The playoffs are full of games that make your hair fall out. There are games that are shootouts like game 1.
Then, there are games like game 2, games where you know the first goal could be all the difference.
I have said "games" or "game" 6 times already. Actually, make it 8.
Somewhere, Brendan Shanahan demands to know why the arena is empty.
Martin Straka is crying because the game didn't end quickly enough.
Sean Avery is trying to figure out what shirt looks best when eating crow.
And Scott Gomez loudly reads Mein Kampf on the flight back to New York.
Once the excitement from game 1 was over and game 2 was underway, the fans were treated to some dominate Penguins hockey early. Henrik Lundqvist was as a brick wall throughout the game, and his best saves came early on.
Marc-Andre Fleury was apparently playing in the first as well, but he didn't have to do much early on. The Rangers owe their souls to Lundqvist for his play in the first. If he isn't on his game, the score is already 3-0 Penguins after the first.
More back and forth hockey to begin the 2nd. Both teams take penalties, and Brendan Shanahan makes an appearance in Fleury's crease. No word yet as to who explained the crease concept to Shanahan. That was also the last time Shanahan was noticed.
By the way, doesn't Scott Gomez play for the Rangers?
Anyways, Chris Drury forgets that holding is a penalty and he goes to the box and Shanahan yells something from the place on the bench where he could continue to be useless.
The Pens swarm Lundqvist, but they continue to be stopped and/or missing the net.
Finally, Malkin makes the perfect pass to Staal who not only undresses Lundqvist, but also names his future children.
1-0 Penguins!!!
Whitney made a nice play to keep it in the zone.
The 2nd period ends with less action than you during your senior prom.
The 3rd period was just as intense as the first 2 periods. The action was quick and soon there was less than 10 minutes left.
As the game got more and mor eintense, Sykora forgets to keep control of his stick and Girardi takes one in the face. No blood is drawn, but Shanahan needs told what blood looks like.
This originally was the biggest penalty of the game, and the Pens do a tremendous job of killing it. Rob Scuderi does all the little things right, and his penalty killing work is underrated.
Somehwere in the scramble, the puck goes in the net behind Fleury. But wait, Crosby dives in front of the ref and the ref blows the whistle because he can't see the puck.
Goal is disallowed. Replays clearly show that the whistle blew before the puck crosses the line.
Brendan Shanahan demands to know what a goal line is.
The penalty is killed and with just 2:22 remaining, Sean Avery pretends he gets shot and goes down like he is in the lockerroom when Gill's stick makes contact. Penalty on Gill.
The Rangers keep the pressure on and pull Lundqvist. The Rangers try to get shots on net, but the Penguin penalty killers block shots like it was their job.
The Pens clear the crease, the puck goes to Adam Hall and Hall clears the puck off of the boards and the puck just rolls, and rolls, and rolls and Hal Gill just out of the box chases it very slowly and the puck rolls over the goal line.
Game. Set. Matching shirts for Avery and Drury.
The Rangers call a time-out and decide to throw Avery out there.
Therrien sees Georges Laraque and throws him out on the ice, along with Hal Gill.
As time expires, Avery tries to get Fleury's number, Fleury tells Avery he isn't into guys and Avery throws a fit and Hal Gill doesn't appreciate it.
Avery shits his fabulous pants and grabs onto a linesman for protection.
Game ends.
Game 3 is Tuesday in Madison Square Garden.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
So yea...
When I said "game 2 preview coming soon," I actually meant to say "Round 2 preview coming soon."
The Pens will most likely face the New York Rangers, aka The Bloody Vagina Rags.
Once it is established, a preview will be posted.
The Pens will most likely face the New York Rangers, aka The Bloody Vagina Rags.
Once it is established, a preview will be posted.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Phil Sheridan
The "columnist" from the Philadelphia Inquirer posted this crap.
Phil Sheridan still gets wedgies from the rest of the sports department.
He should really worry that if the Pens really did tank the last game, why were the Flyers only able to score a lone legitimate goal? (The empty netter aside)
Worry about your own team and get back to trying to meet women on the internet.
