Game 1 tonight.

Finally, playoff hockey gets underway tonight. The Pens will be taking on the Flyers at Consol Energy Center at 7:30 tonight.
Daniel Briere and Nicklas Grossman will be in for the Flyers tonight after missing some time due to injuries.
Ben Lovejoy may return to the lineup for the Pens tonight. Matt Niskanen was not in practice today.

The Pens are facing an opponent that is pretty close in range for statistics in some facets of the game with the Flyers. Some may even say that the two teams are similar in a lot of ways. Not to mention the fact that the two teams have quite a volatile relationship and this is quite a playoff series. However, I don't care if we were opening the playoffs against the Florida Panthers; playoff hockey is taking the game to the next level and every mistake could be the one that leads to the end of a season. Every goal or amazing play could be the one to lead a team to victory. For instance, look at the fight former Pens' player Max Talbot had with Daniel Carcillo of the Flyers in the series against the Flyers a couple of years ago. Yes, it got the fans more into the game, but while it was happening, we did not know what would result from it. That fight is now credited for pumping up the fans and players and the Pens never looked back.
Therefore, the Pens need to be strong in every aspect of the game and not allow the Flyers' antics to result in taking stupid penalties. Special teams need to be strong. During the season, a team can win a lot of games and still not have the best special teams at times. Though, in the playoffs, special teams play a much larger role in the way a series unfolds. We know all too well with our dismal power play and penalty kill from last season's first round exit courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning. We have had good numbers on special teams during the season and the Pens need to be sure to remain strong in special team play.
The Pens know what is at stake and are focused and determined to reach their goal of making it all the way, to raise Lord Stanley's Cup once again. Now all they have to do is play a strong game, stay focused and show the Flyers who the better team is.