Pennsylvania Punch Up

The Pens and Flyers once again staged the battle of Pennsylvania this afternoon, and yet again the Flyers skated away victorious. However, as is often the case when these to bitter rivals get together, it was not without incident. The Flyers won their fifth straight in Pittsburgh which has to be of some concern for Pens coach Dan Bylsma as this is very likely a first round match up. With the Flyers already leading late Braden Schenn cross checked Sidney Crosby from behind. It was shortly after this Bylsma sent his fourth liners out for a face off and Daniel Briere was leveled, with a clean check, and a brawl erupted. Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette and Pens assistant Tony Granato even stared a rather heated war of words. Honestly though, what did Scheen think was going to happen when he gave Crosby the cheapshot? These are two teams who already hate each other, he did need to insight further animosity heading into the playoffs. As Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet the end of the game was all about Bylsma sending a message both to his own team and the other about how they need to go about winning hockey games, even if it's not on the scoreboard. You stand up for your superstars and to their credit Philly did the same when called upon. All I can say is the playoffs are still over a week away and there's a good chance we ain't seen nothin' yet...