Phil Sheridan still gets wedgies from the rest of the sports department.
He should really worry that if the Pens really did tank the last game, why were the Flyers only able to score a lone legitimate goal? (The empty netter aside)
Worry about your own team and get back to trying to meet women on the internet.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Eastern Conference Match Ups
Playoffs are set. The Penguins, having lost (or thrown) the game against Philly will face the Ottawa Senators, again. Tomorrow I'll break down the Pens/Sens, but for now let's check out the rest of who is facing who.
#1 Canadiens vs. #8 Bruins
The Bruins are an extremely effective trapping team. Any Pens fan the latter half of the year can attest to that. However, they're not playing the Penguins. The Habs have a coach who will adjust his offense around the B's trapping. His boys will find a way around Zdeno Chara's Stretch Armstrong like reach.
The Bruins will take Game 3 as a gimme home game. They're in front of their home crowd and pumped up. They'll squeeze one win out. Otherwise, the Habs at even strength and on the Power Play will prove to be too much for the Bruins to handle.
Habs win in 5 very lopsided games.
#3 Capitals vs. #6 Flyers
Caps in 6 extremely physical games.
#4 Devils vs. #5 Rangers
The last few seasons Marty has failed come playoff time, and adding another year to that equation wont help. He's the glue that holds the team, an otherwise weak and offensively putrid team, together. He'll be solid the first few games, then by game three he'll come unhinged. Soft, un-Brodeur like goals will find their way behind him.
Even though they're not offensively stacked, the Rangers have more offense than the Devils and have a very solid goaltender. The Rags may lose the first two when Marty is running on home ice adrenaline. After they get to MSG, his ex-wife's voodoo doll takes full effect. His five hole becomes wider, his arms become a little heavier, his legs a little clunkier. Things aren't as smooth, and pucks he'd normally stop will go by him.
Rags win in 6 very boring games.
Tomorrow: Pens/Sens and West
#1 Canadiens vs. #8 Bruins
The Bruins are an extremely effective trapping team. Any Pens fan the latter half of the year can attest to that. However, they're not playing the Penguins. The Habs have a coach who will adjust his offense around the B's trapping. His boys will find a way around Zdeno Chara's Stretch Armstrong like reach.
The Bruins will take Game 3 as a gimme home game. They're in front of their home crowd and pumped up. They'll squeeze one win out. Otherwise, the Habs at even strength and on the Power Play will prove to be too much for the Bruins to handle.
Habs win in 5 very lopsided games.
#3 Capitals vs. #6 Flyers
It's going to be an overly physical series, but that plays right into Ovechkin's hands. He loves that kind of game, and he's going to be lapping up every second of ice he can get to try to throw some big check on Richards, Briere, or any other female the Flyers have. The extra adrenaline will make Ovechkin play even better. If you think the Steel City Line did damage to the Flyers, wait until Ovechkin gets his step on home ice.
The Caps team will simply over power the Flyers. They also wont be as beat up as everyone thinks they will be. The Caps injured defense will cost them a few games, but over all the Ovechkin's will triumph behind his stellar shot and behind the able goal tending of Huet.
The Caps team will simply over power the Flyers. They also wont be as beat up as everyone thinks they will be. The Caps injured defense will cost them a few games, but over all the Ovechkin's will triumph behind his stellar shot and behind the able goal tending of Huet.
Caps in 6 extremely physical games.
#4 Devils vs. #5 Rangers
The last few seasons Marty has failed come playoff time, and adding another year to that equation wont help. He's the glue that holds the team, an otherwise weak and offensively putrid team, together. He'll be solid the first few games, then by game three he'll come unhinged. Soft, un-Brodeur like goals will find their way behind him.
Even though they're not offensively stacked, the Rangers have more offense than the Devils and have a very solid goaltender. The Rags may lose the first two when Marty is running on home ice adrenaline. After they get to MSG, his ex-wife's voodoo doll takes full effect. His five hole becomes wider, his arms become a little heavier, his legs a little clunkier. Things aren't as smooth, and pucks he'd normally stop will go by him.
