Pens' D simply lived within their means. They were well coached and believed in their group, covered for each other, and never quit no matter how banged up each one was. They played with a ton of heart and willed their way to victory after victory, shutout after shutout.
If that's pathetic then maybe you should watch a different sport. Becuase it was simply brilliant.
That defence was propped up by a forward group that back checked like mad mother *******.
They just didn't get good all of a sudden. Pittsburgh is introducing a new style of defence to the league. Their forwards are absolutely relentless in the defensive zone. That team plays with 4 and a half defencemen on each line. And it worked great!
Round 1 - Pittsburgh dismantled columbus.
Round 2 - Got pretty lucky against Washington and was the one series their goalie stood on his head.
Round 3 - Won the coin toss against Ottawa.
Round 4 - Won another coin toss against Nashville.
This Pittsburgh team looked nothing like last year. That team dominated the ice and possession.
This years team played a passive hope for the best hockey game that shot lights out.
There's many ways to grandma's house.
Still doesn't mean their defence is good. Just means the teams defence as a whole was.
