Pens Depth Could Take Them Deep

(photo courtesy of post-gazette.com)

The Pittsburgh Penguins have stolen everybody's thunder. Since Sid's return the team is going banana sandwich all over the league, i.e. last night's pond hockey game against the Jets. Crosby, Malkin, and Neal combined for 13 points as Pittsburgh pimp-smacked the 'Peg 8-4. But this was no regular blowout, it was an establishment of the boys and the men. The Penguins have all the hallmarks of a battle-hardened playoff team: Size, speed, grit, elite goaltending, savvy role players, great puck moving defensemen, intelligent coaching, and offensive skill for light years. The scariest part for the rest of the NHL is that they are JACKED that Crosby’s back. The teams that heat up at the right time of year usually do damage in the playoffs, and it’s doubtful that this will be any different. Watch out for these guys.

A Subtle Sidney Could Spell Success for Pittsburgh

(photo courtesy of puckdaddy.com via Getty Images)

                     

In the 40 games since Sidney Crosby again went out with concussion symptoms and damaged vertebrae the Pens have surprisingly managed to thrive, sitting handily at 4th in the east. Forgive them if they're not rushing to mess with a good thing. Geno Malkin has been the best player in the NHL, playing with an unconscious James Neal. In the interest of maintaining chemistry, Crosby skated on the THIRD LINE. The result was a 5-2 drubbing of the New York Rangers, who are 1st in the east, in their own building. The Pens are the first team all year to score 5 against New York, and all Crosby had to do was chip in an assist. Kris Letang, who also returned in that game was a +5, a perfect illustration of how Pittsburgh's depth can now truly shine.