Crosby just coming back is going to be the perfect situation for other teams to actually take advantage of. I think almost every action towards him will warrant an overreaction from the Pens. They'll be overly protective of him through out the series and if we can get someone with a little grit to annoy him throughout the series, we'll have a mental edge.

I'd definitely prefer Montreal or Washington, but I have no problem taking the bull by the horns in this case.

Crosby just coming back is going to be the perfect situation for other teams to actually take advantage of. I think almost every action towards him will warrant an overreaction from the Pens. They'll be overly protective of him through out the series and if we can get someone with a little grit to annoy him throughout the series, we'll have a mental edge.

I'd definitely prefer Montreal or Washington, but I have no problem taking the bull by the horns in this case.
- keaner17

If we won the series it would be an incredible thing for this team in so many different ways. I know I'm being "captain obvious" right now.

I don't think anyone is "miserable" about that? I know I'm not. Did'nt look like their best effort, that's all. You can't say anything objective on here without someone saying you're (frank)ing miserable. It gets a bit tiring after a while.
- Cptmjl

to be honest for the last 6 years its been fairly accurate

If we won the series it would be an incredible thing for this team in so many different ways. I know I'm being "captain obvious" right now.
- Cptmjl

Obviously, as a Rangers fan I want to avoid Pittsburgh like the plague, but I also kind of want to see the Pens-Isles as a hockey fan. There has been a great deal of heat between those teams over the last couple of years, and I just can see it being a great series. I feel the same way of Boston and the Rangers, in that certain teams, when put together, just produce great games.

If we won the series it would be an incredible thing for this team in so many different ways. I know I'm being "captain obvious" right now.
- Cptmjl

But it rings true that this would be a shot heard around the world which would have an effect of sales, free agency, the whole nine yards. 'Super Teams' like Pittsburgh often stumble in the playoffs against teams who play sound system hockey. The Devils made a living by beating better teams in the playoffs through the 90's and early 2000's. Ultimately the Isles have to believe that this is the PERFECT opportunity for them.

to be honest for the last 6 years its been fairly accurate
- NYI78

OK as is my previous post...

Obviously, as a Rangers fan I want to avoid Pittsburgh like the plague, but I also kind of want to see the Pens-Isles as a hockey fan. There has been a great deal of heat between those teams over the last couple of years, and I just can see it being a great series. I feel the same way of Boston and the Rangers, in that certain teams, when put together, just produce great games.
- Pete V

In an odd sort of way, I think we're better cut out for Pittsburgh whereas you're a better matchup for Boston. That said, despite the fact that Boston hasn't played that well as of late, I'm actually more intimidated by them than Pittsburgh. They're a tough big team built perfectly for a playoff run and Jagr adds a huge dimension to their game with his ability to control the corners and create opportunities in small space. He does most of his work under the areas where shots get blocked. That is a tough, physical team that has booming shots from the point while having hard nosed forwards that collect rebounds. I don't envy the team that plays them.

But it rings true that this would be a shot heard around the world which would have an effect of sales, free agency, the whole nine yards. 'Super Teams' like Pittsburgh often stumble in the playoffs against teams who play sound system hockey. The Devils made a living by beating better teams in the playoffs through the 90's and early 2000's. Ultimately the Isles have to believe that this is the PERFECT opportunity for them.
- keaner17

Exactly, just have to find that same game we had a couple weeks ago and bring it every game we play in the PO. It's that simple but of course as we all know easier said then done. Capuano has to put his big boy pants on right now and get these guys back to where they were. If not they have to find it within themselves. Looking foward to this

Crosby just coming back is going to be the perfect situation for other teams to actually take advantage of. I think almost every action towards him will warrant an overreaction from the Pens. They'll be overly protective of him through out the series and if we can get someone with a little grit to annoy him throughout the series, we'll have a mental edge.

