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Bylsma looking to build off first win with Penguins

Feb 21, 2009 - 1:37 PM Pittsburgh (28-25-6) at Philadelphia (31-16-9), 1:00 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Following the new regime's first win, interim coach Dan Bylsma and the Pittsburgh Penguins will look to start a run to the playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday in a battle of cross-state rivals.

The Penguins finally reaped the benefits of defenseman Sergei Gonchar's return. Gonchar, playing his third game since coming back from a dislocated right shoulder, snapped a tie at 7:18 of the third period as Pittsburgh edged the Montreal Canadiens, 5-4, on Thursday.

All-Star Evgeni Malkin recorded a goal and an assist and Petr Sykora, Miroslav Satan and Maxime Talbot also tallied for the Penguins, who earned their first win under Bylsma.

"Our guys were energized, focused and ready to go," Bylsma said. "I think they had a clear understanding of what was at stake and the way we wanted to play. While I said it wasn't perfect, I think they sent a message loud and clear."

Pittsburgh, which sits three points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, will face a tough test against the surging Flyers.

Mike Knuble snapped a tie late in the third period with a power-play goal to lift Philadelphia to its third straight win, a 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.

Captain Mike Richards netted a pair of goals - including his league-leading sixth shorthanded tally of the season - and added three assists for the Flyers, who have won five of their last six contests.