Breaking Down The Penguins vs. Rangers Second Round Series

The most appealing series of the NHL’s second round kicks off Friday night when the fifth seeded New York Rangers take on the second seeded Pittsburgh Penguins. The series holds many storylines including: The high powered Pens offense versus one of the leagues top goalies; how will the Pens respond to Sean Avery’s antics; and how will Marc-Andre Fleury perform under the bright lights of a second round series.

The two teams met a total of eight times during the regular season with the Rangers winning five. During those eight games the Rangers outscored the Pens 19-17, and each team had one shutout, so obviously things were pretty close. But we all know that what happens in the regular season doesn’t necessarily translate to the same results during the playoffs.

During the first round against the Senators, the Pens pretty much scored at will, and manhandled the overmatched team from Ottawa. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the Rangers are a much different team than Ottawa. They have stability in net, grit, and unquestionable leadership. The Rangers were viewed as a bit of a dark horse to make a run in this years playoffs, but it’s not gonna be easy against the well balanced Penguins.

All four lines on the Pens can score, as can several of their offensive minded defensemen. In their series against Ottawa they only allowed one power play goal, and had only 13 minor penalties. In net Fleury was about as solid as a brick wall. In the four games he allowed seven goals on 112 shots.

As for the Rangers, they had a bit of a harder time than the Pens is round one. It took them five games to send the higher seeded Devils golfing. During those five games the Rangers scored an impressive 20 goals against Martin Brodeur. The Rangers also have something no other team has: Sean Avery. The ‘Super Pest’ rattled Brodeur and the Devils, and had a huge impact on that series. People complain about Avery, but every team would want a player like him. It should be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve for the Pens. It will also be interesting to see if the Pens play into his mind games.

PREDICTION: Penguins in six. It’ll be tough for the Rangers to keep up with the Penguins high scoring attack. Pittsburgh is a very well disciplined team, and Marc Andre Fleury has never looked better. Both teams are capable of going all the way, but the Rangers will have to wait until next year to get another chance.

Other series predictions: Dallas in six, Detroit in six, and my upset special is Philly beating Montreal seven games, and we’ll have an all-Pensylvania Eastern Conference Final.

Enjoy the Second Round!
-Joe Osborne