Rags win in 6 very boring games.
Tomorrow: Pens/Sens and West
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Let's Not Forget the West
In the West, things aren't quite as clear. The only thing for sure right now is the Red Wings, who won the President's Trophy with113 points against the Predators of Nashville. Too many scenarios for my feeble mind to compute right now, so I'll update these tomorrow when all is said and done.
The one thing that is for sure is who is in the playoffs:
1. Detroit Red Wings 113 pts
2. San Jose Sharks 108 pts
3. Minnesota Wild 97 pts
4. Anaheim Ducks 100 pts
5. Dallas Stars 95 pts
6. Calgary Flames 94 pts
7. Colorado Avalanche 93 pts
8. Nashville Predators 91 pts
That is the rankings at this time, but with everyone but the Flames and Predators having to play one more game, things could change as towards the match ups. I will update you tomorrow as soon as the match ups are set.
Through the play offs we will primarily cover the Penguins, but we will also do our best to give you details about every match up we can.
I should really check with Aaron when I say these things....
Nick
The one thing that is for sure is who is in the playoffs:
1. Detroit Red Wings 113 pts
2. San Jose Sharks 108 pts
3. Minnesota Wild 97 pts
4. Anaheim Ducks 100 pts
5. Dallas Stars 95 pts
6. Calgary Flames 94 pts
7. Colorado Avalanche 93 pts
8. Nashville Predators 91 pts
That is the rankings at this time, but with everyone but the Flames and Predators having to play one more game, things could change as towards the match ups. I will update you tomorrow as soon as the match ups are set.
Through the play offs we will primarily cover the Penguins, but we will also do our best to give you details about every match up we can.
I should really check with Aaron when I say these things....
Nick
Sunday Update
After last nights games, things are much clearer. The Hurricanes are out after a 3-1 win by the Capitals over Florida. The Canadiens won their game by the same score, giving them temporary hold of the #1 overall spot. No matter what happens, they're playing the Bruins.
What this means for the Penguins:
A win today and they're #1 overall. They will face the Flyers in the first round. A loss today and they have #2 locked up, and face the Ottawa Senators.
What the rest of the playoffs look like:
A Pens win today means the Capitals at #3 will play the Senators. A Pens loss means the Caps get the Flyers.
The Rangers and Devils are playing each other no matter what, with the Devils getting home ice as the #4 seed.
The 1/8 match up could be:
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
or
Montreal vs. Boston
the 2/7 match up could be:
Montreal vs. Boston
or
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
the 3/6 match up could be:
Washington vs. Ottawa
or
Washington vs. Philadelphia
and the 4/5 match up is:
New Jersey vs. New York Rangers
It all depends on today's games and quite honestly... I'd rather see the Senators. It'd be easier, and there's the whole revenge factor. I wont complain either way.
Let's go Pens!
Nick
What this means for the Penguins:
A win today and they're #1 overall. They will face the Flyers in the first round. A loss today and they have #2 locked up, and face the Ottawa Senators.
What the rest of the playoffs look like:
A Pens win today means the Capitals at #3 will play the Senators. A Pens loss means the Caps get the Flyers.
The Rangers and Devils are playing each other no matter what, with the Devils getting home ice as the #4 seed.
The 1/8 match up could be:
Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
or
Montreal vs. Boston
the 2/7 match up could be:
Montreal vs. Boston
or
Pittsburgh vs. Ottawa
the 3/6 match up could be:
Washington vs. Ottawa
or
Washington vs. Philadelphia
and the 4/5 match up is:
New Jersey vs. New York Rangers
It all depends on today's games and quite honestly... I'd rather see the Senators. It'd be easier, and there's the whole revenge factor. I wont complain either way.
Let's go Pens!
Nick
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Sunday, April 6th Penguins @ Flyers
vs
Sunday, April 6th 3:00 pm @ Wachovia Center
A potentially top seeded Pittsburgh Penguins team comes into Philadelphia to play their cross town rivals, the Flyers at 3:00pm. The season series is at 4-3 in favor of the Flyers, however the Pens have taken the last three.
