PITTSBURGH (15-7-3) VS OTTAWA (15-8-2)
THE PAINT CAN, PITTSBURGH, PA
7:00 PM EST ROOT Sports
So every gameday I try to use either a song title or lyric as the title of the thread, but since Ottawa sucks I really had to dig deep for this one. There are more songs about Hell than Ottawa, making an eternal afterlife of smelting iron ore and demons more appeasable than living in this city. Ottawa has been in the league for 25 years and relevant for about 4 of them, this year they seem to be making a case for themselves to reach the playoffs again. Remember when Matt Cooke used surgical precision to accurately cut Eric Karlssons achilles tendon while at full speed? A criminal investigation was opened up, further cementing the Senators into a legacy of jokes. There is a 98% chance that you forgot Ottawa was in the league until you read the schedule today. In a moment of seriousness if I may, the Senators acquired Toronto captain Dion Phaneuf last season to solidify their defense.
Can’t wait to see Dion try to be a dick to Crosby before Sid nets a goal and nuts in Phaneufs mom.
Projected Starting Lineups:
Sullivan decided to throw the Pittsburgh media into meltdown mode by starting Fleury in two straight games, and it would be hilarious if he did it again just to fuck with them. Meanwhile the first line seems to be a set feature for the team right now as they have some serious chemistry, and Conor Sheary has figured out his position with Crosby relatively quickly. The second line of 62-71-81 was successful last game and will probably get an extended look tonight, I am for it because it was only the third time Hagelin was noticeable this year (the other 2 times came on Sids line). Friendly reminder the Neil is still in the league, and I am sure he is still a terrible hockey player. Mike Condon may get the nod in net tonight for Ottawa, if not it will be Anderson. UPDATE: it will be FLEURY vs ANDERSON tonight.
WHO TO WATCH:
FOR OTTAWA: ERIK KARLSSON
Karlsson is one of the few players that has lived up to expectations. The guy is a complete stud offensively, and it’s fun to watch his ability to skate. Hoffman was a close second choice here, he always seems to score against the Pens.
FOR PITTSBURGH: EVGENI MALKIN
Geno has been putting up assists recently, and a resurgence with new linemates is inevitable. I look for Kessel and Malkin to continue to develop their chemistry, and since they will be going up against Borowiecki (lol, who?) and Wideman, it could spell a big night for the second line.
The Final Word:
The Penguins have a particular game plan set for this season, has highlighted by Rich in his recap for the Redwings game. Ottawa will come out firing trying to knock off the champs, then the Penguins will decide enough is enough, Crosby puts on his leadership pants, and they will get to work showing everyone how good they are. The scary thing for the team right now is when this switch is flicked on, there isn’t a team that can stop them. As for Ottawa, I don’t know or care how their season has gone, it has to suck knowing your biggest accomplishment will be losing in the first round of the playoffs.
LET’S GO PENS!
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