I thought that Morrow played his best playoff game last night. I'd like to see Bennett (and Jokinen), but I don't know who you sit down at this point. That 4th line with Morrow had some great, grinding, time killing shifts in the 3rd period.
- rival22

As long as Morrow is on the 4th line I can live with it. Kennedy is the impact player right now, dont know how long that will last but Bylsma should roll with it.

Last night went about how I expected it.

Last night went about how I expected it.
- Deadstar

Yep. 3 more please.

I thought that Morrow played his best playoff game last night. I'd like to see Bennett (and Jokinen), but I don't know who you sit down at this point. That 4th line with Morrow had some great, grinding, time killing shifts in the 3rd period.
- rival22

Aside from some extra curriculars, I didn't notice Morrow all that much. That's fine with me, as I think he should be more of a shut down guy who just helps to grind down the opposition.

On the other hand, Iginla seemed completely invisible last night. I think he may have ended up with an assist, but I really don't recall hearing his name often at all. For him, he needs to be noticeable to be effective.

Also, has Erik Gryba not seen Brooks Orpik play ever before? That was like running straight into a steel wall.

Yep. 3 more please.
- Gunner Staal

It's key to get a win next game. I hate to lose home games.

As much as I don't like the Engelland/Murray pairing, I like Engelland in this series. He is the best cooler since James Dalton at the Double Deuce. At those scrums at the end, he just skated around to two different ones, and the Sens player quieted down. Chris Neil will run his mouth all night, but not when Murray and Engelland are around.

One of my favorite Engelland moments wasn't a fight, but a couple years ago when the Pens were playing the Rangers. The game was getting chippy late and Steve Avery was running around. Avery lined up next to Malkin for a faceoff, and started shoving and hacking Malkin. The ref blew the whistle and reset everyone, and Engelland just drifted up, nudged Malkin back and took his spot across from Avery for the draw. Not a word was said, but Avery didn't do anything the rest of game.

As much as I don't like the Engelland/Murray pairing, I like Engelland in this series. He is the best cooler since James Dalton at the Double Deuce. At those scrums at the end, he just skated around to two different ones, and the Sens player quieted down. Chris Neil will run his mouth all night, but not when Murray and Engelland are around.

One of my favorite Engelland moments wasn't a fight, but a couple years ago when the Pens were playing the Rangers. The game was getting chippy late and Steve Avery was running around. Avery lined up next to Malkin for a faceoff, and started shoving and hacking Malkin. The ref blew the whistle and reset everyone, and Engelland just drifted up, nudged Malkin back and took his spot across from Avery for the draw. Not a word was said, but Avery didn't do anything the rest of game.
- rival22

I'd like to see him beat the crap out of Neil. Easily one of my 10 most hated players.

Just seems like the Penguins took a collective breath after the Isles series. Winning the first 4 games was big mentally.

PASCAL DUPUIS

"I think what we did wrong in the 1st Round is, we didn't enjoy a win as much as we should of. I think winning is fun. You gotta enjoy that. You gotta want more."

What a guy.

- Orpik44

Just a great quote. Shows you how big that first series monkey was that was on their backs.

Just seems like the Penguins took a collective breath after the Isles series. Winning the first 4 games was big mentally.
- Deadstar

The self doubt that was a product of consecutive 1st round exits clearly was a tough burden for them. Its gone and I think you will see a looser group that is more zoned in here on out.

The self doubt that was a product of consecutive 1st round exits clearly was a tough burden for them. Its gone and I think you will see a looser group that is more zoned in here on out.
- Gunner Staal

Well hopefully they are better prepared for the intensity that Ottawa is going to bring in game 2 then they were for the Islanders.

I'd like to see him beat the crap out of Neil. Easily one of my 10 most hated players.
- jmatchett383

I hate him too. Just mean he is great at his job.

