Getting ahead of ourselves but Crosby will win the Conn Smythe.

1. Matched up against every teams top line in a shut down role.
2. Leads the team in GWG.
3. Came up with a number of huge moments.
4. His composure has carried the team. His ability to skate away from the cheap shots he has taken instead of allowing scrums to start has really changed the dynamic for the Pens. He has kept his composure and the team has kept theirs.

Both Kessel and Murray have been great and would be deserving also, I just think Crosby has been on another level these playoffs even if all of the stats dont necessarily reflect that.
- MacPatty

If Sid wins it his haters are gonna go nuts about the NHL favoring him since Kessel had better stats.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

No offense, but you always seem to find a way to suck the joy out of everything. Every series is different and special in its own right. If you can't get jacked up for what's going on right now, maybe its time find something else to do and somewhere else to be.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

C'mon Sammy. Smile for me one time

Jokes aside, though, you're kind of right about this series not being as intertaining, but I think that only really started when it went to San Jose. We got to San Jose and the ice became awful and the refs put the whistles away, which combined to cause really sloppy hockey. These two teams are full flight, high octane, teams with lots of speed and fire power, but that hasn't been able to shine in San Jose. To me, this series is proof that clutch and grab is a big part of the reason why hockey hasn't taken off in the US. It's just not fun hockey to watch.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

I think it is tremendously entertaining to watch a team that is re-writing how the game should be played. Speed, pressure and discipline.

All the talk coming into the playoffs was about how this team didnt have enough physicality and how these bigger teams were going to punnish and impose their will on the Pens. I really believe you are going to start seeing teams start to copy this teams build and strategy.

I honestly get the feeling you arent actually a hockey fan and you just go on a bunch of message boards and post negative poop because you have a sad life outside the internet. Smile every once in a while sunshine!

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

When you have clutch and grab defense played by one side and on top of that poopty ice, you aren't going to get a lot of great hockey. Relax. We are freakin winning the series against a team most pundits thought would beat us in 6.

C'mon Sammy. Smile for me one time

Jokes aside, though, you're kind of right about this series not being as intertaining, but I think that only really started when it went to San Jose. We got to San Jose and the ice became awful and the refs put the whistles away, which combined to cause really sloppy hockey. These two teams are full flight, high octane, teams with lots of speed and fire power, but that hasn't been able to shine in San Jose. To me, this series is proof that clutch and grab is a big part of the reason why hockey hasn't taken off in the US. It's just not fun hockey to watch.
- Victoro311

I dont know. It might be 3-1 Pens but the every game except the last were 1 goal games with one of them going to OT. I dont have any nails left and Ive almost thrown up on my couch multiple times each game.

I realize the Pens are dominating a lot of the play but the scores have still been too close. Too close for comfort.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

You dont care about the Stanley Cup Finals when your team is in it? And you call yourself a hockey fan? I knew youve just been trolling us all this time.

C'mon Sammy. Smile for me one time

Jokes aside, though, you're kind of right about this series not being as intertaining, but I think that only really started when it went to San Jose. We got to San Jose and the ice became awful and the refs put the whistles away, which combined to cause really sloppy hockey. These two teams are full flight, high octane, teams with lots of speed and fire power, but that hasn't been able to shine in San Jose. To me, this series is proof that clutch and grab is a big part of the reason why hockey hasn't taken off in the US. It's just not fun hockey to watch.
- Victoro311

Amen.

I don't know I guess I'm just not a goalie guy and I hold goalies to really high standards when it comes to giving them the Smythe/Hart. IMO, Murray out played Lundqvist, was pretty even with Holtby but slight edge went to Holtby, was completely outplayed by Vasalevskiy, and is probably being outplayed by Jones in this series. If he's not even the best goalie on the ice for the majority of the serieses, then I just don't see how he could get the Smythe. He's also a very distant third in terms of SV% to Holtby and Bishop and there are a couple others in his general ball park. Yeah he's played two more serieses than those two, but still. That hurts his case IMO.
- Victoro311

I had Murray as our Conn Smythe winner after the first two rounds. I thought Murray outplayed Lundqvist and Holtby. Kind of thought Murray won the Washington series in what was a fairly even match from the skaters. Murray was badly outplayed in the Tampa Series. Felt we outplayed Tampa significantly but PDO almost lost us the series. Skaters are dominating this series; Murray really hasn't been tested much.

