Seeing as how Jordon Leopold was not on the ice for Pittsburgh's optional skate, I think it's safe to say the Pens will skate into tonight's game without him for the second consecutive match. You may have also noticed there hasn't been much said about his status. Given the history of injuries in this league, I've found the less you hear the more you have to worry. Here's to hoping he's not out of the lineup for too long.
Marc-Andre Fleury may have had a rough go in Game 1, but you can't deny how spectacular he's been between the pipes since. One goal allowed in Game 2. Two goals allowed in Game 3. I don't want to speak too soon, but I think he's found his post-season form.
Brian Elliott is bound to bounce back with a strong performance soon. I find it hard to believe he will go through this entire series in a funk, although I will gladly accept such a display over the next two games. Neither goalie looked hot in Game 1, but lucky for Elliott his offense just managed to notch one extra goal at the right time to seal the deal.
Things are getting pretty scrappy out there and I don't expect much to change tonight. Matt Cooke is already a hated man around Ottawa for his hit on Daniel Alfredsson earlier in the season. Top that off with Alfie's kneeing call on Orpik, Sutton's (legal) hit on Leopold, Cooke's hit from behind in G3 and the potential for this thing to sway in a 3-1 favor for Pittsburgh and the likely result will be yet another fast-paced, board-rattling display. See also: Playoff Hockey.
On to the contest. You know the deal:
Format: Winning team name - Score - First Pens goal scorer's last name
Give me the first Penguins goal scorer
Give me the final score (include which team will win)
Example: Penguins - 7-2 - Lemieux
In case you missed the post from Monday morning, here's the updated leaderboard. Despite what some of those four-point people may think, it's still anyone's game. So if you haven't done so already, there's still a good chance you gain some ground with a few good predictions. Remember, final score counts for nothing if the team you pick doesn't win.