The Penguins come into the game with a record of 47-26-8 with 102 points, aiming for the #1 overall seed in the East.
The Flyers start the game at 41-29-11 with 92 points and trying to enter the playoffs as the #7 seed.
This is the final game of the season for both teams.
This game could very well be a preview of a playoff series that will start Wednesday. The only way the Penguins do not face the Flyers is a Canadiens defeat tonight and a Flyers victory tomorrow. If that were to happen, the #1 Penguins would face the #8 Ottawa Senators and the #2 Canadiens would play the #7 Flyers.
This game is notable as it marks the return of Gary Roberts to the line up. Will he be disappointed that whipping boy Ben Eager is no longer there? Only time will tell.
With Ruutu, Laraque, Roberts, Gill, and Malone expected to play and the Flyers being... well... the Flyers, expect this game to be extremely chippy and have more than a few gloves dropped.
Since the Flyers swept the first half of the season series, the Penguins have destroyed the Flyers, winning all three games since by a combined total of 14-6.
Expected Penguins starter Marc Andre Fleury is 2-1 against the Flyers this season, with a 2.33 GAA and .917 Save %, stopping 76 out of 83 shots.
Expected Flyers starter Martin Biron is 4-3 against the Penguins this season, with a 3.14 GAA and a .872 save %, stopping 155 of 172 shots.
Penguins top scorer against the Flyers on the season: Evengi Malkin- 6 goals, 7 assists in 7 games
Flyers top scorer against the Penguins on this season: R.J. Umberger- 4 goals, 5 assists in 7 games
Home team is 5-2 on the season.
And finally, because this needs to be re-lived: Gary Roberts stamping Ben Eager's ticket to Chicago
Carolina on my mind...and my shoe
-Someone forgot to tell the Hurricanes that a win last night would have cemented them into the playoffs as the 3rd seed of the eastern Conference. Thanks to their epic Mama Cass choke, they now await the winner of the Capitals/Panthers game. The same Panthers that defeated them last night.
-Speaking of collapse, the Ottawa Senators have installed a beeping noise into their team, that way everyone knows that they backed into the playoffs. The Canes loss gave Ottawa a playoff spot, and the chance to relax for a few days since they have no remaining regular season games.
-Montreal takes on Toronto in each of those respective teams last games of the regular season. In the case of Toronto, their last game of this hockey year. If Toronto can pull off an upset, the Penguins would clinch the eastern Conference for only the 2nd time in their history. The 1st and only time the Penguins were the best team in the East, they were also the best team in hockey, winning their only President's trophy. I need not remind true hockey fans what happened that playoff season, but if you forgot, don't ever say the name Volek around Pittsburgh.
-My prediction is a Penguins/Flyers first round match-up. If you don't hate the Flyers yet, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU??!!, but also, you will, if this match-up happens.
Nick will have the preview later on, but that is all from Aaron. IFYOUKNOWWHATIMEAN!
-Speaking of collapse, the Ottawa Senators have installed a beeping noise into their team, that way everyone knows that they backed into the playoffs. The Canes loss gave Ottawa a playoff spot, and the chance to relax for a few days since they have no remaining regular season games.
-Montreal takes on Toronto in each of those respective teams last games of the regular season. In the case of Toronto, their last game of this hockey year. If Toronto can pull off an upset, the Penguins would clinch the eastern Conference for only the 2nd time in their history. The 1st and only time the Penguins were the best team in the East, they were also the best team in hockey, winning their only President's trophy. I need not remind true hockey fans what happened that playoff season, but if you forgot, don't ever say the name Volek around Pittsburgh.
-My prediction is a Penguins/Flyers first round match-up. If you don't hate the Flyers yet, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU??!!, but also, you will, if this match-up happens.
Nick will have the preview later on, but that is all from Aaron. IFYOUKNOWWHATIMEAN!
Playoff Possibilites Part 2 (where I spell Hooray right)
So continuing our look at potential playoff match-ups for the Pens, some games were played last night. Nothing that happened effects who the Pens could play so thankfully this makes my job MUCH easier and I dont look quite so stupid.
