For the first time in this Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series, the first period of play between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins was calm. It resembled hockey, not the goal-fest we've come to expect from these two. All the goal scoring was special teams-based, and the Flyers got the upper hand in that department in the first period. As a result, they lead 2-1.
Penguins Vs. Flyers, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Philly Wins Special Teams Battle, Grabs 2-1 Lead
Scott Hartnell broke a tie late in the period when he gathered a puck all alone to the glove-hand side of Marc-Andre Fleury. He had plenty of time to compose the puck and lift it to the top shelf over Fleury.
The defense is much stronger on both sides, and the goaltenders actually seem like competent NHL players.
Stick with SBNation.com for full Flyers vs. Penguins series coverage. For more from the Philadelphia perspective, check in with Broad Street Hockey, and for more from the Pittsburgh perspective, check in with Pensburgh.
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