Any doubts about Sidney Crosby being a playoff performer no longer exist. He has been magnificent in every facet of the game. He is tied for the most points, leads in goals scored and his plus-12 rating ranks second in the playoffs. Then there's Evgeni Malkin, who has been brilliant. Sergei Gonchar, when healthy, and Marc-Andre Fleury have also been at their very best. This team appears stronger than the one that lost to Detroit in six games last season.

Last year, the Penguins were known as a talented team that lacked playoff toughness. So far this year, they have shown no hint of playoff nerves. These guys have have a job to do and are entirely focused on winning. Surprisingly, one of their weaknesses is the power play. They have scored fewer power-play goals than the Red Wings and their success ratio is much lower.

There doesn't seem to be any doubt that Sidney Crosby will deliver. At the moment, his game is flawless. That puts the pressure on Evgeni Malkin to keep up his torrid pace and on Marc-Andre Fleury, who must be at the top of his game for every minute of every game.

They may not have a superstar of the Crosby-Malkin variety, but the Flyers have plenty of offence led by Jeff Carter and his 46 goals and Mike Richards and his 84 points. They can roll out three lines that can produce offensively. They have four 30-goal scorers. Kimmo Timmonen and Ryan Parent had a good year together on the blue-line. The power play, as you'd expect, is potent, ranking sixth. The penalty killing just as good, leading the league with 16 shorthanded goals. And this team proved last year it is built for springtime. They can also feel good about matching Richards against Crosby.

Goaltending is the biggest concern for the Flyers. Martin Biron will likely be the guy, but he has been inconsistent. The good news is he proved last spring that he can play well in the post-season. Will it be good enough against the very potent Penguins offence?

Mike Richards. He is the captain and leader. He will need to produce offensively and do a good job against Crosby if that matchup plays out.