Possible matchup #3:
Philadelphia Flyers
Currently #8, 93 Points, one game left
Season series: 4-3 in favor of Flyers
The Flyers have always been in a thorn in the Penguins side. From the early days of the match up that I'm far too young to remember, to the recent times Eric Lindros has forgotten (not because he wanted to, either) the Flyers have always played the Penguins hard and beaten them like a rented mule.
In the past two years, the script was flipped a bit. Last year the Flyers were woeful, finishing at the bottom of the league. The Penguins, during their magical mystery tour, swept the season series 8-0, including Crosby's first hat trick.
At the trade deadline and during the off season a series of shrewd trades were made, accruing players like Kimmo Timmonen, Scottie Upshall, Braydon Coburn, Martin Biron, Scott Hartnell, and Joffery Lupul. As a result, they picked up a new attitude and came out of the gates on fire. In spite of several early season suspensions for extremely dirty plays, they climbed to the top of the league ranks. They swept the first half of the season series 4-0 with the only highlight being the destruction of Ben Eager's children's children.
Perhaps it was karma, or just Philly being Philly but somewhere along the way they lose their attitude and changed. Since then the Flyers have plummeted, dropping to 8th in the East (by a nose). The Pens have managed to nearly reclaim the season series, taking the last three in a row. It hasn't stopped the Flyers from trying to force their way into games by taking out the oppositions best players. This is why the Penguins should worry about the Flyers.
The Flyers match up extremely well against the boys from the city that loves brothers. The Pens can outscore, out hustle, and out goalie the Flyers. The problem lies in how dirty the Flyers actually are.
They received a total of 52 games in suspensions throughout the season and if the Flyers know they're not going to win, they're going head hunting. That means Hossa, Sykora, Crosby, and Malkin are the prime targets. If the Flyers cant advance, they want to make sure the team that does cant make it to the next round.
They're not the Broad Street Bullies, they're just douchebags. And while the Pens could win this series in 5 or 6 easily, they would do so at a severe disadvantage going into the next round. This series would not only be won on the score board, but along the board by Laraque, Ruutu, Roberts, Malone, and Gill. The Flyers are who should be feared the second most, and not because of upset potential.
I know I said there were four potential match ups, but over night the Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers and lost their control of their playoff destiny. If Washington wins tonight, they are in as the #3 three seed and Carolina, having completed their season, are left sitting at home. If the Capitals lose, they're golfing and the Canes are still in the picture as the #3 seed.
If the Canadiens lose tonight to the Maple Leafs, then the Pens are locked in at #1 no matter the outcome of the Flyers game tomorrow. If the Pens then lose, they will play the Senators. If the Pens win tomorrow, they play the Flyers.
What it all boils down to is, the Pens are playing the Flyers or Senators. Making half of the work I did yesterday pointless.
I'll write up a Flyers/Penguins preview shortly. Or before the game. Or somewhere in between. Start taking bets, I want a share of the winnings.
Nick
Possible matchup #3:
Philadelphia Flyers
Currently #8, 93 Points, one game left
Season series: 4-3 in favor of Flyers
The Flyers have always been in a thorn in the Penguins side. From the early days of the match up that I'm far too young to remember, to the recent times Eric Lindros has forgotten (not because he wanted to, either) the Flyers have always played the Penguins hard and beaten them like a rented mule.
In the past two years, the script was flipped a bit. Last year the Flyers were woeful, finishing at the bottom of the league. The Penguins, during their magical mystery tour, swept the season series 8-0, including Crosby's first hat trick.
At the trade deadline and during the off season a series of shrewd trades were made, accruing players like Kimmo Timmonen, Scottie Upshall, Braydon Coburn, Martin Biron, Scott Hartnell, and Joffery Lupul. As a result, they picked up a new attitude and came out of the gates on fire. In spite of several early season suspensions for extremely dirty plays, they climbed to the top of the league ranks. They swept the first half of the season series 4-0 with the only highlight being the destruction of Ben Eager's children's children.
