Let's all Go Cup Crazy!

[Pagan]

Actually, some of us discovered hockey in Pittsburgh much earlier than the '91 Cup winning season. I discovered it in 1984 and probably would have discovered it sooner than that but waaaay back then it was only broadcast on channel 53 which we didn't get until we got cable in the mid-80's (yeah, I know, I had a deprived childhood - no cable tv!).

So did I...I just had to rub it in about the THIRTY FOUR YEARS since they won the cup.

[Ian]

It really doesn't matter. The bottom line is no matter who wins this series, neither team is winning the Cup.

Both teams will just be among the list of 29 also-rans.

[JPL]

I have to say I really wish the NHL would reconsider it's deal with Versus. Not only is the coverage terrible (no replays very sanitized by the NHL all the stupid pre-packed stoppage of play videos) but I have really no interest in the Western Conference First Round Games. At least with ESPN you would get to see all the games.

[WDWfanatic742]

Don't underestimate the Ducks! 2-0

[JPL]

Don't underestimate the Ducks! 2-0

Aren't you a Panthers Fan

[WDWfanatic742]

Aren't you a Panthers Fan

They are my second favorite team if anything. I only like them because they are the only hockey team that I can actually go out and see. It's kinda hard to go across the country to go to Anaheim . Plus, living across country, we only really get the chance to see the Ducks play if they are on national TV or are playing the Panthers or the Lightning.

[JPL]

It's kinda hard to go across the country to go to Anaheim .

Hey Just think A Day at Disneyland and an evening of Hockey

[alphamommy]

I have to say I really wish the NHL would reconsider it's deal with Versus. Not only is the coverage terrible (no replays very sanitized by the NHL all the stupid pre-packed stoppage of play videos) but I have really no interest in the Western Conference First Round Games. At least with ESPN you would get to see all the games.

I agree about Versus. Their coverage is horrible. I'm just glad that we can get the first round(s) or Wings games on our local Fox Sports station. Most people around here watch any non-Wings games (or late round Wings games) on CBC. Canadian coverage is FAR superior to Versus!

[Ian]

Now see bro...you're going into this thinking your team has no chance to win. My guys came within two games of the Cup last year...and are a better team this year.

I see no reason we can't give any team in the bracket a run for the money.

It's cool ... But hey, just don't me to join you on the bandwagon of delusion.

Jeff, I agree about Versus. I can't stand it.

[Pagan]

It's cool ... But hey, just don't me to join you on the bandwagon of delusion.

But isn't delusion what being a fan is all about?

I'm a Dolphins fan...I've been delusional since 1973.

[Pagan]

It really doesn't matter. The bottom line is no matter who wins this series, neither team is winning the Cup.

Both teams will just be among the list of 29 also-rans.

Now see bro...you're going into this thinking your team has no chance to win. My guys came within two games of the Cup last year...and are a better team this year.

I see no reason we can't give any team in the bracket a run for the money.

[barnaby]

Now see bro...you're going into this thinking your team has no chance to win. My guys came within two games of the Cup last year...and are a better team this year.

I see no reason we can't give any team in the bracket a run for the money.

Pens took a step back this season when they lost Malone and Hossa. Yeah, Guerin has partially filled Malone's role but they didn't bring in anyone to replace Hossa and his 26 points in the playoffs last year.

PS - Before the playoffs started last season, I picked the Pens to win the Cup.

[Pagan]

Pens took a step back this season when they lost Malone and Hossa. Yeah, Guerin has partially filled Malone's role but they didn't bring in anyone to replace Hossa and his 26 points in the playoffs last year.

No, they didn't replace Hossa...but Malkin and Crosby have stepped it up a notch, Kunitz is doing better than originally anticipated, and the Pens are playing MUCH better defense than they did last year.

[Ian]

Can't comment on the defense because I don't know the team that well, really.

But from what I can see Crosby is scoring fewer points per game than he did last season. Last season he scored 72 points in 53 games (1.35 ppg) and this season he scored 103 points in 77 games (1.33 ppg).

Not a huge drop off but certainly not a "step up" either. And he has taken a huge drop off in +/-. Last season he was +18. This season he's only +3.

Malkin improved very modestly in points, but his goal production is way off from last year. He had 12 fewer goals in 2008/2009 than he did in 2007/2008.

I'm not sayin' ... I'm just sayin' ....

[barnaby]

No, they didn't replace Hossa...but Malkin and Crosby have stepped it up a notch, Kunitz is doing better than originally anticipated, and the Pens are playing MUCH better defense than they did last year.

Malkin and Crosby are basically a wash between this year and last year, as Ian pointed out.
Kunitz is no Hossa.
And the Pens gave up more goals this year than last year.

Like I said, I just don't think they are as good this year.
With that said, the Eastern Conference is pretty well-balanced team for team this year with no dominant squad (not sold on the Bruins) so if the Pens reached the Cup Finals again, it wouldn't surprise me.
However, I think a Western Conference team will be hoisting the Cup again this season, maybe even a repeat in Hockeytown.

[Pagan]

Guys....I'm talking about the last three months where they stepped it up after the new coach took over.

Crosby's been FLYING since coming back from his injury, and the team was 17-6-4 the last three months of the season.

And again, their defense is better. Anyone who watched game one will tell you that.