Penguins Looking Dangerous Heading Into Playoffs

I just finished watching the NBC Sunday afternoon game that featured the Philadelphia Flyers versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins dominated all facets of the game from start to finish.  Even without their super star, Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh’s potent offense exploded for seven goals.

Malkin And Sykora Show

After notching two goals on just four shots in the first period, the penguins proceeded to capitalize three more times in the second and carried a 5-1 lead heading into the final stanza. Hal Gill and Petr Sykora both scored once in the third period to complete the game’s scoring. Mike Knuble replied in the second period with the lone goal for the Flyers.

Marc-Andre Fleury looked solid in the Penguin goal, although he wasn’t tested with many quality shots.  Petr Sykora and Evgeni Malkin each had two goals and two assists playing on a line with Ryan Malone, who also chipped in with two assists in the game.  This line was by far the most dominant line in the hockey game.

Hossa Hitting Stride

Penguin newcomer, Marian Hossa, notched a goal and an assist and is looking like he is starting to find his identity on this offensively gifted Penguins squad.  Hossa played on a lone with Jordan Staal and Pascal Dupis, a combination of speed, youth, and raw talent that looks to provide great depth to the Penguin line-up heading into post-season play.

 Penguins Playoff Picture

The Penguins are looking solid as they head toward the playoffs.  Crosby will likely be sitting out the next few games as he rests an injured ankle.   This seems to be a great strategy as the young superstar will not be able to take any time off to heal once the playoffs begin.

There are just a couple of question marks in my mind with regard to how deep the Penguins can go in the playoffs and one of them is on the Blue line.  With no offense to Hal Gill, I’m not sure how well he will be able to log the big minutes trying to shut down the opposing team’s snipers every second night throughout the playoffs.  On the same note, Ryan Whitney is not yet known for his stellar defensive play and Sergei Gonchar is fantastic offensively but lacks the grit needed to bear down in the defensive end.

As with any team, the playoff run can often be characterized by how their goaltender plays.  With Marc Andre Fleury being as streaky as he is, the Penguins may be just as likely to lose in 4 in the first round or make it to the conference finals without breaking a sweat!   Or, could the Penguins hopes rest on an even more streaky Ty Conklin?
Regardless of what this post season holds for the Penguins, I am certainly excited for the future of this franchise.