2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Discussion Thread

[Hat-Trick]

Thought it well past time to get a 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs discussion thread going, now just 2 games into the 2017 Playoffs.

[airborne]

I’m more than happy to be wrong.

Hainsey is our weak link on defense.

[superfries]

I hate replay. Although it was the correct call.

[superfries]

If the preds survive this 5-3 I’ll be shocked

[PA Engineer]

If the preds survive this 5-3 I’ll be shocked

You won't need the smelling salts.

[Varda]

Let the scoring begin! Again and again.

[superfries]

First Malkin scores then Sheary. Preds can kiss game one goodbye. Both those guys haven’t scored much in the playoffs, maybe Malkin but Sheary??

[airborne]

PP goal and another in 1:05!

Looking good after a shaky start!

[superfries]

Wow, crazy start....would you pull Rinne if he were your goalie? I would.

[Varda]

Oh my an own goal.

[Varda]

The Pens starting slowly is like the sun coming up in the morning. You only worry if it doesn’t happen.

[PA Engineer]

Let the scoring begin! Again and again.

And again.

[PA Engineer]

I think Sheary scored during the touchdown game.

[superfries]

So i don’t have a dog in the fight. I expect the Pens to win because they are the champs and Johansen is out for the preds. my folks live in PA and an old army buddy has been a preds fan since inception of the franchise. He has tickets to all playoff home games. I just wanna see good hockey! I thought Rinne had the ability to shut down the pens offense except for their power play. I think the preds can skate with the Pens and the preds defensemen are better. are better. Goalies are a toss up. What am i missing in my analysis?

[Varda]

Rinne has historically had trouble with the Penguins. The Pens try to get him going side to side. That requires the Pen's forwards to hold onto the puck for long periods and Crosby especially will set up shop behind the net. The Preds dmen would have to shut off that play to insulate Rinne. When Crosby's on his game nobody can stop him back there. The question is will the Preds defensemen be able to do it. So far in period one the answer is no.

The Pens d is very dependent on the forwards. Crosby is being asked to play a 200 ft game and will get alot of d zone faceoffs. Malkin is playing well defensively but is insulated by having almost exclusively offensive zone starts. Hopefully he and Kessel will get more shots that that way.

[airborne]

I think you pretty much nailed it.

It’s going to come down to goaltending and mistakes made in the defensive zone.

[Varda]

Pens are sitting back. I hate that but I guess it’s human nature. Gives the other team room to get back into it. It makes me nervous!

[Varda]

Lucky to get out of that one without more damage.

[superfries]

So the Preds won that period. Probably should have scored more than one goal. No way they come back to force OT on Pens home ice. But that don’t mean I’m tuning it off!

[superfries]

very true

[EQAndyBuzz]

” I may see Pawtucket vs Durham this weekend.”

Saw Missions vs Springfield last night. Chris Huffman’s debut at AA was spot on as he pitched a great game.