Perhaps it was karma, or just Philly being Philly but somewhere along the way they lose their attitude and changed. Since then the Flyers have plummeted, dropping to 8th in the East (by a nose). The Pens have managed to nearly reclaim the season series, taking the last three in a row. It hasn't stopped the Flyers from trying to force their way into games by taking out the oppositions best players. This is why the Penguins should worry about the Flyers.
The Flyers match up extremely well against the boys from the city that loves brothers. The Pens can outscore, out hustle, and out goalie the Flyers. The problem lies in how dirty the Flyers actually are.
They received a total of 52 games in suspensions throughout the season and if the Flyers know they're not going to win, they're going head hunting. That means Hossa, Sykora, Crosby, and Malkin are the prime targets. If the Flyers cant advance, they want to make sure the team that does cant make it to the next round.
They're not the Broad Street Bullies, they're just douchebags. And while the Pens could win this series in 5 or 6 easily, they would do so at a severe disadvantage going into the next round. This series would not only be won on the score board, but along the board by Laraque, Ruutu, Roberts, Malone, and Gill. The Flyers are who should be feared the second most, and not because of upset potential.
I know I said there were four potential match ups, but over night the Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers and lost their control of their playoff destiny. If Washington wins tonight, they are in as the #3 three seed and Carolina, having completed their season, are left sitting at home. If the Capitals lose, they're golfing and the Canes are still in the picture as the #3 seed.
If the Canadiens lose tonight to the Maple Leafs, then the Pens are locked in at #1 no matter the outcome of the Flyers game tomorrow. If the Pens then lose, they will play the Senators. If the Pens win tomorrow, they play the Flyers.
What it all boils down to is, the Pens are playing the Flyers or Senators. Making half of the work I did yesterday pointless.
I'll write up a Flyers/Penguins preview shortly. Or before the game. Or somewhere in between. Start taking bets, I want a share of the winnings.
Nick
Friday, April 4, 2008
Flyers/Devils
Tonight's Atlantic Division match-up that you must pay attention to, and by must I mean if you can, is the Philadelphia Flyers hosting the New Jersey Devils.
-Tonight's game will decide if the regular season finale in Philadelphia is a must-win for the Flyers. If the Flyers win tonight, they are all but assured of a playoff spot. Lose and they absolutely have to win Sunday against the Penguins.
-One of the keys to the Flyers tonight is if Danielle Brasseire can take time out her busy "not worth the money" schedule of being anti-clutch and perhaps do something other than complain about there being checking in hockey and help carry the high-priced Flyers into the playoffs.
-Another big key to the Flyers success is Martin "Mrs. Brasseire" Biron. He has shown down the stretch that his 5-hole is wide and that is causing calls every hour from Sean Avery, thus losing much sleep.
-Scott Hartnell learned that trying to knock Sidney Crosby off hof his game just causes him to be more on his game. He is a physical guy, but that only works in the lockerroom after games.
For the Devils, if they win tonight, they get home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. That is huge for them because it allows Marty Brodeur to keep an eye on new in-laws to hook up with.
-They will most likely match-up against the New York Rangers. The Rangers have made the Devils their bitch this season, going 7-0 with one game to play. Being able to play the Rangers in more home games would benefit the Devils, since it would give them a quiet place to play.
If you're a Penguins fan, you should root for the Devils because that would give the Penguins a great opportunity of knocking the Flyers out of the playoffs once and for all.
This is Aaron, and that is life, deal with it.
-Tonight's game will decide if the regular season finale in Philadelphia is a must-win for the Flyers. If the Flyers win tonight, they are all but assured of a playoff spot. Lose and they absolutely have to win Sunday against the Penguins.
-One of the keys to the Flyers tonight is if Danielle Brasseire can take time out her busy "not worth the money" schedule of being anti-clutch and perhaps do something other than complain about there being checking in hockey and help carry the high-priced Flyers into the playoffs.
