More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

5 months ago: Pittsburgh Penguins Sergei Gonchar, left, of Russia, explains a drill to teammate Evgeni Malkin, also of Russia, during hockey practice at Southpointe in Canonsburg, Pa., Sunday May 17, 2009. The Penguins take on the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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It's been five days since the Penguins have played and four since they found out that the Carolina Hurricanes would be their next opponent. Since then we've heard ad naesuem all the series keys, the most critical matchups, things to watch for and series previews to last a life-time.

About the best I can find from the Penguins is that 4th line-forward Pascal Dupuis is a game-time decision. The Pens are going to dress the normal 12 forwards but an extra defenseman (that would make 7) for their pre-game warmup. Sergei Gonchar, fingers crossed, seems like he should be good to go for Game 1. If Sarge is playing, coach Dan Bylsma's decision then becomes: does he dress an extra defenseman -- presumably Philippe Boucher -- to take some of the even-strength minutes that Gonchar might not be able to play? If so, that would mean Dupuis sits and more ice-time responsibility for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to double shift with the 4th line.

If Bylsma is going to rock with the usual 12F / 6D format, that means that Boucher is back to the press-box and Dupuis is in. That would be welcome for the penalty kill situation. The Pens lean heavily on a 4 man PK rotation for their forwards. It's Jordan Staal - Matt Cooke and then Max Talbot - Craig Adams. Dupuis regularly killed penalties before Adams' arrival in the regular season and fits in well, giving the Pens an extra option there, especially if one of the regular PK'ers (like Cooke) takes a penalty.

So in a perfect world, the Pens get away with dressing six defensemen. This would mean that Gonchar is relatively healthy and can handle his usual hefty workload. If the Pens have to dress seven defensemen, it's definitely a sign that Gonchar isn't close to full strength and the unusual 11 F / 7 D roster alignment could eventually wear down the Pens forwards.

Either way, it's a good thing we'll finally have some hockey on tonight, as we can all stop reading and thinking about these scenarios and actually, you know, enjoy the game.

Keeping with the exchange of letters throughout the series, Travis from Broad Street Hockey offers up another installment to Pens fans as we head into tonight's action.  You can read my rebuttal on BSH.

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Pens fans,

You know, that game on Friday night could've gone either way. It really could have. Of course, those of us out East weren't happy with the results, but things could be worse. We could be heading to Pittsburgh down 2-0. You know, like the Capitals are heading to NYC down 2-0. Common ground alert: we can all laugh at Washington together. That's cute...

But right, as I was saying. You may remember the year 2000. It was pretty similar to today, actually. The Penguins played in a crappy, beat to hell arena nicknamed the Igloo, and they were up 2-0 to the Flyers in the playoffs. And then the Flyers decided, well, we better play some hockey. Four straight wins later, the good guys were moving on and the Pens were setting tee times.

This series isn't over. Don't you even think it. After all, we pulled a few strings. The Governor is a Philly fan, you know?

See you in a few hours,

Travis
Broad Street Hockey

Travis from Broad Street Hockey addresses Penguins nation after his team's 4-1 loss in Game One.  You can read my response here.

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In the old days of battle, enemies would often send letters across enemy lines to signal retreat, surrender or (I can only hope) trash talk.  Seeing as how SBN is a network of blogs and we just so happen to have a cross-state rival so well represented on here, I figured it was only right to tap into the atavistic approach to war time correspondence.  I now give you the latest letter from Travis over at Broad Street Hockey.  Be sure to check out my letter to Flyers fans over at BSH.

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First let's take care of business. Pensburgh and fellow SBN blogs Mile High Hockey and Winging it in Motown were featured on ESPN the Magazine's site : check it out.

Now where were we?  Ah yes, I remember. 

Wudda ya know?  The first team the Penguins eliminated in the playoffs is the first team they face to open the season. 

Granted the correlation doesn't carry over in any way whatsoever, but I just felt like taking a jab.

And so it is my pleasure to welcome back Sens Army to the Pensburgh platform.  As you may remember, our good buddies over at The Army are loyal and devout members who work for nothing more than three square meals a day. 

You may recall Sens Army's appearance in the Eastern Conference preview.  A gracious contribution no doubt.

Yesterday, Peter and I exchanged additional catch-up e-mails.  You can read mine over there.  In the mean time, the floor here on Pensburgh is all yours Sens Army.

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Coming into the series, Christy said she's remain humble till the Cup came to Detroit.  Then, and only then, would she opt to gloat. 

Well, she's remained classy till the very end - and then some.  Rather than pour salt into the wound, Christy has instead shared her experience with the Cup over the last week, even having a picture taken with Zett (WIM).  As much as it stings to see all of these smiling faces around Lord Stanley, you can't help but be happy for her.

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Christy from Winging it in Motown was on hand for Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena.  Here is her letter to Pensburgh after the Pens won 4-3 in triple OT.

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