Stanley Cup Playoffs

"It's a hockey night here in Pittsburgh." Everyone knows the voice of Mike Lange ringing out these familiar words and after the game 1 loss to Ottawa, it is time to take some interest in this first round match-up.

The black and gold of the Pittsburgh sports scene has long been the life-blood of this neglected steel town. The city has thrived upon the successes of both the Steelers and Penguins and likewise been devastated by seventeen straight losing seasons for the Pirates. As the Penguins begin their playoff run for a second consecutive Stanley Cup, a few things stand out as different from last season.

First, the two-headed dragon of Crosby and Malkin is seemingly injured. While Crosby had a breakout year in terms of goal production (finally breaking the 50 goal plateau), Malkin suffered from injuries and had stifled offensive production throughout the regular season. After game 1, however, in which Malkin scored two goals and added an assist, will he thrive in the playoffs and lift the Penguins to their second run of two straight Stanley Cups? Only time will tell if the these two young players will once again lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup.

Second, defensive point production is up this season from last season. Gonchar has played an integral part in the Penguins power play (as seen when he went down with injury and the power play suffered) as have Goligoski and Letang. In addition, adding the likes of Jordan Leopold and getting greater production from Orpik, the defense has shouldered more of the offensive load than last season. Some say, however, that this greater offensive production has led to the defensive inconsistency that the Penguins have had throughout the season and after giving up five goals to Ottawa in game one, who is to say they aren't right. Regardless, the off season losses of Scuderi and Gill will have an effect on this year's playoffs.

Finally, the competition that the Penguins will have to face to win another Stanley Cup is stiffer and deeper than last year. The Washington Capitals are an offensive machine and look hard to stop heading into the playoffs having lost only two games in regulation since the Olympic break. The Buffalo Sabres have arguably the best goaltender in the National Hockey League in Ryan Miller. In the Western Conference the teams look even better. Regardless of the Western Conference champion, the Eastern Conference champion will have their hands full. Whether its Vancouver and the Sedin brothers, Chicago with the addition of Hossa, or San Jose with one of the most potent offensive lines in the NHL, it will be a challenge. Teams have matured, added players, and the competition looks tougher than ever as the Penguins make their playoff run.

Regardless of the Penguins chances in the playoffs, this year is different. To win a second Stanley Cup, however, the Penguins have to "play their game." Role players such as Talbot, Kennedy, and Cooke have to step up, Fleury must make big saves, and the Penguins energy line must score goals. If the Penguins can do these things, this year will be just like last year ending with another Stanley Cup raised above Crosby's head. LET'S GO PENS!