Thoughts on TBL drawing Pittsburgh in the first round?

[Super Hans]

It would kinda suck for the Bolts, I'm sure they'd rather be getting BJs in the first round. Don't think they'll have a problem either way tho.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Pittsburgh will finish 2nd in the Metro behind Washington. The Islanders are fading and I think they fall to one of the WC spots while Pittsburgh and Carolina finish 2nd and 3rd in the Metro, respectively. Washington and Pittsburgh will meet in the 2nd round and the winner will represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Pens probably blew their shot at passing the Isles last night, when they lost to Columbus. They failed to take advantage of the Isles losing to Philly, and could have moved to within 2 points of them. Instead, they're still 4 back with only 14 games to go.

 

[Mikeshane]

Yes please.

I don't think the Pens have enough to make a cup run, but for 1 series I think they could be competitive with TB.

 

[tony d]

The Lightning are the best team in the league, who they play should not matter. I also think the Pens have lost a step or 2 this year.

 

[LightningStrikes]

Not scared. Anything can happen in a 7 game series. Doesn’t matter if it’s Pittsburgh, Carolina, Columbus or Montreal.

 

[3074326]

I don't feel good about it, but if Crosby/Malkin/Kessel are playing like they can, it doesn't really matter who the other team is.

They just haven't all played like they can, Crosby aside.

 

[OurlordAndSaviorKuch]

I doubt Tampa cares because they should win either way, but Montreal would be a much easier matchup

Pitt isn't the same Pitt that won B2B cups so I could care less.

 

[bobholly39]

The Pittsburgh Penguins in my opinion are the toughest matchup in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The odds of them stumbling to me are almost non-existent. Maybe they won't have what it takes to go all the way anymore - but that's a team that's likely going to go all out in round 1. I can't imagine Malkin, Kessel, Crosby & co not showing up in round 1 - look at the last 3 years, utter dominance.

It would by far be the most difficult matchup for Tampa. Doesn't mean Tampa can't beat them - but it would be a battle of titans imo. I think this is the matchup Tampa hopes to avoid. Anyone else should fall easily to them in round 1.

 

[DearDiary]

Pitt isn't the same Pitt that won B2B cups so I could care less.

They would have beaten Tampa and Vegas if they got past the Capitals last year.

I think it will come down to either the Caps or Pens representing the East in the finals.

 

[OurlordAndSaviorKuch]

They would have beaten Tampa and Vegas if they got past the Capitals last year.

I think it will come down to either the Caps or Pens representing the East in the finals.

Doubtful

 

[Finesse]

I don't really think anyone should worry about facing us at the moment. Unless you don't like to see your team score shorthanded goals or something like that.

 

[SEALBound]

With the amount of parity we are seeing, there's not that big of a difference between #2 through #8 in the East. Tampa, clearly #1 in the standings but that doesn't meaning any of the teams that make it will be a cake walk.

 

[DistantThunderRep]

With the amount of parity we are seeing, there's not that big of a difference between #2 through #8 in the East. Tampa, clearly #1 in the standings but that doesn't meaning any of the teams that make it will be a cake walk.

This can't be said enough. Especially with all the damn Tampa threads that get made daily. Just because we are good in the standings doesn't mean we are better than teams in the playoffs.

 

[Beville]

1) Pittsburgh needs to make the playoffs
2) Montreal wouldn’t stand a chance

 

[Panthaz89]

No team wants to play the Lightning in any round though...

 

[ziggyjoe212]

For the first time all season I'm a little worried about the Pens' chances of making the playoffs.

However, I much prefer to face the Islanders than TB.

 

[PensandCaps]

Pens would smack Tampa and it will be glorious.

i fear the caps more tbh. they have done it and won a cup.

 

[bobbyking]

If crosby malkin letang Kessel Murray go into playoff mode then it's over for tbay. But if stamkos doesn't choke for once then it could get interesting especially if kuch plays up to his potential

 

[The Macho King]

Pittsburgh will finish 2nd in the Metro behind Washington. The Islanders are fading and I think they fall to one of the WC spots while Pittsburgh and Carolina finish 2nd and 3rd in the Metro, respectively. Washington and Pittsburgh will meet in the 2nd round and the winner will represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I know it feels that way, but playing Tampa in the third round isn't the "Stanley Cup Finals."

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

I know it feels that way, but playing Tampa in the third round isn't the "Stanley Cup Finals."

I think either Washington or Pittsburgh represents the East, as I said. I'm aware there's another round between the 2nd round and the SCF but I think WSH/PIT beats whoever they play.

 

[The Macho King]

I think either Washington or Pittsburgh represents the East, as I said. I'm aware there's another round between the 2nd round and the SCF but I think WSH/PIT beats whoever they play.

I heard you - but that round *after* you lose to Tampa is the actual SCF.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

No team wants to play the Lightning in any round though...

I actually think I'd favor the Pens chances versus the Lightning than a team like Boston. Stifling defenses that clog things up give the Pens more trouble than in a series where they can try and out score the opposition.

Note: I'm not saying I like their chances versus either team or think the Pens would be the favorites in either series. I just think of the two, Boston's style of play would give the Pens more trouble.

 

[Hockey4Life91]

If crosby malkin letang Kessel Murray go into playoff mode then it's over for tbay. But if stamkos doesn't choke for once then it could get interesting especially if kuch plays up to his potential

This happened in 2016 and it went all the way to game 7. Since then, Tampa has gotten significantly stronger and Pit’s depth has been decimated. Claiming it would be over if 87, 71, and 81 play well is a bit over the top. It would make for a competitive series.

 

[ccman68]

Pens would smack Tampa and it will be glorious.

i fear the caps more tbh. they have done it and won a cup.

Pens are the team I’m least scared of. Bunch of over the hill players and overpaid plugs. Will be hilarious seeing them get swept.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

This happened in 2016 and it went all the way to game 7. Since then, Tampa has gotten significantly stronger and Pit’s depth has been decimated. Claiming it would be over if 87, 71, and 81 play well is a bit over the top. It would make for a competitive series.

Eh, not sure the problem is Pittsburgh's depth this year. The biggest difference between the Pens' 2016 Cup team and this year's roster is on defense. Up front, the 2016 team didn't have a player comparable to Jake Guentzel, and a guy like Rust (who was prominent in 2016) is a much better player today.