They're either with us, or they're against us

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 12:15 AM EDT in News

When the field of 16 playoff teams slims down to the final two, fans of previously eliminated teams (or ones that failed to make the playoffs at all) tend to take sides. While it's hard to imagine any Flyers fan backing the Pittsburgh run, I thought we could take a brief look at some of the love and hate coming from blogs around SBN.

Here's what other blogs are thinking. If you're a fan of either team and think differently, feel free to express your educated opinion in the comments. The same goes for any fan of teams that didn't make a pick for the Cup by the time this post hit the front page.

Please note, the assumption of whether a blog is with us or against us is based entirely on opinion expressed in the linked post unless noted otherwise. If it is left up to poll or vote, that is also taken into consideration.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

With us:

(Sabres) Die by the Blade - Pens in 6.

(Islanders) Lighthouse Hockey - Pro Pens in favor of watching former Islanders skate for the Cup

(Hurricanes) Canes Country - This post, combined with Canes fans support in comments here, makes me think we have a friend in Carolina.

(Panthers) Litterbox Cats - Penguins in 6

(Canadiens) Habs Eyes on the Prize - Pens will edge Wings in 7

Against us:

(Rangers) Blueshirt Banter - Wings in 7

(Flyers) Broad Street Hockey - Wings in 6

(Capitals) Japers' Rink - No preview link to share, but J.P. personally assured me I can tally one up fooooooore! the "against us" column.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

With us:

(Blue Jackets) Jackets Cannon - Initial poll results suggest with us (Writer Andy Newman also assured The Cannon is backing us)

(Blues) St. Louis Gametime - Pro Pens, if only to see Hossa lose

(Canucks) Nucks Misconduct - Pro Pens, siding with former Canuck Matt Cooke

(Avalanche) Mile High Hockey - Pro Pens, courtesy of JDunman's bro

(Sharks) Fear the Fin - I always knew Mr. Plank had good taste. Pens in 6.

(Stars) Defending Big D - Two out of three writers pick Pitt. That works for me.

(Blackhawks) Second City Hockey - Writer ChicagoKill is backing us. His commentors may think differently though (Weren't they just eliminated by Detroit?!)

Against us:

(Predators) On the Forecheck - Dirk's amazing preview made my head explode and almost makes his prediction OK (but not really)

THE MIRTLE CONFERENCE

Against us:

(James Mirtle) From the Rink - Wings in 7

Overall

With us: 12
Against us: 5

If any others join the fray I'll be sure to add them as well.

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Comments

hard to imagine storied rivals such as the flyers or caps rooting for us. i would prolly keel over dead if they did. with that being said i expect them to change thier views now….

ITS OUR TIME NOW GO PENS!

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 30, 2009 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

Or maybe they’ll be rooting for the Pens to win so they can claim that they lost to the Stanley Cup Champions, unlike the Devils and the Bruins who lost to a team that embarrassed themselves in the ECF;)

But I’m sure Caps and Flyers fans cling to bitterness more so than pride. Because how can you really be a Flyers fan and be proud of yourself?

by gorgalor on May 30, 2009 3:42 AM EDT up reply actions

ohhhhhhhh SNAP

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 30, 2009 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions

SBN's on our side.

I joined the Pred’s page just to rec that Preview.

Funny considering I attend their AHL affiliate’s games and not post there.

PensBurgh penalty - Lavender - 2 minutes for hijynxing.

by Lavender on May 30, 2009 1:06 AM EDT reply actions

That was a beast of a preview. I’m still recovering.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions

It was a great preview…..I take heart in that Dirk’s stats and analysis lead him to pick the Hurricanes last round. Hopefully his results will work out the same (no offense, he is a wizard)

by Hooks Orpik on May 30, 2009 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Didn’t he give the edge to Detroit because of scoring depth? And made some comment about how the Wings have 3 lines vs. the Pens’ 2? That was the big decider in his book???

I could have written a dissertation on how effective the Pens’ third line has been against the opposition. There sure was a lot of stats and not a lot of hockey sense in his writeup…

by gorgalor on May 30, 2009 4:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps I used some poor phrasing; it’s not like Pittsburgh doesn’t have a decent 3rd line (that was a factor in my picking them over Philly in the 1st round), but I’d give the clear edge to Detroit in that area, and I think that will be a difference-maker.

As for a dissertation, let’s see it! Or even just a nice FanPost. The thing I really like about this SB Nation platform is that if folks want to put something out there, it flows right into the discussion on the site. The more, the merrier…

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on May 30, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I have no idea how any self-respecting Chicago fan could possibly cheer for the Wings.. but it seems to be happening. Either way.. Go Pens.

Second City Hockey

by Killion on May 30, 2009 1:14 AM EDT reply actions

That’s what I was thinking. But judging by the opinions of some of your members in the G5 thread the other night I’d imagine that’s not the case.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions

JP might not want to be with the Pens (understandable) but he at least thinks that PIttsburgh will win.

Gotta take the good with the bad, even if it’s a matter of the heart vs the head—- with the head saying Pitt will win, which isn’t very common this series amongst most.

