Viewpoint

The only tradition in Canada is sitting in the Tim Horton's drive-thru, idling and eating donuts... Penguins rule. Get it into ya...

Uh, The Pens beat Ottawa in 4 and the Habs play game 7 tonight.Uh Carey Price has given up 10 goals in two games...There is your rookie of the year..By the way has anyone seen Kovalev the past 2 games...lol

the habs could have won it already but their being nice to the bruins....the briuns have fought to the end but it montreaks time to shine ...not the bruins... habs going to win the cup this year

For anyone who wonders how Price will fair with all the playoff pressure in Montreal, obviously has never heard this guy speak, or watch him play, he has ice water in his vains. He is not a normal 20 year old, this guy thrives on pressure. All the people who believe the Pens are future cup champs, I think will be in for a suprise. It will be a Habs-Rangers east final, with the habs going to the cup! Mark that down!

LETS ALL CHEER FOR THE CANADIAN TEAMS, AND IF THEY GET ELIMANAITED .CHEER FOR OUR HOME BOY FROM TORONTO BRUCE BOUDREAU WITH THE AMAZING JOB HE DID WITH THE CAPITALS.

It's now completely obvious that Morrison just doesn't like Montreal. He's been giving them short shrift all year and now finally with the season decided, he still ranks a team with 2 less points, ahead of them. Although I think the Ducks will do well, hopefully, the Habs will give him even more reasons to hate them in the weeks to come.

Lack of respect: yes there is a lack of respect in the NHL and it was never more evident than April 3 in the last game vs the Maple Leafs. There is was in plain view! Darcy Tucker in the penalty box yelling at Dan Heatley to "watch your knees"...."going after your Knees" and you didn't have to be an expert lip-reader to figure it out. All the talk from that game surrounded the hit on Alfredsson from Bell and whether or not it was legel....or late.....or clean (it was clean), when the true focus should have been on the Tucker evidence. There it was......a Rat Bast**d telling another player he's going after his knees. A player who has little impact on the game other than to stir things up and raise the frustration level of players, coaches and even hockey fans. If as a fan I get extremely frustrated with these actions, then I can only try to imagine the level of frustration some of the players are going through. (hhhmmm...Chris Simon on Hollweg....Chris Simon on Ruutu......Chris Pronger on Kesler). Ron Maclean weeks ago was promoting Steve Ott from Dallas and how he gets under the skin of Iginla. Yes let's continue to promote the Rats of the league...and let's also continue to get together two or three times yearly to discuss whether or not the length of suspensions for Simon....Pronger or appropriate. Rid the league of these rats.....and then there's no real need for the "goon". keep the rats.....employee the goons. simple as that. The only ticket for Tuckers, Ruutus, Otts, Hollwegs is the play that role of a rat because other than that......what do they provide. Nothing. And why hasn't CBC made issue of the Tucker evidence....is it because he is a Maple Leaf in Toronto? Far be it for Ron Maclean or even Grapes to jump all over good ole Tucker. Good Canadian boy! Let's stop promoting what's wrong with the league. The rat bast**ds should either be penalized for their chicken-sh*t actions or get rid of the instigator penalty and have them face the music.

The Pens may have made a crucial error in this in that their defense is their weakness and against a hard skating team they are too soft up front to help out by slowing down the opponents forwards and this is what could upset this expert appointed apple cart. Not going to be the cake walk it's supposed to be and if Pens goalies get a little off their game they are not good enough to go deep.

Little disappointed in the Pens, if they through their last game so they could play the Sens..They seem to be a little full of themselves! They are the better team, But in Sports we never know who the winners will be till the end!

the playoff matches are not all easy to pick winners from. Always a underdog that wins 1 round or 2.

Carey Price and pressure should never appear in the same sentence, he doesn't feel it.

It should be the Penguins against the Sharks in the final with the Sharks as the winner for the Stanley Cup.Their solid defence should prevail against the dangerous attack of the Penguins. Two teams with experience to watch are the Rangers in the East and Colorado in the West. Regards ,

Léo Cormier

Game On!!! Go Sens Go...

Crosby and Malkin.. yes The Pens are for real.. Ottawa doesnt stand a chance. Only real competition for Pittsburgh is Montreal. We will see how well Price does in the playoffs. Pens will win the cup!

Keep telling yourselves that the goaltending will let the Pens down. Laugh if you may, but Fleury has been unreal since he has returned from the injury and as a result of that, the Pens are definite contenders this year.

We'll see how Price does under the playoff pressure in Montreal.

pens vs philly
my comment is when playing a conference spot
and playing like any team does for the spot
dont be pulling stupid little child tricks
OH and dont play crosby : let him REST!
come on he just had 20wks off , get over it!
ONE more thing the pens should of that game with all the Big star on there side LIKE HOSSA is he really worth all the big buck
so off we go to the playoffs GO SENS GO !!