I'd definitely prefer Montreal or Washington, but I have no problem taking the bull by the horns in this case.
- keaner17

also...crosby hasnt played in a good number of weeks...if he comes back, hell probably be a step or 2 behind; granted its sidney crosby, but at least he shouldnt be in mid season form.

Thanks, I am happy. Very happy with this team. Saying I want them to maintain their winning attitude does'nt make me miserable or think the sky is falling. Stop being sensitive.
- Cptmjl

Not unhappy with the team....unhappy with the effort for the first 55 minutes last night, with something still to play for. Again, it's not losing that bothers me- they can play their a$$es off, and they'll still likely lose to the Pens in at most five or six games. It's the apparent disinterest I saw for most of the game last night that I felt was not acceptable, given the circumstances.

Obviously, as a Rangers fan I want to avoid Pittsburgh like the plague, but I also kind of want to see the Pens-Isles as a hockey fan. There has been a great deal of heat between those teams over the last couple of years, and I just can see it being a great series. I feel the same way of Boston and the Rangers, in that certain teams, when put together, just produce great games.
- Pete V

if this in fact the series...its going to be VERY physical; ill expect to see carkner in there for a game or 2...

In an odd sort of way, I think we're better cut out for Pittsburgh whereas you're a better matchup for Boston. That said, despite the fact that Boston hasn't played that well as of late, I'm actually more intimidated by them than Pittsburgh. They're a tough big team built perfectly for a playoff run and Jagr adds a huge dimension to their game with his ability to control the corners and create opportunities in small space. He does most of his work under the areas where shots get blocked. That is a tough, physical team that has booming shots from the point while having hard nosed forwards that collect rebounds. I don't envy the team that plays them.
- keaner17

agreed....pitt is hot but id rather them then the bruins... if isles play a sound, physical, fore/backchecking, finish their checks and pressure the hell out of the pens, theyll have as good a shot as anyone to advance.

Not unhappy with the team....unhappy with the effort for the first 55 minutes last night, with something still to play for. Again, it's not losing that bothers me- they can play their a$$es off, and they'll still likely lose to the Pens in at most five or six games. It's the apparent disinterest I saw for most of the game last night that I felt was not acceptable, given the circumstances.
- dcb1

talk about confidence in your team!!!

also...crosby hasnt played in a good number of weeks...if he comes back, hell probably be a step or 2 behind; granted its sidney crosby, but at least he shouldnt be in mid season form.
- LetsGoIsles

remember when he hadt played in like... MONTHS and played us... they STILL show his hi-lights from that game.

XxNYIxX

remember when he hadt played in like... MONTHS and played us... they STILL show his hi-lights from that game.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

seriously!!!!

...imagine how bad it would have been had he been in mid season form...

agreed....pitt is hot but id rather them then the bruins... if isles play a sound, physical, fore/backchecking, finish their checks and pressure the hell out of the pens, theyll have as good a shot as anyone to advance.
- LetsGoIsles

I'd take the B's over the Pens, given a choice. I know earlier I said it's really unpredictable regarding who will get hot in the playoffs and who won't...but, I don't doubt the Pens are going to find a very high gear this year in the playoffs. They made the right moves, imo. If things get a bit out of hand and Crosby loses his cool, like last year against the Flyers, you have an old pro like Iginla now whose words probably carry a lot of weight.

The Bruins...if they fire on all cylinders, they'll be nearly unbeatable, but I think the odds of them getting to that level are a little longer. They just seem to me like a tougher group to get all on the same page.

I dont think anyone thinks the sky is falling, but it does suck to start the evening contending for the #5 spot & ending the evening in the 8th spot with only 1 game to go.
We went from a possible favorable match up with the Habs.. which the leafs won & locked up the spot.. even if we won it wouldn't have mattered..
But by losing in a piss poor effort to a non playoff team our next favorable match up with the Caps was given away & now we have the B's or most likely the Pens...
I understand they cant win every game & have had a wonderful month.. but they played flat yesterday and just because we are in the playoffs, i wont be happy that they blew a great chance at something better.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Good summary...xx..

