Danny Briere's goal may have been offside on his second-period goal, but it wasn't called, and the play was huge in making Game 1 between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins a competitive one. Even before the tally, Philadelphia turned up the energy and started making things happen offensively, something they had been unable to do in the first period of play.
Penguins Vs. Flyers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Philly Has Life After Fighting Back In Second Period
Briere's goal made the score 3-1, and that's how things stand at the second intermission. The Flyers did well to kill off a Zac Rinaldo penalty midway through the period at a time where a Pittsburgh goal may have sealed the deal. Philly's defense came up strong in the second after allowing three goals in the first period, and goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has proven to head coach Peter Laviolette that sticking with him in goal following that first 20 minutes was a wise choice.
Pittsburgh is still in control of the contest, but the first goal of the third period will be huge. If the Flyers can grab it, they may well ride the momentum to victory. If the Penguins can grab it, they’ll be well on their way to a 1-0 series lead.
Stick with SBNation.com for full Penguins vs. Flyers series coverage. For more from the Pittsburgh perspective, check in with Pensburgh, and for more from the Philadelphia perspective, check in with Broad Street Hockey.
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