Going into Nashville might be a godsend or it might be tough. Might be a godsend because the team might simplify & stop trying to "entertain" as much for the hometown fans and just play hockey instead of trying to do their Harlem Globetrotters on ice impression. Might be tough because it's going into the lion's den. Maybe Rinne rights his head playing in front of his hometown fans.

Not really any harder a place to play than most. Their home record wasn't anything amazing this season. Granted they've only lost one game there in these playoffs so far, but home ice advantage is typically magnified during the playoffs.

I'm actually liking the Penguins chances better playing a road game as far as allowing them to better dictate offensively than they do at home. A little less East-West and more North-South. Maybe get a couple dirty goals also and stop being so concerned with making the perfect pass, etc. with their perimeter game. The PP sure couldn't get any worse.
- NJPensfan

Thats true. The Pens tend to play a more simple straight forward game the road. They will also be away from all the distractions of home and get good rest in a quiet hotel.

Might be tough because it's going into the lion's den. Maybe Rinne rights his head playing in front of his hometown fans.
- ScienceJesus

Don't think his head has anything to do with his issues. The Pens simply have always been successful against him and typically goalies of his build and stature. Analysts were talking about that for the past couple says actually.

Must be nice to be up 2-0 when you've been out played badly in both games.

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Must be nice to be up 2-0 when you've been out played badly in both games.

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Huh? The Preds had a 5 on 3 and the Pens had a very close offisides goal called back. So that stuff was reversed from first game. Subban faked injury and got them a PP. Pens didnt score one on any of their PP's.

Once again tons of legit calls missed for boths sides.

Such an undeserved goal.... team is a poop show of a joke. Dirty and classless cheap shots
- Guile

I bet you loved them 2 weeks ago, no? Funny how every team that the Penguins play in classless and filled with cheapshot artists.

But I do agree, there were a ton of missed calls last night filled with some very marginal calls. Sid gets straight-up punched in the head by Subban without a call, then gets a ticky-tack interference call in the 3rd. No consistency at all.

Good win last night, Murray with a hell of a game.

Huh? The Preds had a 5 on 3 and the Pens had a very close offisides goal called back. So that stuff was reversed from first game. Subban faked injury and got them a PP. Pens didnt score one on any of their PP's.

Once again tons of legit calls missed for boths sides.
- MattStrat

Just not worth it..just say thanks it is nice and move on lol

Just not worth it..just say thanks it is nice and move on lol
- taleisyreXIII

Yeah...soon as I hit submit I regretted it.

Yeah...soon as I hit submit I regretted it.
- MattStrat

I've been there. Ugh it's gonna take forever for Saturday lol.

Must be nice to be up 2-0 when you've been out played badly in both games.

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Feels outstanding to see the Pens take their chances & have our goalies (Flower did extremely well early), keep it all together.

A sports show mentioned this this morning: Murray is technically still a rookie. First time a rookie goalie backstopped a team to two Stanley Cups?

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Is there a way they could instead give the MVP to all the whiny bitter non-fans of the Penguins? I mean; they've definitely earned it this season. Seriously.
Slow..Golf..Clap.

Don't think his head has anything to do with his issues. The Pens simply have always been successful against him and typically goalies of his build and stature. Analysts were talking about that for the past couple says actually.
- NJPensfan

I don't disagree, but if he could somehow wipe his history out of his memory or get past it, maybe he's slightly less of a detriment to his team. But you are correct in that the Pens have been eating these tall goalies alive for the past few years.

A sports show mentioned this this morning: Murray is technically still a rookie. First time a rookie goalie backstopped a team to two Stanley Cups?
- NJPensfan

Yes it would be...i think. Murray has definitely proved me wrong. I was all maf beginning the playoffs last season. The kid is constantly proving me wrong.

Must be nice to be up 2-0 when you've been out played badly in both games.

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Refs blow for both sides always. The only person to blame here is Rinne. He gifted us Game 1 and insured Nashville couldn't win in Game 2.

