The Penguins know they're treading a treacherous path. Ask some former Flyers - they've been here before.

Five times in franchise history the Flyers have had a 3-1 series lead and ended up in a Game 7. Three times they eeked out a victory - including last season against Washington.

However, twice they blew it - 1988 against the Caps in the Patrick Division semifinals and in 2000 against New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Finals.

So, it's not out of the question that the Flyers will be in a one-game, winner-takes all clash at the Igloo next Monday.

But, they have to get through Game 6 first.

Now, it's looking more and more possible that it might happen.

The Flyers feel confident. They feel like they should have won this series by now, and to their credit, they have been the better team in four of the five games thus far.

But, they still trail, and they have no wiggle room left. They have to play as close to perfection as possible. Game 5 was a good example.

Now, Game 6 should be an absolute war. And the crowd should be amazing.

The thing is, the Penguins know the Flyers have been the better team in the series. You could sense it in their locker room. Their coach Dan Bylsma made lineup changes despite leading in the series because he was trying to jump start his team.

Meanwhile, you could sense the energy from the Flyers in their locker room after the game. They want Game 6 bad. They know what's at stake. Pittsburgh is bummed that they have to go back into the den of the orange clad monster.

Yesterday on Daily News Live, I predicted a loss in Game 5. I was wrong. I still think the Pens win the series, but in Game 7, not Game 6.

Therefore, my original prediction of Pittsburgh in seven holds up.

But, after Game 5, I'm starting to think, I might be wrong again.