I'd go with Kessel as he seems to have more highlight plays to me and HBK line does seem like its our best offense. But I can argue for Crosby as his point production is reasonable and he's facing far tougher defensive responsibilities without having two very good defenders on his line like Hagelin/Bonino.

I think it is tremendously entertaining to watch a team that is re-writing how the game should be played. Speed, pressure and discipline.

All the talk coming into the playoffs was about how this team didnt have enough physicality and how these bigger teams were going to punnish and impose their will on the Pens. I really believe you are going to start seeing teams start to copy this teams build and strategy.

I honestly get the feeling you arent actually a hockey fan and you just go on a bunch of message boards and post negative poop because you have a sad life outside the internet. Smile every once in a while sunshine!
- MacPatty

I have an awesome life actually!

Game 3 was great. I had some friends over who dont watch hockey much and really enjoyed it. I just feel this series lacks the drama that the Wings series had. Maybe because I lived in Pitt at the time, but I had really high expectations for the series.

I think it is tremendously entertaining to watch a team that is re-writing how the game should be played. Speed, pressure and discipline.

All the talk coming into the playoffs was about how this team didnt have enough physicality and how these bigger teams were going to punnish and impose their will on the Pens. I really believe you are going to start seeing teams start to copy this teams build and strategy.

I honestly get the feeling you arent actually a hockey fan and you just go on a bunch of message boards and post negative poop because you have a sad life outside the internet. Smile every once in a while sunshine!
- MacPatty

Just not any team coached with an "old boys" mentality, aka anything coached by Tortorella.

How can we possibly win a cup without guys like Glass and Scuds and Orpik and Adams, right Grinder? Intangibles and what not. Need big bodys who can hit hard! Our team is soff!

I wonder if jfkst1 is ever going to come back.

But really I cant wait til that kind of dated stupid ass mentality is out of the game.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

Ughh...I dont know...I just think you're miserable no matter what.

2008: 1st series 4-0 Pens
2nd series 4-1 Pens
3rd series 4-1 Pens
4th series 4-2 Wings

2009: 1st series 4-2 Pens
2nd series 4-3 Pens
3rd series 4-0 Pens
4th series 4-3 Pens

So yeah 2009 had two games 7 but had a very anticlimactic ECF. If we're being honest with ourselves the Wings pretty much owned the Pens in 2008 (shut the pens out in game 1 and 2 and the Pens snuck a win in triple OT to get 2nd win of the series..a night that saw Fleury have to make almost 60 saves).

These playoffs have been very exciting IMO.

I dont know. It might be 3-1 Pens but the every game except the last were 1 goal games with one of them going to OT. I dont have any nails left and Ive almost thrown up on my couch multiple times each game.

I realize the Pens are dominating a lot of the play but the scores have still been too close. Too close for comfort.
- MattStrat

That's not really my point. The games' scores are close and the end keeps you on the edge of your seat, but the overall product has been mediocre since switching to San Jose. The games in Pitt were great. Game 1 was high class back and forth action where Pitt and San Jose exchanged long periods of time where they dominated. Game 2 was (frank)ing fantastic. I mean, I can watch the Pens dominate all game long. Then all of a sudden you get to game 3 and speed is being neutered bus sub par ice conditions and uncalled holds, hacks, and obstructions. As a Pittsburgh fan I'm on Cloud 9, but as a hockey fan the last two games have been a let down in terms of product I was expecting.

Just saying, Sammy is a depressing mofo, but he kind of has a point in a way, whether he meant to or not.

