Ok, after last night's night off we are back in action tonight. I think Tampa and Anaheim win tonight. I don't like that they are starting Round 2 while Round 1 is still going. The NHL has become a copycat league (copying the NFL and the NBA), but it isn't working.
Pens vs. Caps tonight! Has the potential to be the best match-up of the post season. My son is a big Caps fan, and has despised the Pens since Lemieux's retirement. His mother and I did the best we could.
John. your former Pens D-man Orpik is a key guy for this game...still not reported if he can play tonight. The Caps gave and got a LOT of hard hits in Philly series while Pens-Rangers more gentlemanly...interesting to see how that plays out. Goota give goal keeping edge to caps
I believe you're right about the goal tending. As good as Murray has been, it would be nice to have Fleury ready to go. As for Orpik, I'm surprised he's still out. That hit must of been much worse than it looked.
Brutal hit by Orpik on Maatta last night. The league pretty much gave a pass to Wilson for the knee on knee hit to Sheary. I'll be surprised if Orpik doesn't get a two or three day suspension.
when Orpik got whacked in Philly in first round, it was a clean hit. That head shot to Maatta was vicious and Orpik will sit a game I'm sure. Orpik is the guy who broke Eric Cole's neck on another bad play. Article in NY Times sports today about the Orpik hit and how NHL has got to get serious about these match penalty type hits that target the head.
even if the Caps somehow beat Pittsburgh's mojo, they are going to be so beaten up they will have a very difficult time advancing to the Finals. Very rough 6 games vs. Philly, no this nasty Pens series. Leitang is going to sit at least one...a totally bonehead late hit I picked Caps to win it all and I still think they are best team (not rooting for them, though).
Letang probably should get a one game suspension. I don't think it was a late hit, but it looked like he was head-hunting. Pretty stupid. I think the Pens looked flat after the first period, but playing to protect a lead doesn't seem to be their strong suit.
There is no way in hell you take Murray out for Fleury, unless he lays an egg. He is the only reason Pitt is up 2-1.
That was one hell of a game last night. This is by far the best series. Pitt is getting all of the bounces, Washington has to work 10x harder for their goals, while Pitt seems to get a goal at an opportune time, and a fluky ones at that. I am thinking Washington at least wins at home Saturday night, pushing the series to 6 games....then Pitt closes out at home. Murray is playoff MVP right now, in my opinion.
The two things a team never wants to face in a playoff: a hot goaltender and an opponent getting all of the lucky bounces. Caps look deflated.
Caps extend the series, although this time they were outplayed for most of the game. It seems this series has the team that is outplayed is the one who ends up winning.
Best record in regular season...nonetheless Caps out in round 2. Fleury to start Game 1 vs. Bolts? Good luck Blues and Preds.
Pens in six. I thought last nights game was the best of the series. Can't deny they enjoyed some luck against Washington throughout the series, but they earned the win and advancement. Tampa beat the Pens every game in the regular season (3-0), but this is a different team. Should be another good series.