-Another big key to the Flyers success is Martin "Mrs. Brasseire" Biron. He has shown down the stretch that his 5-hole is wide and that is causing calls every hour from Sean Avery, thus losing much sleep.
-Scott Hartnell learned that trying to knock Sidney Crosby off hof his game just causes him to be more on his game. He is a physical guy, but that only works in the lockerroom after games.
For the Devils, if they win tonight, they get home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. That is huge for them because it allows Marty Brodeur to keep an eye on new in-laws to hook up with.
-They will most likely match-up against the New York Rangers. The Rangers have made the Devils their bitch this season, going 7-0 with one game to play. Being able to play the Rangers in more home games would benefit the Devils, since it would give them a quiet place to play.
If you're a Penguins fan, you should root for the Devils because that would give the Penguins a great opportunity of knocking the Flyers out of the playoffs once and for all.
This is Aaron, and that is life, deal with it.
Playoffs Possibilies Part One (hoory alliteration)
That's right, readers (all five of you... counting the three that write this). The playoffs are right around the corner, and our/your/their Pittsburgh Penguins will be taking part.
At worst the Penguinos are promised no worse than the second seed overall in the East. This means they're playing the 7th or 8th seed. Which means unless Therrien decides to put Dany Sabourin on a line with Georges Laraque and Mike Yeo they're probably moving on to the second round. The Pens have four* possible first round match-ups (Senators, Bruins, Capitals, Flyers), and it's my job (ne, duty!) to break them down for you right now.
(*The Pens could possibly play the Rangers, but it's a good bet that wont happen.)
Possible match up #1:
Ottawa Senators
Currently #6, 94 Points, one game left
Season Series: 3-1 in favor of Ottawa
Yes, we could see the Senators again. Last season they out played, out hustled, out scored, and out not-sucked the Pens in their series. That series ended 4-1 in favor of the Senators who went on to lose to the Ducks in the Finals (I say this in case you're new to the game). They were tough, talented, and driven. This year... not so much.
They started out like gangbusters. Their top line was eating defense alive (and helped my fantasy team) and started out 14-0-1 . Since that time, however, they've crashed. 29-30-7 since that time (and the dramatic fall of said fantasy team) has brought them down to earth.
Personnel problems have hampered them. Their coach was replaced mid-way through the year. Their top goalie from their Cup run last year, Ray Emery, decided he didn't like the way he was being treated as a secondary goalie (even though Martin Gerber was outstanding) and went on Operation Shutdown. Injuries hampered their big three. Trade deadline deals have more hampered than helped. And it's all be downhill from there.
What it boils down to is, we should not fear the Senators (unless you're riding with Dany Heatley). Their goal tending is shaky, the top line threat they had has all but disappeared, and their defense has lost its edge. The Pens could easily outscore the Senators, since their goalies are being let down by their defense and their offense decides not to show up. Pens would return the favor, take this series 4-0, and leave all of Ottawa wondering how the Raiders will do.
Possible matchup #2:
Boston Bruins
Currently #7, 92 points, two games to play
Season Series: Split 2-2
The Penguins came out early on in the year against the Bruins and got into shooting matches with them. In two games they outscored the Bears 9-6. Since then, the Pens have been outscored 7-2 when playing the Beantown crew.
A number of things could play part in this. When the latter two games were play, Crosby was out making the Pens a one line team. The Bruins could have figured out Claude Julien's trap much more. Finally, having the guy from My Giant playing almost 30 minutes a game.
From this authors point of view, this team scares me most. Julien has the team playing very boring but effective trap hockey, that clogs the middle of the offensive zone forcing all the plays from the outside. Having Chara and his huge wing span in the middle to clear the net and block shots/steal passes is EXTREMELY beneficial for the Bruins in a match up against the Pens.
The Pens thrive on getting someone in front to screen for their perfect shots that they too often take. If there's one thing that Boston fans know, it's what happens to perfect shots. Against a trapping team like the Bruins, your pretty shots are not going to make it through. Not many shots are going to make it through. You have to take it to the net in order to score. Since Therien doesn't switch strategies, but juggle lines instead, and will continue to hope that a pretty shot will go through, the Pens best hope is to get their power play clicking again.
