PENGUINS

When the top power play scored a goal in its final run-through of Friday's practice, Bryan Rust made a point to celebrate big, insisting on each of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell joining in the circle. 

It marked the end of a long, high-energy practice at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees Township, N.J.. And while the Penguins are obviously aware that being down 3-0 to the Flyers in their first-round series, they're also aware that letting the mood get down is the last thing that would help them climb out of the hole they're in.

"It's good," Crosby said when I asked about the mood around the team today. "I mean, having a day, I think, just to have off and recharge and just understand the situation we're in. I thought it was good practice, a good pace, and we know what we have to do tomorrow."

Malkin seemed to be in a better mood than usual after practice, and also felt that it was a productive -- and positive -- session.

"Today was great! I love it," he said. "I mean, we understand the situation, you know? It's not easy. It's tough, of course, but it's not over. We can't be in a bad mood, because it's not help to us, for sure. We have a great practice, work hard and are ready for tomorrow?

Malkin added that the Penguins played "amazing" in the first period of Wednesday's loss, and if they just play that way on Saturday, they have the chance to win.

"It's just one game," Malkin said. "We have a great year, and we have a good team, and we understand what's going on. It's not easy. Of course, nobody believed in us. But we believe in ourselves, and I believe in my team."