3rd period was pretty entertaining hockey. The rest of the game was kinda meh....IDK maybe I just dont care that much anymore more, but this series lacks the drama that the 2 Wings series had. The playoffs in general I dont think compare to the yesteryears.
- sammy87

That's not really my point. The games' scores are close and the end keeps you on the edge of your seat, but the overall product has been mediocre since switching to San Jose. The games in Pitt were great. Game 1 was high class back and forth action where Pitt and San Jose exchanged long periods of time where they dominated. Game 2 was (frank)ing fantastic. I mean, I can watch the Pens dominate all game long. Then all of a sudden you get to game 3 and speed is being neutered bus sub par ice conditions and uncalled holds, hacks, and obstructions. As a Pittsburgh fan I'm on Cloud 9, but as a hockey fan the last two games have been a let down in terms of product I was expecting.

Just saying, Sammy is a depressing mofo, but he kind of has a point in a way, whether he meant to or not.
- Victoro311

I understand what you mean now. The clutching and grabbing is insane by the Sharks. It really is. I said last night I hadnt seen that much obstruction in hockey games since the early 2000's.

I think it is tremendously entertaining to watch a team that is re-writing how the game should be played. Speed, pressure and discipline.

All the talk coming into the playoffs was about how this team didnt have enough physicality and how these bigger teams were going to punnish and impose their will on the Pens. I really believe you are going to start seeing teams start to copy this teams build and strategy.

I honestly get the feeling you arent actually a hockey fan and you just go on a bunch of message boards and post negative poop because you have a sad life outside the internet. Smile every once in a while sunshine!
- MacPatty

I think as a hockey fan your point is really important. We've been absolutely dominant these playoffs and even against teams like the Caps and the way San Jose has been playing the last two games, we keep finding ways to win. King of how gunslingers leading teams to Super Bowls changed the game of football from trench warfare to a QB dominant league and how the Warriors are changing the NBA to a small ball league, if we win the Cup this year and other teams catch on and emulate us, high speed and high skill hockey will naturally come to the forefront in spite of the way the league is run and officiated. If that happens and veiwership spikes, it will eventually force the NHL's hand to start running things differently and officiate games better and increase player safety measures as they have no choice but to respond to expanding profits.

That's not really my point. The games' scores are close and the end keeps you on the edge of your seat, but the overall product has been mediocre since switching to San Jose. The games in Pitt were great. Game 1 was high class back and forth action where Pitt and San Jose exchanged long periods of time where they dominated. Game 2 was (frank)ing fantastic. I mean, I can watch the Pens dominate all game long. Then all of a sudden you get to game 3 and speed is being neutered bus sub par ice conditions and uncalled holds, hacks, and obstructions. As a Pittsburgh fan I'm on Cloud 9, but as a hockey fan the last two games have been a let down in terms of product I was expecting.

Just saying, Sammy is a depressing mofo, but he kind of has a point in a way, whether he meant to or not.
- Victoro311

Very interested in seeing how they call game 5 ... at home ... in Pittsburgh. I'm not sure the NHL wants a five-game series. Do we continue to see SJ get away with assault, obstruction, or do they notice it for once? Seemed like SJ got away with a bunch at home.

Ughh...I dont know...I just think you're miserable no matter what.

2008: 1st series 4-0 Pens
2nd series 4-1 Pens
3rd series 4-1 Pens
4th series 4-2 Wings

2009: 1st series 4-2 Pens
2nd series 4-3 Pens
3rd series 4-0 Pens
4th series 4-3 Pens

So yeah 2009 had two games 7 but had a very anticlimactic ECF. If we're being honest with ourselves the Wings pretty much owned the Pens in 2008 (shut the pens out in game 1 and 2 and the Pens snuck a win in triple OT to get 2nd win of the series..a night that saw Fleury have to make almost 60 saves).

These playoffs have been very exciting IMO.
- MattStrat

I thought these playoffs have been some of the best all around hockey in a while. All 4 games have been intense, on the edge of your seat action, IMO. Sure shot totals may say differently, but with the score that close in every game, ANY shot could be a difference maker.