Just seems like the Penguins took a collective breath after the Isles series. Winning the first 4 games was big mentally.
- Deadstar

I don't know if I believed it at the time, but there was some talk about the Isle series being good for the Pens. Scare them a bit. Get them to fix some pretty obvious holes. Last night wasn't perfect, but their play in the 3rd was much more disciplined. Even Geno looked responsible.

Neil taking those shots on Sid is unacceptable. Someone needs to pound him.

Prepare for a rant. Got a text last night sarcastically asking if Sid was a healthy scratch because he hadn't noticed him. Fantasy sports has ruined how we view sports. I thought Sid set the tone with the first shift and had multiple chances just couldn't finish. Also the pass he made on that Kunitz pp goal was one only a few can make. There are players who do a lot more then just show up on the stat sheet.

I'd like to see him beat the crap out of Neil. Easily one of my 10 most hated players.
- jmatchett383

I could see Neil going after guys if they are down 3-0 in the series and losing a game 4 he'll have to deal with Engelland, a very responsible fighter

Prepare for a rant. Got a text last night sarcastically asking if Sid was a healthy scratch because he hadn't noticed him. Fantasy sports has ruined how we view sports. I thought Sid set the tone with the first shift and had multiple chances just couldn't finish. Also the pass he made on that Kunitz pp goal was one only a few can make. There are players who do a lot more then just show up on the stat sheet.
- dbell646

Sid was invisible at one point last night:

Prepare for a rant. Got a text last night sarcastically asking if Sid was a healthy scratch because he hadn't noticed him. Fantasy sports has ruined how we view sports. I thought Sid set the tone with the first shift and had multiple chances just couldn't finish. Also the pass he made on that Kunitz pp goal was one only a few can make. There are players who do a lot more then just show up on the stat sheet.
- dbell646

Sid was solid and had chances, they just didn't go in. Really NOT a big deal at all.

Sid was solid and had chances, they just didn't go in. Really NOT a big deal at all.
- powerhouse

I think Sens' fans should be scared that the Pens scored 4 goals and Sid did not get into the action, although they should have awarded a 3rd assist to him on the Kunitz goal.

I could see Neil going after guys if they are down 3-0 in the series and losing a game 4 he'll have to deal with Engelland, a very responsible fighter
- Orpik44

Neil goes after guys all game long, especially when losing. Plus, he always goes high. He's never been suspended (as far as I know) because he's not a "repeat offender." But you can't be one until you're suspended.

Somehow, this was a clean hit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLwfxfUPH0g

But Pronger's elbow on McAmmond earned him a suspension that series. Again, guess it all depends on whether or not the player gets up.

Sid was invisible at one point last night:

- Rawdog9755

That's why i always laugh when the trolls talk about how "crosby is one big hit away from his career ending" He has proven that he has the vision and skating ability to avoid the big hits, and you rarely see him get rocked. Usually when he does, it's extremely late or from behind.

Crosby was pointless (not through lack of chances) and the Pens won 4-1. Not a good look for the Sens.

As an aside, he didnt get a point on Kunitz's goal, but his pass made that happen. He caught three guys out of position on that cross ice pass.

HNIC intro video for last night. Good as usual:

Crosby was pointless (not through lack of chances) and the Pens won 4-1. Not a good look for the Sens.

As an aside, he didnt get a point on Kunitz's goal, but his pass made that happen. He caught three guys out of position on that cross ice pass.
- Deadstar

PK unit did exactly what you want, try and strand a guy boxed into a small area on the perimeter. Crosby being the x factor he is still makes the play. That has to be deflating.

When all is said and done, we will have the Islanders relentless attack and speed to thank for preparing us for the playoffs this year. The more I think about it the more I am impressed with how those Isles played.

Also, has Erik Gryba not seen Brooks Orpik play ever before? That was like running straight into a steel wall.
- jmatchett383

Yeah, Orpik is a whole different animal than Lars Eller. Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear drops you with a perfect shoulder check at center ice.

Hope Gryba is OK.