I'm a fan of Montreal and the penguins.. So I'm kind of torn on opinion. However, I think Fleury and Conklin will prove themselves this time around. The penguins have learned a lot since last season.
As for the Habs; I think they'll be extremely tough to beat in any situation.

The Penguins are not for real because they didn't even dress their star Sidney for the last game of the season....hahaa this team is a joke...Ohh and btw the MONTREAL CANADIENS just WON the Eastern Conference TITLE!!! GO HABS GO !!!

Cary, you will take Price over Fleury? Take him he is yours! And Phil, YOU get real. Conklin and Fleury probably cannot stand up to a western conference champion team, but they can take whatever the east can give them. But even if the Pens don't take the eastern conference title, I guarantee they can smoke the Flyers in 5 games or less.

I watched pretty well the whole second half of the season , and as a die hard pens fan since the mario and the pens were champs two years in a row . and suffered through all those seasons of no playoffs and early exits. they have so many weapons this year its sick crosby, and malkin could be ranked in the best 3 of the game right now and the fact that they have hossa for the playoffs its gonna be fun to watch whoever they play. the defense has been good lately with fluery playing great along with good depth at defense . with two good scoring lines , and two more solid lines i like their chances and hate the thought of an early exit after such a nice season. i don't see any real test for them unless they play ottawa in the first round which is not the best matchup in the world for them . other than that im hoping the pens go deep , and as for the western teams besides maybe san jose , calgary and even the avs the west is too soft . detroit was good early but i feel they are too soft up front . but for now go pens take first today and go all the way . i'd only wish that colby and eric were here too lol .

Montreal and Pitt are good teams but not great teams. If either team was in a death division like the NW, I think they would make the playoffs but barely....

Laroque best down low player? BAHAHAHAH!

Exuse me! You are also forgetting the Ottawa Senators who have had a rough time with the "Emery Saga" but once Alredsson and Fisher come back they will likely go deep in the playoffs (not to mention the potent scoring and great experience).

If Phi gets 1 pt with an OTL to Pit, who ends up
in 8th place, Bos or Phi since they will both be
41-29-12, Ott gets 6th based on most wins, right?

There is a look of hunger on their faces and the old tiger Roberts is hot for ice-time.
Can he recover to the level of a Crosby. Not likely, but he leads by example like Sid and this team has energy. I'm with you Scott.

I doubt if the Pens make it passed the first round. Ryan Whitney is having a horrible year, so bad, that Therien even tried to use him on the wing. (not the way Shubert and Dandenault get used as wingers either).
Their D is soft, and this will be there Achilles heel.

Not to mention, the loss of their spark plug, Colby Armstrong... they had enough scoring with Sid and Malkin, they will miss Colby dearly.

I think the East is up for grabs, but don't count out Ottawa yet. Rangers, Devils and Habs have the best chance of advancing.

In the West, Anaheim will win the cup. Detroit will loose in the first round.

I love all this talk of balance, goaltending and defense from pittsburgh...they have arguably 2 of the 3 best offensive talents in the game today and yet the mighty habs are the best in power play in the league and highest team scoring...not to mention the rookie of the year in the net.
And who has ever heard of the 3 players scotty mentioned in the defense corps for pittsburgh...good luck to ya pitt...philly stays out of the box and its philly vs habs second round!!!!!!

Wayne from Winnipeg says the Flyers in seven because of the fact there is no shootout anymore and the physical aspect will slow down the Pens. I beg to differ. Just take a look at the last game. The Flyers tried to beat up Crosby, they took stupid penalties and the Pens scored 3 powerplay goals. You can't be stupid and take alot of penalties against that team because they will burn you. It reminds me of the Oilers of the 80's. I'm predicting the Pens in 6. I do agree that the Pens don't have the strength in goal to take them all the way to the promised land

Keep dreaming habs fans. If you think alexei Coughalev is going to lead you to the promised land, think again. As you know, he will melt down in the playoffs in a most spectacular fashion, usually with costly turnovers, that is if some one doesnt take out his gimpy knee first. Last year the canadian press was all over fluery and his lack of playoff experience. So how then does P the inexperienced Price qualify as the next dryden. yeah right, more like the next steve penny. Our third string goalie, dany sabourin has your number, you havent (and wont) beat him.Our coaches have come from the Canadians and know what youll pull inside and out. We have quite a few french canadian players as well that get fired up to play the habs. Price doesnt have robinson or savard in front of him, just weakness and liability. Boston will beat the habs if they draw them in the first round

It has been stated twice on tonight's broadcast that if Montreal and Boston both win tonight Montreal will meet Ottawa in the first round. How is this possible? If these teams win Montreal will be first or second, and Ottawa will be 7th or 8th because Philly and Pittsburgh both have a game to play tomorrow. They could indeed meet each other, but there is no guarantee until tomorrow's games are played.

