Here we are. The quest for the three-peat officially begins on Wednesday night. What a remarkable couple of seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins. winning back to back titles in the salary cap era is such an amazing accomplishment. Winning three in a row would put them up with any other run in the history of the NHL given the salary cap and the number of teams in the league.

The first task will be defeating the Philadelphia Flyers. Here is the schedule for round one.

Here’s the complete Eastern Conf. #StanleyCup Playoff Schedule. All Games on @SiriusXMNHL and @SiriusXM @siriusxmcanada pic.twitter.com/B1JQCxTsHv

— SiriusXM NHL Network (@SiriusXMNHL) April 9, 2018

It won't be easy because it never is. Even the best teams in this sport have low odds to win it all. Here are some projections

🎆💀🦀 Chances for 2017-2018 with the bracket finally set. Road teams are next to division names, divisional winners on the four corners. pic.twitter.com/FtGQU0JbTP

— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) April 9, 2018

Guess who has the best odds though! Even then it is only 16%. Odds are good for round one against the Flyers. The Penguins have more depth even without Derick Brassard in the lineup. Average goaltending should be enough to get them through. Will they get it?

Here is another look at the upcoming series.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Philadelphia Flyers series preview

The defending Cup champs have the upper hand thanks to an overwhelming depth advantage. https://t.co/3FgmRWNMDu pic.twitter.com/MGENXQ83xg

— dom 🛩 (@domluszczyszyn) April 9, 2018

I really enjoy Dom's work and think his series breakdowns are very easy to digest while being super informative. Worth the subscription alone.

Did you fill out your bracket?

The #NHLBracket Challenge is back! Who you got? Register: https://t.co/b1Gz9lMLFJ pic.twitter.com/BpqOHQO2FB

— NHL (@NHL) April 9, 2018

If you are wondering why the NHL has this stupid playoff format it is because they think they can capture the excitement of the NCAA tournament in bracket form. They don't. We are here anyways.

Be thankful if you aren't a Canadiens fan. They are screwed.

"I believe that with a better or different attitude, we don't have 40 losses." Marc Bergevin #TSN690

— Conor McKenna (@mckennaconor) April 9, 2018

Just a few more smiles and it could have been a playoff year. This is a fireable statement in the year 2018. This is especially true when your biggest trade was to bring in an elite locker room guy! The only logical next step is obviously hiring Pierre McGuire. If you are going to go down in flames let the entire hockey world enjoy it from afar.

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 82 Comments » Post New Comment

» Penguins heading to Worlds and tonight's draft odds

» Penguins have their fall guy in Todd Reirden

» Fenway Sports Group making big changes to digital product

» Penguins deny permission to talk to Mike Sullivan

» The Penguins make changes to coaching staff... not that one