A look at the Eastern Conference playoff picture

This.. just absolutely made my day.
Lol I couldn’t be any happier with the Penguins right now!

Ah… what a turnaround they made since the days of crying with every consecutive loss :)
Now, let’s hope they keep this up… lol
Knock on wood x 1000

I LOVE YOU PENS!!!

This has been a season of downs and ups that remind me of my St. Patrick’s Day celebration. We still have to finish strong, but it’s good to have the confidence that this team has brought back to the table.

This is the time of year when you find out who the paper tigers are: the teams with good records and talented players who wilt when faced with a more determined opponent. Teams that fit that bill right now: Boston, Montreal, the Rangers, and maybe Washington (I watched them get waxed by Atlanta 2 nights ago). And an interesting note about the Flyers and the 3 games they have in hand; after checking their schedule I realized they end their schedule with three straight against the Rangers. It’s likely that the Rangers’ season will come down to those 3 games, so Philly could well fall out of that 4th spot if they’re not prepared for three straight against a desperate team.

And yes, keep that chant going: “MVP . . . MVP . . . MVP . . .”

MVGENO!!!!

What a difference a few trades make…..and a coaching change…..and a style of play change……and an attitude change….. and a more healthy roster………am I missing anything??

I just can’t think of a team that I would want to avoid as a Pens fan

Boston- reminds me of what the Pens were the first time we played the Sens. Young and good but inexperienced and likely to get ran out of the building if they don’t start strong.

New Jersey- its all Broduer, the games best goalie ever, but throughout his history the one team that always seems to give him fits is the Pens, even when the Pens aren’t that good. This is the only team that worries me for we all know that playoff hockey is always about the goalie.

Washington- their defence and goaltending strike me as a team that will lose a series in 5 games despite scoring 20 to 25 goals in those five games. Watch for teams to use the 1980’s style defensive tactic of “shadowing” Ovie. With his intensity I can see him losing focus and becoming nuetralized.

Philly- is not as good as they were last year and with Pittsburgh’s big centers (Malkin and Stall) Philly’s offence can be stopped. Gagne will be a difference maker and he was not there last year but I don’t think he is good enough to counter what Philly doesn’t have except giving the Flyers maybe one more win.

Rangers- I have said it several times they got more expensive, not neccesarily better. They strike me as a more talented Devils in that they have great goaltending but are not as good as PIittsburgh in other positions. Let’s not forget Jagr carried them in that series last year in an effort to shut up the “Jagr-haters” (I admit I am one but if he came back its no-harm no-foul) in Pittsburgh. A world class, yet aged, talent couldn’t carry the Rangers last year, I don’t think Antripov and Avery can either.

Montreal- fading with no toughness, no heart, no size, and don’t concern me at all.

Buffalo- down best forward and number one goalie, how are they ever still around. If they get in and get those guys back they may be a problem but with such little time to get back into things it may be too little too late.

Carolina- have one line and a solid goalie. A playoff team I think but not a major threat to get past round one.

Any thoughts? Sorry its so long but I am just waiting for the tip offs and I told myself I was going to do as little work as possible today!

I’d like to see a healthy Battle of PA, void of all excuses and injury.

I’ll second that. I’ll add that I hope NJD wins the east so the winner of the PA battle lines up to meet Brodeur.