Something for Scott. I respect what you have to say about Pittsburgh, but what about Montreal? You talk about all this balance that Pittsburgh has, but I would beg to differ when it comes to the balance that Montreal has. Obviuosly, Montreal has to be a solid contender to tag Pittsburgh when it comes to scoring balance, they are, after all, will be the top scoring team in the east and rank number 3 when it comes to plus minus differential. Another thing that might want to be noticed to is they have greatly improved there penalty kill. When it comes to goaltending as well, think Carey Price against Fleury, as of now, I would take that any day of the playoffs. Veteran presence, well again, you have to give the edge to Montreal once again. I think that Montreal's youth can keep up in a seven game series. Once again, the hockey writers, such as yourself Scott, don't give Montreal there due. This is a team that can score in bunches, and if they need a big comeback, they can deliver. As with most writers, I'm sure that you will say that Montreal had a lucky year and that this is a team that will stumble in the playoffs. I would like to hear your comment in regards to this subjet, a little admittance that The Canadiens are as good as any team, maybe even a little better. They can and will challenge Pittsburgh!!!

Hossa in the mix?? Hossa will do what he does every play off -- disappear!! Fleury can not play in high pressure games.

I HOPE ALL THE EXPERTS THAT PICKED THE BRUINS FOR LAST PLACE HAVE A BIG SLICE OF HUMBLE PIE. CLAUDE JULIAN HAS TO BE COACH OF THE YEAR,I`VE BEEN A BRUIN FAN MY WHOLE LIFE AND SORRY DON, HE IS THE BEST COACH WE`VE HAD. A GREAT JOB BY THE ENTIRE TEAM. WITH THESE YOUNG PLAYERS WE`LL BE A FORCE FOR SOME TIME.

Do we all have our fingers crossed for a Pens vs Philly first round matchup? The bad blood flows free everytime these two enemies meet. It has all the ingredients for a classic, seven game series. Not many hockey scribes will give the Flyers a chance, but if they stay disciplined and Biron finds consistency, Philadelphia will give Pittsburgh all they can handle. With no shootout in the playoffs, I'll take the Flyers, in seven.

I honestly dont know how anybody can match up with the penguins. How do you scout and prepare for them? They can put together a fifth line of crosby or malkin with ruutu and laraque, that at times has ground other teams defenses to dust. Laraque is quitely one of the best low game players going. when hes moving his feet, you cant get the puck, and youre not going to hit him either. Montreal cant beat the penguins third string goalie saborin, whos stoned them twice. Gooning it up against the pens wont work either. If and when Hossa starts clicking, this team is indefensible. The other eastern squads show nothing but weakness and lack of depth.

Conklin and Fleury have proven that they are of a caliber that sets them with one of the best matched teams scince the Legendary Edmonton Oilers Gretzky,Messier Days. Pittsburgh is enjoying the benefits of excellent coaching and scouting. This is proven with the likes of Malkin, Crosby, Hossa, Malone etc, etc, etc.

To ASSUME that Fleury and Conklin are not an equal part of that teams success; nor part of the reason why the Penguins are where they are seated today; is either proof that you do not know what you are talking about, or that the obvious escapes you. I say this being NOT a Penguins fan, as I am all Canadians all the way, but as someone who can recognize pure viceral talent when I see it.

The goaltending will let them down.Fleury hasn't been the same since that gawdawful goal at the Juniors...it still haunts him (and it should) The way to beat fast,flashy players is to smack them EVERY chance you get,it really takes away their game.

I have to agree with Phil, but as far as being a contender...the best team will be the Sharks.
If we look back at the beginning of the year though, we see the upset that has happened with the Sens. They can blame the coaching and the management, but this team was a little too much on a high. With the injuries they have, they're out in the first round.
My team, the Habs,in my opinion will go farther thatn the Sens. If they stay healthy, I see them in the semi's or even finals.

Sure the Penguins are for real but the penalty kill and goaltending will be thier undoing as neither will be quite good enough in the second season. The Habs on the other hand are strong on both counts. All the unbelievers will recant when the Habs finally bring the cup back to Canada for the 25th time. Go Habs Go!

If you asked the players who they would least like to face in the Stanley Cup I would think it would be the Pens, Sharks followed by Anaheim. My apologies to Habs and Detroit fans but everything seems to be aligning for the Pens right now. This team knows they will face cap issues soon enough and are doing everything they can to win now ie. Hossa rental.

Some of the comments are bang on, the playoffs are definitely much mor different
than the regular season. I believe that the Pens two goalies are now seasoned enough to
give a stellar performance in the play-offs.
Montreal has two of the youngest goalies in
the league and I only hope that they can
stand the competitive pressures of playing in
the STANLEY CUP play-offs.
although (my team) the Detroit Red Wings won
the President's cup for first overall in
the League, I find their two goaltenders
suspect under pressure. They are in the top
three in goaltender percentages but of late
both Hasek and Osgood have struggled on
several occasions.