I don't disagree, but if he could somehow wipe his history out of his memory or get past it, maybe he's slightly less of a detriment to his team. But you are correct in that the Pens have been eating these tall goalies alive for the past few years.
- ScienceJesus

Lobotomy?

I think this is my favorite Malkin to watch play hockey. He is imposing his will physically and on the scoreboard. He is playing on the edge without taking himself out of the game mentally. I loved him toying around with Subban at the end. PK was pissed and Malkin was having fun with it.

I'm not sure who the Conn Smythe is at this point... Malkin, Guentzel or a split award between Fleury and Murray. Can they do that?

A sports show mentioned this this morning: Murray is technically still a rookie. First time a rookie goalie backstopped a team to two Stanley Cups?
- NJPensfan

Which was the second one?

And you're correct, no rookie goalie has ever won 2 Stanley Cups. Dryden led Montreal to a Cup and then won the Calder the next season. Roy, Niemi, and Ward are the others to win one as a rookie.

Must be nice to be up 2-0 when you've been out played badly in both games.

This years Conn Smythe has got to be the refs, they've given you a few important games now.
- Squilliam-

Bobrovsky
Holtby
Anderson
Rinne

3 Vezina Finalists, 2 former winners, all getting defeated...but yeah its the refs. haha. Calgary fans haha

I think this is my favorite Malkin to watch play hockey. He is imposing his will physically and on the scoreboard. He is playing on the edge without taking himself out of the game mentally. I loved him toying around with Subban at the end. PK was pissed and Malkin was having fun with it.

I'm not sure who the Conn Smythe is at this point... Malkin, Guentzel or a split award between Fleury and Murray. Can they do that?
- MacPatty

I think it's gotta either be Guentzel, MAF, or Hainsey.

Guentzel, despite his mini-slump, has scored some huge goals.

MAF pretty much single-handedly beat the Caps.

Hainsey has been a pillar of....something.

I think this is my favorite Malkin to watch play hockey. He is imposing his will physically and on the scoreboard. He is playing on the edge without taking himself out of the game mentally. I loved him toying around with Subban at the end. PK was pissed and Malkin was having fun with it.

I'm not sure who the Conn Smythe is at this point... Malkin, Guentzel or a split award between Fleury and Murray. Can they do that?
- MacPatty

I was thinking last night that if the Pens pull this off the Conn Smythe should be shared with the two goalies. Not a chance in hell Pens are in the 3rd round without Fleury and now Murray has taken the reigns.

Lobotomy?
- NJPensfan

Might be the only way. I mean, having that baggage in his brain can't really be helping him. He's already the kind of goalie that the Pens eat alive. Add a bunch of baggage on top of that & it compounds the problem. Slightly less sucky would still be an improvement for him & the Preds at the moment.

I think this is my favorite Malkin to watch play hockey. He is imposing his will physically and on the scoreboard. He is playing on the edge without taking himself out of the game mentally. I loved him toying around with Subban at the end. PK was pissed and Malkin was having fun with it.

I'm not sure who the Conn Smythe is at this point... Malkin, Guentzel or a split award between Fleury and Murray. Can they do that?
- MacPatty

I think that both goalies are out. I think it's a two horse race between Malkin and Guentzel with Crosby as the dark horse due to Canadian media votes. Personally I'd give it to Malkin due to Guentzel's rough stretch during the Ottawa series. I'd also love to see a Phil Kessel makeup Conn Smythe hahaha.

Just got into St. Petersburg and repping my Malkin jsweater. LGP!!!

Yes it would be...i think. Murray has definitely proved me wrong. I was all maf beginning the playoffs last season. The kid is constantly proving me wrong.
- taleisyreXIII

I'm still a Fleury fan and think outside of his historical issues against Ottawa, he would be just as capable as Murray to get the job done. I'll even go as far as saying if Murray is in net to start the playoffs and doesn't injure himself before game 1, we don't get past Columbus and D.C...Fleury was that good in those first two series. If they can win two more games, they both will be just as important in this cup run and Fleury should have no shame in hoisting the cup like he sorta looked like last season. I'd actually be surprised if Sid doesn't hand it to him first this time.