With the playoffs starting in just a short 11 days, the Penguins find themselves losing their last 2 games to the Flyers and the Lightning. Since the loss of superstars Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, the Penguins find it very difficult to score. This hasn't been too detremental since the Penguins defense ranks among the tops in the NHL. However, the Playoffs are an entirely different animal. You can't afford to go 0-5 on the powerplay night in and night out as the penguins have been doing. The Pens last 4 wins came by way of a shootout, the playoffs do not use shootouts, they have continuous overtimes. Does this mean trouble lies ahead for the Pens? Lets hear what you think?
M.Hillwig
As I recently commented on a similar blog, the Pens will have a tough time against their current playoff matchup, the Lightning. mainly due to the surge play by Stamkos and St. Louis. Tampa's goaltending, however, may be the one weakness in their opponent that the Pens need. If well timed shots from Kovalev or Letang can reach the net the Pens power forwards such as Staal or Neal may be able to score a surprise few. Not saying the first round will be impossible to win, but exploiting Tampa's goaltending and defense will have to be orchestrated perfectly to edge the Lightning in that series. Also, strong play by Fleury and newcomers Martin and Michalek will be necessary if the Pens are going to have any success this upcoming playoffs.
ReplyDelete