I'm really hoping for Pens/Hawks. Two dominant offensive teams going toe to toe. Yes the ECF will be a tough series. A great defensive team vs a great offensive team. I really believe it comes down to the Pens commitment to team defense. I saw positive progression in that regard in the last series, but it's hard to tell how far they've come because Ottawa was less than an offensive juggernaut.

I'll say it again... I don't think it can be undersold how good James Neal looked those last couple of games. He finally looks like he's shed the effects of his head and leg injuries.
- madmike71

Neal is getting hot. Having both of those line getting hot at the same time is huge. So much talent on this team that they just need to play good defense not great. That's just not our team we're going to give up some chances.

BTW I think Fleury win the Ottawa series too. I'm just saying because I still believe he's the better goalie but you can't leave Vokoun unless he loses bad.

Good game thus far
- Killian

Haven't watched it due to other obligations, but saw the stats. 8 total shots by both teams. Did they play the four corners?

Despres has the frame to match up on Jags and to skate with him too.
- powerhouse

Jagr shouldn't be a concern matchup wise. He is done he just can't do it anymore. There comes a point where Father Time catches up to everyone and yes he still has his moments of greatness but for the most part now he is just a guy who can only go all out for about 20 seconds a shift. And I liked jagr I just hope he retires because I don't want to watch him play next year at a level that would be a joke to his past.

Neal is getting hot. Having both of those line getting hot at the same time is huge. So much talent on this team that they just need to play good defense not great. That's just not our team we're going to give up some chances.

BTW I think Fleury win the Ottawa series too. I'm just saying because I still believe he's the better goalie but you can't leave Vokoun unless he loses bad.
- lloyd095

I believe MAF is the better tender too, but like you say, you can't sit Vokoun because he's been tremendous. People saying Rask is better, haven't been watching how good Vokoun has been. I don't think we win the Isle series without him.

The one thing that bothers me about MAF is he still loses confidence. All the skills in the world, but when his confidence goes, he blows up. Can't have that this time of year. He ultimately might not work here because this team will always pay more attention to offense over defense. I think MAF would be a stud on a more defensively sound team.

I believe MAF is the better tender too, but like you say, you can't sit Vokoun because he's been tremendous. People saying Rask is better, haven't been watching how good Vokoun has been. I don't think we win the Isle series without him.

The one thing that bothers me about MAF is he still loses confidence. All the skills in the world, but when his confidence goes, he blows up. Can't have that this time of year. He ultimately might not work here because this team will always pay more attention to offense over defense. I think MAF would be a stud on a more defensively sound team.
- madmike71

And fleury still lets in way too many soft ones for my liking it was funny hen he joked about it during the parade after the 09 cup but he was winning even though he would give then up. He should have that problem fixed by now.

I believe MAF is the better tender too, but like you say, you can't sit Vokoun because he's been tremendous. People saying Rask is better, haven't been watching how good Vokoun has been. I don't think we win the Isle series without him.

The one thing that bothers me about MAF is he still loses confidence. All the skills in the world, but when his confidence goes, he blows up. Can't have that this time of year. He ultimately might not work here because this team will always pay more attention to offense over defense. I think MAF would be a stud on a more defensively sound team.
- madmike71

He's so athletic. When he's on his game he's right up there with the top goalies it's to bad that seems to happen before we get into the playoffs.

Sharks score.... Now this game should get fun!

I believe MAF is the better tender too, but like you say, you can't sit Vokoun because he's been tremendous. People saying Rask is better, haven't been watching how good Vokoun has been. I don't think we win the Isle series without him.

The one thing that bothers me about MAF is he still loses confidence. All the skills in the world, but when his confidence goes, he blows up. Can't have that this time of year. He ultimately might not work here because this team will always pay more attention to offense over defense. I think MAF would be a stud on a more defensively sound team.
- madmike71

very much agree with this. i always used to think fleurys mental makeup was good for the way this team plays, but it seems to be the exact opposite anymore. goals are going to be give up. if he doesnt have the ability to not mentally implode, he wont be able to be the guy for this team.

I believe MAF is the better tender too, but like you say, you can't sit Vokoun because he's been tremendous. People saying Rask is better, haven't been watching how good Vokoun has been. I don't think we win the Isle series without him.

The one thing that bothers me about MAF is he still loses confidence. All the skills in the world, but when his confidence goes, he blows up. Can't have that this time of year. He ultimately might not work here because this team will always pay more attention to offense over defense. I think MAF would be a stud on a more defensively sound team.
- madmike71

Fleury would thrive in NJ

Fleury would thrive in NJ
- Oneonta Penguin

definitely.

Fleury would thrive in NJ
- Oneonta Penguin

I don't see the Pens letting Fleury go anytime soon though. Plus I think Fleury use to do better when he was getting shelled. Maybe last years playoffs took a toll on him because he kept us in the Tampa series when everyone was hurt. Also was good in Montreal if Halak wasn't GREAT.

Both series will be awesome if Detroit loses

I don't see the Pens letting Fleury go anytime soon though. Plus I think Fleury use to do better when he was getting shelled. Maybe last years playoffs took a toll on him because he kept us in the Tampa series when everyone was hurt. Also was good in Montreal if Halak wasn't GREAT.
- lloyd095

whenever the team commits to a defensive system in front of him, he is a stud. he doesnt seem to have that bounce back in front of him. he used to routinely give up 3 goals in a game, but yet still make huge saves at huge times to ensure a win. now, once the first goal goes in, he gets shredded by the onslaught he will inevitably face due to the teams style

Both series will be awesome if Detroit loses
- lloyd095

Yeah, the NHL will get the 4 best teams if Chicago dumps Detroit tomorrow. Here's hoping! I hate Detroit's game. Hate the trap.

