Penguins Series Preview

Hi there,
So, for the second time in three years, the Bruins are back in the Eastern Conference Finals. Part of their cup run in 2011, they versed the Lightning in the Conference Finals. Their opponent this year? If you don't know by now then that's a little sad, it's the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference: The Pittsburgh Penguins. The main story in this series in that the Bruins will be facing Jarome Iginla, who the Bruins thought they would get because they had been told Iginla was going to waive his no-trade clause to come here. Instead, however, he chose to go to Pittsburgh, basically telling us he didn't think we were good enough to win a cup. Also let's not forget that Penguins player Matt Cooke was the one who made the dirty hit to the head that ultimately ended Marc Savard's career...

So, with all the potential fighting in this series aside, this is going to be tough. The Penguins have one of the best offenses in the NHL, including arguably the best player right now in Sidney Crosby. They have the league's top power play at just over 28%. And, oh yeah, we lost all three meeting with them in the regular season. Something positive? Well, all the losses were only by 1 goal, so there's that. Anyways, the series will most likely go at least 6 games and I can also see it going the distance to 7. I think the Bruins also have an advantage in goal. I'm sorry, but I don't see Vokoun as being better than Rask, even if his goals against average is better than Rask's. Rask has played more games. Some things the Bruins need to do. 1) Play strong defense. This is most likely going to be a high scoring series (which I am happy about) but you need to be able to shut them down at key points in the game and make Rask's life a little easier since, like I said, he is going up against one of the best offenses out there. 2) Stay out of the penalty box. You can't give this team too many power play opportunities because they will convert. The Bruins can be just as good as the Penguins if they keep it 5-on-5. And, finally 3) Beat the crap out of Jarome Iginla. Yes, ok, I just want to see it. He shoved us out the door at the last second when we thought we reached a deal. Show him that we can be just as good as the Penguins and that we didn't appreciate him backing out of it like that. This will be a tough series, I think the Bruins can pull this off though and I think they win in 7 games.

~Anthony