C'mon Sammy. Smile for me one time

Jokes aside, though, you're kind of right about this series not being as intertaining, but I think that only really started when it went to San Jose. We got to San Jose and the ice became awful and the refs put the whistles away, which combined to cause really sloppy hockey. These two teams are full flight, high octane, teams with lots of speed and fire power, but that hasn't been able to shine in San Jose. To me, this series is proof that clutch and grab is a big part of the reason why hockey hasn't taken off in the US. It's just not fun hockey to watch.
- Victoro311

Amen my man. The NHL (in typical fashion) pulled some of these games down to it's lowest common denominator.

Turning two high scoring teams into clutch and grab teams. It's full on MORONIC. I'm enjoying every minute, but seriously, what the hell are they thinking at the NHL offices?

I thought these playoffs have been some of the best all around hockey in a while. All 4 games have been intense, on the edge of your seat action, IMO. Sure shot totals may say differently, but with the score that close in every game, ANY shot could be a difference maker.
- j.boyd919

Exactly. How I feel too.

That's not really my point. The games' scores are close and the end keeps you on the edge of your seat, but the overall product has been mediocre since switching to San Jose. The games in Pitt were great. Game 1 was high class back and forth action where Pitt and San Jose exchanged long periods of time where they dominated. Game 2 was (frank)ing fantastic. I mean, I can watch the Pens dominate all game long. Then all of a sudden you get to game 3 and speed is being neutered bus sub par ice conditions and uncalled holds, hacks, and obstructions. As a Pittsburgh fan I'm on Cloud 9, but as a hockey fan the last two games have been a let down in terms of product I was expecting.

Just saying, Sammy is a depressing mofo, but he kind of has a point in a way, whether he meant to or not.
- Victoro311

Doesn't help that the past 2 games have still felt like a scripted foregone conclusion to a degree. Pens have looked like the better team period for virtually the entire series & the like the only team that can beat them is themselves by not playing with the energy with which we know they can play. But even then, ok, sharks come out & find a way to gut out a win in Game 3 back on home ice, but the Pens domination one again shows up & the Pens put the Sharks on ropes with a game 4 win. It hasn't really felt like an evenly PLAYED series so far, even if it's been a series of close scores. And had it not been for posts & bouncing pucks and bad bounces for the Pens, this series could have already been over in pretty convincing fashion.

That's on top of the awful San Jose ice & the refs leaving their whistles in the locker room & a pretty lame case of reffing not only the score but the series record.

Doesn't help that the past 2 games have still felt like a scripted foregone conclusion to a degree. Pens have looked like the better team period for virtually the entire series & the like the only team that can beat them is themselves by not playing with the energy with which we know they can play. But even then, ok, sharks come out & find a way to gut out a win in Game 3 back on home ice, but the Pens domination one again shows up & the Pens put the Sharks on ropes with a game 4 win. It hasn't really felt like an evenly PLAYED series so far, even if it's been a series of close scores. And had it not been for posts & bouncing pucks and bad bounces for the Pens, this series could have already been over in pretty convincing fashion.

That's on top of the awful San Jose ice & the refs leaving their whistles in the locker room & a pretty lame case of reffing not only the score but the series record.
- ScienceJesus

Reffing the score is a big issue for me. It totally skews the game. Especially when the refs allow a certain kind of penalty(obstruction) go that clearly benefits one slower bigger team.

Dumo seems to be getting better every game. Really impressed with him. He's not physical but really excels at board play as of late. Good poise too. I think the goals will come. Any chance we extend him early? Another year of this play is gonna cost us.

Reffing the score is a big issue for me. It totally skews the game. Especially when the refs allow a certain kind of penalty(obstruction) go that clearly benefits one slower bigger team.
- Thorny87

Best Avatar on this board by the way! Although Victoro's is great too. You need to post a little on the Rags blog.