I rather see the Wings win so the Pens get home ice automatically in the SCF if they beat Boston.

Yeah, the NHL will get the 4 best teams if Chicago dumps Detroit tomorrow. Here's hoping! I hate Detroit's game. Hate the trap.
- madmike71

I agree Detroit needs to go. I cant stand that hockey. They clutch and grab the whole game and officiating doesn't call it. This style holds the NHL back.

Yeah, the NHL will get the 4 best teams if Chicago dumps Detroit tomorrow. Here's hoping! I hate Detroit's game. Hate the trap.
- madmike71

Amen, even though I'd want the easy road for the Penguins, the Champs of 2013 will have to earn it. Go Hawks. As a hockey fan I want that bad.

Could easily the best final 4 in the history of the game.

I rather see the Wings win so the Pens get home ice in the SCF if they beat Boston.
- acdc1206

Forget about beating boston, at least that's what I keep reading in the comments of article in tsn.ca. Do people actually believe some of the stupid things they write?

Here are some of my favorites:

1. If Pittsburgh was in the West, they would have finished 6th or 7th, maybe not even made the playoffs. They do realize that Pittsburgh had more points than boston, so exactly how good would they have done in the West then?

2. They barely beat the New York Islanders and needed two overtime games to do it. ( I guess then the TML are as good as the '76 Canadiens and boston only needed the greatest 3rd period choke of all-time to win that series.)

3. Pittsburgh is just a bunch of hired guns. You mean they made trades at the deadline to try and improve their chances of winning? Just like boston got Jagr and tried to get Iginla.

I know it's people just being the ultimate homers but my God, be a homer but say something that actually makes sense.

Forget about beating boston, at least that's what I keep reading in the comments of article in tsn.ca. Do people actually believe some of the stupid things they write?

Here are some of my favorites:

1. If Pittsburgh was in the West, they would have finished 6th or 7th, maybe not even made the playoffs. They do realize that Pittsburgh had more points than boston, so exactly how good would they have done in the West then?

2. They barely beat the New York Islanders and needed two overtime games to do it. ( I guess then the TML are as good as the '76 Canadiens and boston only needed the greatest 3rd period choke of all-time to win that series.)

3. Pittsburgh is just a bunch of hired guns. You mean they made trades at the deadline to try and improve their chances of winning? Just like boston got Jagr and tried to get Iginla.

I know it's people just being the ultimate homers but my God, be a homer but say something that actually makes sense.
- stevens87

4. Boston is going to physically crush the weak, finesse lineup of the Penguins.

4. Boston is going to physically crush the weak, finesse lineup of the Penguins.
- cygnus41

Effing bring it, I love it. I hope the team is getting an earful of what a bad team they are.

OBTW

Saturday, June 1 8 p.m.

Monday, June 3: Bruins at Penguins, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5: Penguins at Bruins, 8 p.m.

Friday, June 7: Penguins at Bruins, 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 9: Bruins at Penguins, 8 p.m. (if necessary)

Tuesday, June 11: Penguins at Bruins, TBA, (if necessary)

Wednesday, June 12: Bruins at Penguins, TBA (if necessary

Seriously NHL? Back to backs for 6 and 7. Also I think the WCF game 7 is the same day on a Wednesday. Do they hate the fans?
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.c...ght-689504/#ixzz2Uf6wcFqL

Effing bring it, I love it. I hope the team is getting an earful of what a bad team they are.

OBTW

Saturday, June 1 8 p.m.

Monday, June 3: Bruins at Penguins, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5: Penguins at Bruins, 8 p.m.

Friday, June 7: Penguins at Bruins, 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 9: Bruins at Penguins, 8 p.m. (if necessary)

Tuesday, June 11: Penguins at Bruins, TBA, (if necessary)

Wednesday, June 12: Bruins at Penguins, TBA (if necessary

Seriously NHL? Back to backs for 6 and 7. Also I think the WCF game 7 is the same day on a Wednesday. Do they hate the fans?
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.c...ght-689504/#ixzz2Uf6wcFqL
- Sell My Monkey

They need to. If they it was the 13th, and then a 2 day break to start the SCF, and assuming a SCF game every 2 days, you're looking at a possible SCF Game 7 on the 28th (if scheduling needs a 2-day break, the 29th). With the draft on the 30th, they need to give themselves a few days.

Forget about beating boston, at least that's what I keep reading in the comments of article in tsn.ca. Do people actually believe some of the stupid things they write?

Here are some of my favorites:

1. If Pittsburgh was in the West, they would have finished 6th or 7th, maybe not even made the playoffs. They do realize that Pittsburgh had more points than boston, so exactly how good would they have done in the West then?

.
- stevens87

In 2011-2012 the Pittsburgh Penguins were 13-2-3 against the Western Conference. Only St. Louis had a better inter-conference record at 14-2-2.

So my wife is trying to put down the hammer and say I can only go to one game per round bc its getting too expensive... I told her I will think about it

My solution is take her to game 1, sell game 2, and then take buddy to game 5 if needed. If there is a game 7 I will also be there but might have to take her again...

So my wife is trying to put down the hammer and say I can only go to one game per round bc its getting too expensive... I told her I will think about it

My solution is take her to game 1, sell game 2, and then take buddy to game 5 if needed. If there is a game 7 I will also be there but might have to take her again...
- nh4442

Hit her right in the hair.

In 2011-2012 the Pittsburgh Penguins were 13-2-3 against the Western Conference. Only St. Louis had a better inter-conference record at 14-2-2.
- Gunner Staal

Don't use statistics such as wins and losses to make a point.