PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — There’s plenty of negativity heading into tonight’s Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers, but there are some fans who are holding out hope that the team can pull off a win.

That would force a Game 5, bringing the series and Pittsburgh’s beloved Penguins back in front of their home crowd at CONSOL Energy Center.

At KDKA’s sister station on the FM dial, 93-7 The Fan, the buzz was about Pens-Flyers, and for the most part it wasn’t exactly hopeful.

“I think it ends tonight; I think it’s going to be a ruckus building,” said Gregg Gianotti, host of The Fan Morning Show. “They’re going to trot out the Broad Street Bullies, and it’s going to be a very disappointing and embarrassing end to what has been a disaster of a series so far.”

“The Penguins have a puncher’s chance, other than that, it’s over and it’s one of the embarrassing underachievements in the history of Pittsburgh sports,” added Paul Alexander, of The Fan Morning Show.

With news coming down from the NHL lord of discipline Brendan Shanahan that James Neal would be sitting out tonight’s game, the Pens stand on the precipice of perishing in the playoffs.

“Pittsburgh roll down your car windows and scream out, ‘This is a must win!’” added Vinnie Richichi, of The Fan’s Vinnie & Cook Show.

Perhaps it’s just whistling past the playoff graveyard, but the fans say the Penguins may be down but they are still breathing.

“Tonight is not one game, it’s a deal changer,” said one caller.

“I wear my Pens pride on my sleeve, and that’s what the Penguins will do, they’re gonna put their pride and their heart on their sleeve, they’re gonna play 60 minutes of Penguins’ hockey – not Philly hockey – and we’re gonna go home with a win,” another caller said.

Overcoming a 3-0 series deficit has happened before. But it’s quite the rarity. But maybe, just maybe the Flyers will be grounded and the Pens will take flight. One never knows.

RELATED LINKS:
Penguins Seek A 60-Minute Effort In Game 4 (4/18/12)
James Neal Suspended 1 Game, Arron Asham Suspended 4 Games (4/17/12)
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