Pens Playoff Push 10-11

[pensodyssey]

I'm going to try to stay on top of this, but my dad is ill and I'm going back and forth between NYC and Pittsburgh.  If I miss a day, anyone can feel free to update it.

Also, I'll worry about the top of the standings when/if Philly catches up in GP.


4. PIT GP 68 W 39 L21 OTL 8 PTS 86
5. TB 66 37 21 6 82

Tonight
BUF 1 PIT 3

Got a coupla firsts out of the way.  Good to see Letestu stepping up tonight, 'cause we need a #1 center.  I wonder if he can play the point on the power play.
 
3/9
CHI@TB

[Captain Chaos]

Sorry to hear about your dad Penso, hope he's feeling better soon.

I'm just impressed with the effort this team has given in Sid's absense.  Everyone has stepped up their game.  It may not show up on the box scores each night but to a man, they bust their ass every shift.  This team doesn't know the meaning of the word quit.

[pensodyssey]

Thanks, dude.  There's not much chance of any kind of full recovery (he's been in AGH more or less since Thanksgiving) but we're hoping he can come home at some point.

Anyhoo... I am amazed at the transformation of this team into a physical force.  I'm sure we're all old enough to remember getting pushed around by the Flyers, Rangers, and just about every western conference team; more recently, the Caps have taken their shots.  Now, we lead the league in hits (the most BS stat in all of sports, but whatevs) and PIM, have guys in all three weight classes who can throw 'em with about anyone, and with Neal and Kunitz and Rupp and Adams, a violent forcheck on every shift. 

Gone are the days of Laraque and 24 lightweights, and if we have success in the playoffs, it will be because we outwork and outhit the opposition.

[Merman1983]

Sorry about your dad, man, good luck.


Huge 2 points last night. Neal was the best player on the ice, also great to get Kunitz back in action, really noticed him out there creating havoc. The powerplay is still a trainwreck and I honestly think they should scrap the idea of trying to run their base sets and use the Red Wings model of throwing everything they can at the net and creating traffic. Letang-Martin points, Kovy on the half-board, Neal in the slot and Kunitz in front. Just fire away and pray baby.

Even with the lack of offensive firepower I still think they can beat any team in the east in a 7 game series except Philly. The west is another story however.

[Finnegans Wake]

I only peripherally follow hockey, tho I do root for the Pens every playoff season.  Just sorry to hear about the old man.  I know it's hard on you and the family. 

[Y2Joyce]

let's go Pens. Get well, Mr Hatcher.

I'd love to play TB in the first round. All home games either way.

If Crosby comes back it's all over for everyone. If i've said it once then...I've said it, and he's the best NHL player ever. Leave the kid alone. Let him heal. But if he comes back? cups cups cupscups cupscupscups cups.

Fleury's the best goalie in the league.

I never thought I'd miss Malkin so much.

[pensodyssey]

4. PIT 68gp  39-21-88  86pts
5. TB 67gp 38-21-6 84pts

3/9
CHI 3 TB 4 (so)

3/11
OTT@TB

3/12
MON@PIT
TB@FLA

[Merman1983]

I'd love to play TB in the first round. All home games either way.

Yeah they are my number one choice but part of me wants Washington. Beating those fucks again (possibly without Crosby) would be fantastic.

[Captain Chaos]

Sid takes the ice this morning!

http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=5...twt-pghpenguins

If he can get back to game condition without any setbacks, this should greatly enhance our playoff hopes!

[pensodyssey]

4. PIT 70gp  40-22-8  88pts
5. TB 69gp 38-22-9 85pts

3/11
OTT 2 TB 1

3/12
MON 3 PIT 0
TB 3 FLA 4 (so)

3/13
EDM 1 PIT 5

3/14
TB@TOR