Hockey Night in CanadaFive Questions: Getting under the Penguins' skin

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Have a question for Cassie Campbell-Pascal of Hockey Night In Canada? Here's where you can begin the dialogue. Send a question and Cassie just might provide you with the answer.

1. In your opinion, what team is best built to walk away with Stanley Cup and why? - Garry Glave

I still think Pittsburgh even though they are now down by two games as I write.

The depth up front when it comes to scoring is ridiculous and I think Brooks Orpik is not appreciated enough as being one of the best shut down defencemen in the league. I think Fleury will bounce back and play much better as this series goes along.

Another team is the LA Kings who I believe have everything a team needs to win plus I also believe Darryl Sutter is a great coach.

2. What is with everyone hating on the Penguins so much? And do you think it will motivate them? - Mowatt Clayton

Before the playoffs started I thought that Pittsburgh was going to win in five and for the exact reason that you mention in your question. Crosby doesn't need more motivation and that is exactly what he got with all the "talk" that was going on prior to playoffs.

However, Philly has a good hate on for Pittsburgh and that is motivation too. I am not sure they can continue to have bad starts, but there is no question Philly is getting a lot of great performances from more guys than just Claude Giroux.

3. What is with all the overtime games in the NHL this season?  Do you anticipate many of this year's playoff games going into OT? - Steve Jaspson

I think the parity in the NHL is at its all time best and that is why we are seeing so many games going to OT. It is tough to predict playoffs series now even between No. 1 and No. 8 seeds. I honestly believe every team has a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup.

4. What does it mean to you as a Canadian to be given an award such as the Order of Hockey in Canada? - Brenda Watson

I was completely shocked to get a call from Bob Nicholson about the Order of Hockey in Canada. I was actually in an airport on my way to NYC for Game 1 when I got the call and I thought we were going to chat about something involving the female game. There are so many people within the female game that have done so much and are deserving of such an honor.

hen when Bob told me who also was receiving the Order I was simply blown away. For our sport to be included alongside a list of hockey legends such as Gordie, Howe, Wayne Gretzky, Jean Beliveau and Gordon Renwick is truly an amazing moment. It's a great honor and I can't wait to see more people who helped the female game get their due.

5. Do the Senators really have what it takes to make some noise in these playoffs? - Paul Dadd

I have covered the Senators a lot this year and I have just had a good feeling about them. I absolutely think Paul McLean will be coach of the year and he brings the best out of all his players. It's been amazing to watch guys who had absolute horrible seasons last year -- whether due to injuries or other reasons -- have bounce back seasons.

However, if Alfredsson is unable to play I think that the Senators will have a tough time moving past round 1. As I write I have no update on the condition of Alfredsson.

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