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
No comments:
Post a Comment