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Flyers take control with 8-5 win over Penguins

April 14, 2012 RSS Feed Print

The goal tied Pittsburgh's franchise mark for fastest goal to start a playoff game, set by Greg Malone against St. Louis in 1981. It also was the quickest allowed by a Philadelphia opponent in playoff history, breaking the mark of 21 seconds set by Chicago's Jim Pappin in 1971.

The lead grew to 3-1 by the end of the first period.

Yet just like Wednesday — when the Penguins led 3-0 after the first 20 minutes — it wasn't nearly enough.

The Flyers rallied to tie it at 3 behind Giroux, who scored on the power play then beat Fleury with a wrist shot for Philadelphia's second short-handed goal of the night.

The tie lasted all of 6 seconds, or as long as it took Kunitz to pounce on a rebound and slide the puck into the open net.

Still, the Flyers wouldn't back down. Couturier tied it at 4 just before the second intermission, erasing all of Pittsburgh's momentum and setting the stage for another stirring finish.

NOTES: Philadelphia defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon was scratched after sustaining an upper-body injury in Game 1. ... The Penguins scratched defenseman Matt Niskanen because of an upper-body injury. ... Viewership for the first two days of the playoffs is up 22 percent over 2011, according to the NHL. ... Crosby's goal was the 32nd playoff tally of his career, tying him with Ron Francis for fourth on Pittsburgh's list. ... Bylsma has coached in 46 playoff games, tying Eddie Johnston for most postseason games in franchise history.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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