Time will tell.

Nimrod66

Honestly, if Washington makes it in, I think they will do well. I mean, look at their momentum, Ovechkin is and always has been on fire, Fedorov and some others bring much experience, Cooke was a nice addition, and they have grit.

Oh, let's not forget that steal of Huet.

If I had to pick a team to win a round or 2, I'd look at Washington.

Now, for Stanley Cup, I can't help but look at teams I really don't like such as New Jersey (Brodeur, really), Detroit (first round exit, again?) and San Jose who forgot how to lose.

Doesn't matter who wins the East. The Western Division is already guaranteed the CUP!! Flames or SJ take it home this year.

Youthfulness will be the reason; the penguins will not be going to the spring dance this year. When it comes to crunch time in the playoffs, the leadership of veterans is the key for a cup drive. And an injury rittled gary roberts, can only take you soo far..

winning 40 games last year isn't showing Fleury's potential? or winning 9 of his last 10 starts?

The Penguins are a great team with like Morrison said everything except maybe penalty kill going great. the Hossa trade brought somes guys who will help in the play-offs even though the trade will hurt the pens eventually. Here's to getting The Penguins in Winnipeg, giving them the cup, and to loving Grapes!

Nice article Scott, especially leaving out comparisons between the Penguins'last monster clubs (Jagre and Lemieux )and this one (Malkin and Crosby). I'm predicting right now that there is a dynasty developing in Pittsburg that will dwarf anything previously! Yep DYNASTY You have the competition from the Habs but not in management. The Wings are getting old so they better do it this year! But don't count the Flames out LOL. OK, this comment is dripping with sarcasm, but... I'm in a hurry to get to work and no time to get serious!!!!

Hmm, I think the goaltending of the Penguins is a little suspect. Ty Conklin played well for a stretch, but he stumbled just before Fleury returned. I watched a few Penguins games and when I watch Conklin, he is not stable, he seems to let in a lot of goals he should not.
Conklin is overrated and since being drafted by Pittsburgh, Fleury has not really lived up to his hype or potential. Granted, Fleury is playing well now, but he has not proven capable of being able to consistently steal games for his team.
I have a feeling, it will come down to either the HABs or the PENs coming out of the East. However, I still think the West will win the cup this year, only because I think these two teams are still not quite ready to go all the way and win the cup. I think next year with a few additions, these two teams could win it.
I just hope we don't see another final like last year's final. It is not fun to watch a TRAP style game like last season when the Ducks just TRAPPED the Senators to death.

The eastern conference will all be in trouble if my Caps make it to the playoffs! The Caps have the potential to disrupt everybody........IF we can make it in! GO CAPS!

A positive Pens article from Canada? No complaining about Crosby supposedly diving? No complaining that the Pens get all the calls? It can't be! Thanks for saying it like it is Scott.

Conklin and Fleury?? Get real... these are not goalies that can win a conference title. Regular season means nothing.. when they face a team ready to play playoff hockey they won't be able to keep the puck ourt of their net. Ask Cape Breton, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, or even the 2007 Penguins about a goalie playing great in the regular season and looking plain bad in the playoffs....

Yep, all of that makes good sense. But I believe that if Montreal's injury problems clear up, they will be more dangerous and have more depth then the Pens. Those two for the conference finals!!!

Someone a little bit biased against the east? But that is ok. Everyone is entitled to thier own opinions. I must say thanks for the kind words about the team in Pittsburgh. A team in which a lot of people in the hockey world thought would crumble when Sidney went down with the ankle injury. In Pittsburgh the flashbacks of the early 90's are comming in waves. I was only 8 yrs old when the Penguins won thier first Cup. It's just an awesome time to be a fan in Pittsburgh. Waiting on the new arena and knowing we have a banner to go in it. Wow.

You can't start off saying your opinion doesn't reflect statistics and decide to ommit those that are in opposition with your view... And then give out other statistics that prove your point. If you're going to go with statistics, do it all the way... if not, don't include any!

Please post the statistics, afterall the Atlantic divsion is (most likely) sending four of their five teams to the playoffs. If the Pens win the Conference and the atlantic send four teams that might say something about their quality. Another stat that would be useful is how well both the Pens and the Atlantic division have done this year against the West espesially the top teams. Its almost play off time please give us some decent info not just some 5 minute rush job.

I'm a Habs fan (and a closet Pens fan as well). I really don't think you can write of the East when anything can and has happened in the playoffs. I mean, the Giants won the Superbowl. If the Pens make it to the final without significant injuries I think they have more than a decent shot. Playoffs is all about momentum, injuries (or lack thereof) and heart.