(Drag to a new window if it’s too small)

by Hooks Orpik on May 30, 2009 1:28 AM EDT reply actions

haha busted

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Ouch.

by gorgalor on May 30, 2009 4:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Hey, I thought I was answering the question as to whom I’m rooting for – if I misunderstood, my bad. I firmly stand behind my prediction that the Pens will win the series.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on May 30, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Nah, you’re fine I think you can root for one team to win with your heart but use your head to forsee the other team winning.

by Hooks Orpik on May 30, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm With You

I’m an Avs fan and a loyal follower of Mile High Hockey. Hell, I posted a FanPost here earlier today begging the Pens to beat the Wings. I don’t have a prediction at this point, but I’m fully on the side of the Pens as far as rooting interests go.

"Horton is win."
--Horvil Tiki

by wtnelson on May 30, 2009 1:39 AM EDT reply actions

I’m a die hard Pens fan, but I am surprised how many people are picking Pittsburgh to win.

I think the view of the conferences has to have changed. Last year the West was considered so much better than the East and no one thought the Pens could hang with the Wings. And we didn’t for the first two games, after that the Pens played better, but Detroit was better than us.

Is Detroit less good? Is their depth gone, I know they have injuries, but they are still the deepest team out there even with those injuries.

The reason this series looks good for Detroit to me is the matchup. Look at who the Pens kill, they kill great goalies and teams with top line talent and no depth, who do they struggle with? teams that control the puck, win face-offs and play great team defense. We also have trouble with Ovechkin, but that one doesn’t affect this round.

PP and PK even out, and turn to Detroits favor if we can’t win FO’s. That killed us last year and was a big factor in the Washington series.

In fact I’m going to flat out say the winner on FO’s will win this series. That’s just how it goes with this Pens team (at least in my opinion).

Sure he can score goals, but can he cook?

by Phantaskippy on May 30, 2009 2:26 AM EDT reply actions

so were it comes to this

well before i sign out for the night (i work nights so its actualy around 1am or so my body teals me even though the clock says 7)i will leave with this thought. i dont think any self respecting nhl fan would want to play anyone other then the wings or the pens for the final. this will be an all out war.

to be the best, you have to beat the best. time for the pens to shine

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 30, 2009 6:58 AM EDT reply actions

so it comes to this

spell fail due to exhaustion. should say so it comes to this for the subject line.

thats my story and im stikin to it

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on May 30, 2009 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Just for the record

I did throw in a Blech when I made my pick of Detroit in 6 over at DBD.

My heart says Pittsburgh, simply because I loathe dynasties unless it’s my team doing the winning. And I wouldn’t mind seeing Guerin and Boucher get a ring.

My mind, however, says otherwise until proven wrong.

So prove me wrong, Pens.

Defending Big D | TheStarsFans | But a Hawks fan since 1989

by Brandon Bibb on May 30, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions

Mirtle's backpedaling.

Nice “hossa” there, James.

by Exceeding repeating on May 30, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

Just gave that a quick read. We have 100% opposition from the Mirtle Conference.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Screw em all if they can't see..

Hey if the so called experts can’t see that the Penguins are peaking at just the right time and that the Red Wings are beginning to limp a little with injuries; Then screw em!!
Your Penguins seem to be on rails to a clear destination as they dismantled our beloved Hurricanes. Whether the Canes players say they played their best/or not-they got schooled by a team in the zone.
For what it may be worth to you folks I see that the Red Wings won the West in 5 sure, but Chicago took Detroit to OT 3 times. Bottom line is any OT game can go either way. The result is quite obvious as we all get a Stanley Cup Rematch. But I just don’t believe the Red Wings will survive the Penguins this time around. I say the Penguins are gonna shock everyone….especially those who say this is going 7 games. If your boys stay on pace this will be over in 6. It would be awesome for you all if the Penguins can hoist the Cup at Home. But, I won’t be surprised if the Pens take Lord Stanley Home in 5.
Enjoy the series and thanks for all the trash talk-fun during the eastern conf finals.

by 54fighting on May 30, 2009 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Devils Fan rooting for Pittsburgh

Is anyone sick of hearing " Oh Detroit’s going to win the cup this year?" Please Pittsurgh win against Detroit so I could stop hearing about how good Detroit is.

by LetsGoDevils on May 30, 2009 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

Happy too have you on board. I’m a bit surprised although happy to have a Devils fans along for the ride (Kellyn is another NJ fan who has joined up for the run). I just figured fellow Atlantic Division teams would not be so supportive.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.

by FrankD on May 30, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I live in NJ, and devils fans here are too preoccupied hating rangers fans that they actual do semi-support the pens (as long as the pens aren’t crushing them of course).

12 down, 4 to go. Let's go Pens!

by jetpen89 on May 30, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

those that saw my posts in previous series on Canes Country know what I bring…..but till our 2 teams meet again………KILL THE DEAD THINGS!!

by lrcaniac on May 30, 2009 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

Its 1:36am, all I can think of is being at the bar and hearing “last call”- given the cap, and Crosby and Malkin making almost 19 mil together next year, with Staal at 4, Fleury at 5, and Gonchar at 5, and numous others at high dollar amounts….this might be it for the pens unless Shero makes some major moves after the season.

I cannot see how this team will stay competitive in the future. Good luck Pens- last call.

by PittsburghCaniac on May 31, 2009 1:38 AM EDT reply actions

Lines

I just wondered…It seems as if Detroit has 4 lines instead of just the 3. How does it feel to have your star goal tender scored on by a rookie on the 4th line, who was just brought up before the playoffs???

by DublinDemon on May 31, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions