” Chris Kunitz said. “We were maybe batting a bunch of pucks toward each other, but we were not making crisp, clean plays and giving us possession in the neutral zone.
“That’s where Geno really dominates. When he controls the puck and comes through the neutral zone and can find guys with speed. We have to get back to be able to work and get him pucks earlier so he can skate and back them off.”
Flyers need to match the Penguin sense of urgency. PGH doesn't want to go down 0-2. But going up 2-0 is harder:
“It’s hard,” Kimmo Timonen said of going up 2-0 on the road. “I don’t think it’s ever happened to me. It’s really hard. That’s why I told you guys before the series, I don’t mind going on the road.
“It’s easier to play and less pressure on you. You want to go into that game and win Game 1. Number Two is a little easier and less pressure.”
Coach Peter Laviolette on the same topic:
“I think desperation usually trumps over when [another team] is trying to get on a roll,” Laviolette said.
“But there’s probably as many case made both ways. I don’t know what the statistic is when you win Game 1. Is it 90 percent it goes to 1-1? It is 50-50 it goes to 2-0? I;m not really sure.
“The team that goes out tonight and plays hard and executes has the best chance of winning a hockey game.”
On getting into the Penguins heads here at this building - CONSOL Energy Center:
“I think winning in the regular season always helps when you play that team in the playoffs,” Scott Hartnell said. “Obviously, not the start you wanted. Usually, you don’t win games like in the playoffs against a good team like Pittsburgh.
“We showed a lot of character and a lot of courage coming back. We have to have a better start [tonight].
“We’ve got to be in their heads a little bit. It’s not like they haven’t been in this position before. They’ve made a couple of long Cup runs the last few years.
“Obviously, both those years they had to go through us to get it and we remember that and they remember that in their dressing room, too.
“It’s not like they are going to roll over and die the next few games here. Guys like [Sidney] Crosby and [Evgeni] Malkin can change games around in two shifts. We have to be ready for an onslaught from them.”
Pens coach Dan Bylsma on Danny Briere:
“He’s done very well throughout his career. His numbers are extremely good. He’s a good, skilled player who is around the net. The scouting report on him is that he hangs around the net looking for opportunities.
"He got one opportunity and made us pay with the first goal. He’s played a lot of post-season games and you certainly have to be aware where this guy is good at. He has great hands and great knack around the net.
"Even though he is not a big guy out there, he’s around the cage. Over the years, he’s been around the corner of the net to score goals. He’s certainly a factor we are aware of."
Situations:
Winning Game 2. The Flyers are 18-12 in Game 2’s after winning the series opener. They are 22-8 in winning a series when winning Game 1.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger • 
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