PHILADELPHIA – In a game the Flyers needed, they failed in nearly every facet of the match in a 5-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The loss now has the Flyers on the brink of elimination from the first round with a 3-1 deficit to the Pens.
Defenseman Brandon Manning (#23) of the Philadelphia Flyers and Center Derick Brassard (#19) of the Pittsburgh Penguins tangle going for the puck.
Sidney Crosby had a wraparound goal to set a franchise record for points in the playoffs.
Matt Murray made 26 saves to pick up the shutout win.
Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel scored for Pittsburgh and each added an assist in the win.
Despite taking a 2-0 lead n the first period, the Flyers did press the advantage early in the game and seemed ready for the game.
“They had that one extended shift in the first period, and I thought Matt made a couple of big saves for us,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan said. “I also thought when we had the power play and [Travis] Konecny comes out of the penalty box, the breakaway save (with 42 seconds remaining in the first) is a big save for us. When you get those types of saves, it certainly helps your team’s chances of winning.”
But pressing alone wasn’t enough and the Pens responded with two first period goals.
“We’re battling hard as a team,” Flyers captain Claude Giroux said. “Just not good enough right now. Next game is really soon here. We need to figure it out.”
Kris Letang and Riley Sheahan also scored for the Pens.
“We know it’s going to be a tough and desperate team that we’re facing. I think you always look to match that urgency, that desperation to get that fourth one. We understand that. We expect a tough game at home, so we have to be ready for that, said after the win.” Crosby
[WATCH: All Penguins vs. Flyers highlights | Complete Penguins vs. Flyers series coverage]
Brian Elliott got the start for the Flyers but was given the hook after giving up three goals through the middle of the second period. He made 14 saves.
“We’ve faced adversity throughout the whole season, we’ve had our ups and downs. This is certainly a big down. But it seems like when we have our backs against the wall, it’s the most we’ve responded,” the Flyers’ Andrew MacDonald said after the game.
Michal Neuvirth relieved Elliott and made 11 stops and yielded two goals.
Center Riley Sheahan (#15) of the Pittsburgh Penguins scores the fifth goal for his team against Goalie Michal Neuvirth (#30) of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Goalie Matt Murray (#30) Defenseman Kris Letang (#58) and Center Zach Aston-Reese (#46) of the Pittsburgh Penguins defend the net against Left Wing Oskar Lindblom (#54) of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Center Sidney Crosby (#87) of the Pittsburgh Penguins battles for position against Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (#53) of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Pittsburg Penguins score their third goal of the game against Goalie Brian Elliot (#37) of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Center Dominik Simon (#12) of the Pittsburgh Penguins collides with Defenseman Andrew MacDonald (#47) of the Philadelphia Flyers
Linesman Devin Berg (#87) separates Center Dominik Simon (#12) of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Defenseman Andrew MacDonald (#47) of the Philadelphia Flyers
Goalie Matt Murray (#30) and Defenseman Olli Maatta (#3) of the Pittsburgh Penguins defend the net against Right Wing Wayne Simmonds (#17) of the Philadelphia Flyers
Defenseman Brian Dumoulin (#8) of the Pittsburgh Penguins checked by Right Wing Matt Read (#24) of the Philadelphia Flyers
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