I'd take the B's over the Pens, given a choice. I know earlier I said it's really unpredictable regarding who will get hot in the playoffs and who won't...but, I don't doubt the Pens are going to find a very high gear this year in the playoffs. They made the right moves, imo. If things get a bit out of hand and Crosby loses his cool, like last year against the Flyers, you have an old pro like Iginla now whose words probably carry a lot of weight.

The Bruins...if they fire on all cylinders, they'll be nearly unbeatable, but I think the odds of them getting to that level are a little longer. They just seem to me like a tougher group to get all on the same page.
- UIF

My bigger question is not whether the Pens willl be able to find the right gear but whether their play will work out in the playoffs. With teams tightening up more and playing tight checking even borderline clutch and grab (which the refs notoriously revert back to 1996 in the playoffs), the immense talent factor becomes less relevant as it becomes more about who's sticking to their responsibilities and can find a little space. These games all tend to be won on sloppy goals or scrums in front of the net. Pittsburgh is unquestionably the most diverse team in the playoffs, but I don't think they're as cut out for the type of game played in the playoffs as Boston.

Despite Boston's struggles of late, I expect their perfect mold for playoff play to ultimately help them elevate their play. I'd rather play the finess team than the Bully's, since we seem to combat that style better.

Well, to tell you guys the truth;
I don't care who we play, how good Crosby is, how tough the Bruins are, I don't. We made the playoffs with a makeshift roster. We made the playoffs when we were predicted to finish last in the east. We made the playoffs. Boys, it's time to make history.
I don't care how outmatched we are. It's time to beLIeve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZmLSFBGpEc

Well, to tell you guys the truth;
I don't care who we play, how good Crosby is, how tough the Bruins are, I don't. We made the playoffs with a makeshift roster. We made the playoffs when we were predicted to finish last in the east. We made the playoffs. Boys, it's time to make history.
I don't care how outmatched we are. It's time to beLIeve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZmLSFBGpEc
- Danformo

I guess, if you like small victories.

XxNYIxX

If Crosby comes back first game... I tell Boulton to take his head off...

Off to the game for me!!!

I will have my son with his Isles jersey on.

Sitting on the glass... goal line... Isles end!!!

Must get there for pregame warmups!!!!

Off to the game for me!!!

I will have my son with his Isles jersey on.

Sitting on the glass... goal line... Isles end!!!

Must get there for pregame warmups!!!!


- jimmc7722

have fun

I realize we were trying to add a little toughness to combat Philly's chippy game, but I really wish Cappy would stop trying to let other teams dictate his lineup. We've been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the last month and yet still felt compelled to alter the lineup for a non playoff team.

Hated the decision to sit Hickey. Quietly, I think Hickey has been one of our best dmen this year. Sitting him for Carkner simply wasn't necessary in my opinion. I'd also have preferred to have Joensuu in the lineup rather than Boulton, who brought little to nothing.

In short, I think we really tossed a major opportunity away and quite possible killed our chances at seeing round 2. That said, it's prison rules..pick the baddest mofo in the yard and punch em' right in the mouth. Teams who play the best lockdown/responsible defense will beat talented teams that run and gun. If the Isles can get back to what they've done over the last month, I'd say we should fear no one...but can we?
- keaner17

Keaner again I'm struck that you seem to be writing exactly what I'm thinking. If I had to pick our top two defensemen this year, Hickey would be one of them. LV would be the other, above Hamonic. Hickey's been amazing for me to watch, a small defenseman who can lay the body, positions himself extremely well and has a very active stick. He reminds me a ton of Don Sweeney, the former Bruin defense partner to Ray Bourque. Sweeney was reliable defensively and allowed Bourque to roam the ice as needed offensively and could chip in a bit offensively as well. I'm not sure if we'll see that from Hickey but defensively I am extremely impressed.

ladies and gentleman, welcome to the final Islanders game of the regular season, and this year, FVCK THE DRAFT!

we're back baby!