If Mike Yeo can learn how to run the power play correctly, keeping movement throughout and getting a big body in front, the Pens will win this series 4-1. If not, this series is going to seven games.
Part two coming up later tonight after I'm done earning my keep. - Nick
At worst the Penguinos are promised no worse than the second seed overall in the East. This means they're playing the 7th or 8th seed. Which means unless Therrien decides to put Dany Sabourin on a line with Georges Laraque and Mike Yeo they're probably moving on to the second round. The Pens have four* possible first round match-ups (Senators, Bruins, Capitals, Flyers), and it's my job (ne, duty!) to break them down for you right now.
(*The Pens could possibly play the Rangers, but it's a good bet that wont happen.)
Possible match up #1:
Ottawa Senators
Currently #6, 94 Points, one game left
Season Series: 3-1 in favor of Ottawa
Yes, we could see the Senators again. Last season they out played, out hustled, out scored, and out not-sucked the Pens in their series. That series ended 4-1 in favor of the Senators who went on to lose to the Ducks in the Finals (I say this in case you're new to the game). They were tough, talented, and driven. This year... not so much.
They started out like gangbusters. Their top line was eating defense alive (and helped my fantasy team) and started out 14-0-1 . Since that time, however, they've crashed. 29-30-7 since that time (and the dramatic fall of said fantasy team) has brought them down to earth.
Personnel problems have hampered them. Their coach was replaced mid-way through the year. Their top goalie from their Cup run last year, Ray Emery, decided he didn't like the way he was being treated as a secondary goalie (even though Martin Gerber was outstanding) and went on Operation Shutdown. Injuries hampered their big three. Trade deadline deals have more hampered than helped. And it's all be downhill from there.
What it boils down to is, we should not fear the Senators (unless you're riding with Dany Heatley). Their goal tending is shaky, the top line threat they had has all but disappeared, and their defense has lost its edge. The Pens could easily outscore the Senators, since their goalies are being let down by their defense and their offense decides not to show up. Pens would return the favor, take this series 4-0, and leave all of Ottawa wondering how the Raiders will do.
Possible matchup #2:
Boston Bruins
Currently #7, 92 points, two games to play
Season Series: Split 2-2
The Penguins came out early on in the year against the Bruins and got into shooting matches with them. In two games they outscored the Bears 9-6. Since then, the Pens have been outscored 7-2 when playing the Beantown crew.
A number of things could play part in this. When the latter two games were play, Crosby was out making the Pens a one line team. The Bruins could have figured out Claude Julien's trap much more. Finally, having the guy from My Giant playing almost 30 minutes a game.
From this authors point of view, this team scares me most. Julien has the team playing very boring but effective trap hockey, that clogs the middle of the offensive zone forcing all the plays from the outside. Having Chara and his huge wing span in the middle to clear the net and block shots/steal passes is EXTREMELY beneficial for the Bruins in a match up against the Pens.
The Pens thrive on getting someone in front to screen for their perfect shots that they too often take. If there's one thing that Boston fans know, it's what happens to perfect shots. Against a trapping team like the Bruins, your pretty shots are not going to make it through. Not many shots are going to make it through. You have to take it to the net in order to score. Since Therien doesn't switch strategies, but juggle lines instead, and will continue to hope that a pretty shot will go through, the Pens best hope is to get their power play clicking again.
If Mike Yeo can learn how to run the power play correctly, keeping movement throughout and getting a big body in front, the Pens will win this series 4-1. If not, this series is going to seven games.
Part two coming up later tonight after I'm done earning my keep. - Nick
And we're off
That's Leadership is a blog that will discuss Penguins hockey and anything else the creators feel like. Our plan is to make it as funny as we can since we both are pretty much awesome. One of us has photoshop skills that rival Ben Eager's fight skills, so the other guy will handle that. If you read this, any ideas that you think will help improve will be taken into consideration. "Eat shit and die" will even be taken into consideration. Thanks for reading, we will have more up as we get it.
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