Pens Points: (We Are) The Road Crew

Good morning one and all,

We arrived home last night just in time for the third period. The power play is still terrible (we cheer PP shots on goal like they are actual goals!), but all in all 2 points on the road earned in any fashion is a good thing. [Trib]

Seems like the only thing the Pens are playing for now is that home-ice advantage given that it's almost certain they will play the Rangers in a 2/3 matchup. But is home ice really an advantage? [PPG]

Raise your hand if you're excited about playing the Rangers third post-season in a row. I'm still slightly uneasy about it, although the Pens look to be a much tougher out this time around. [CBS NY]

Mike Sullivan says that the last two games were Phil Kessel's best since he was named head coach. 18 points in last 20 games. [The Score]

Dumoulin is injured, but that means Derrick Pouliot can come down from the press box. Compared to last year, defensive depth is managed way better. [Trib]

Pascal Dupuis is the Pens nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This article also outlines in some more detail the job Duper has been asked to do for the remainder of this season. [Trib]

The Blackhawks beat the free-falling Canucks to clinch their 8th consecutive playoff spot. Although, if the Preds can keep current form, they just might push the Hawks to a *fabulous* first-round matchup vs. Stars or Kings. [NBC Sports]

Speaking of the Kings, their 5v5 shot differential is by far the best in the NHL. They will be a tough out for anyone. [Hockey Graphs]

Anyone need a second-line right-winger? Nail Yakupov has reportedly requested a trade out of Edmonton prior to the deadline. [Edmonton Journal]

Aside from good guys Nate MacKinnon and Matt Duchene who are out with injuries (and Iggy, OK), there really aren't any reasons to root for the Avs this year or any other year. Stick a fork in them, they're done. [Denver Post]

I read this with great interest. Not because I think Nazem Kadri is the best thing since sliced bread (he is not), but because officiating is terrible enough as it is, we don't need any more of the head games. [Sportsnet]