The Penguins and Flyers are battling it out in the playoffs this year, just as they were 20 years ago, for the first time. This year, the Pens are up 2-0 and in control heading into Philly this afternoon. Back in '89, the two clubs headed into Game 3 tied, after the Flyers rebounded from a Game 1 loss with a 4-2 win in the second tilt. The Battle of Pennsylvania was finally living up to its title, after the Flyers had spent the 70s and 80s pretty much pummeling the Pittsburghers every chance they got. This second-round series would ultimately go the full 7, with Philadelphia proving they had no interest in reversing their winning trend and taking the rubber match decisively 4-1. As a Pens fan, that was hard to take, seeing as Mario and Co. had built a 3-2 series lead and blew it - at home, to boot.
The day before Game 3, though, Pens coach Gene Ubriaco preached to his troops about the mindset required to win the Stanley Cup, as chronicled in this article from the Arpil 21, 1989 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The players were listening - at least for a little while. The Pens would take Game 3 by a 4-3 score.