Crosby’s Accolades Grow, Pens Earn 101 Points In 2009-10

Remember Lemieux's message to the team before Game 7 last year? Yeah, still goosebumps. (photosource: yardbarker.com)

The Penguins’ final weekend of the regular-season was reminiscent of the 2009-10 campaign’s second half.  In a 1-0 loss at Atlanta Saturday, the Pens looked lack-luster and uninspired.  They were minus ingenuity and bereft of creativity. Sunday afternoon on Long Island, the Penguins showed flashes of brilliance, laissez-faire defense, and just enough flair to capture a 6-5 overtime victory.

In Sunday’s win, superstar Sidney led the way with two goals and three assists.  Although he finished three points shy of Vancouver’s Henrik Sedin who won the NHL scoring title, Crosby’s 51 markers will etch his name on the Rocket Richard Trophy alongside super soph Steven Stamkos who equaled #87 with an empty net goal in a victory against Florida Sunday.

Congratulations to Captain Crosby for another sensational season.  Despite the highs and lows of this year, Crosby was a constant, the consummate professional, able to carry the team to a 100+-point season.

Evgeni Malkin looked like his former self Sunday, notching two goals and two assists against the Islanders.  This type of offensive output from the two-headed monster will be crucial in escaping the first-round match-up with fifth-seeded Ottawa.

The Pens and Sens split the four-game regular-season series.  Ottawa took a huge hit earlier this week when winger Alex Kovalev was injured and will miss the remainder of the season.  Nevertheless, the Senators have more than enough firepower to pose a serious threat.

Pittsburgh’s troublesome play in the defensive zone could be disastrous against Daniel Alfredsson (20-51-71), Jason Spezza (23-34-57), and Mike Fisher (25-28-53).

The season’s final weekend was stocked full of drama as Montreal eked into the playoffs with an overtime loss against Toronto Saturday night.  The Flyers needed a shootout Sunday afternoon to eliminate the New York Rangers, a team that was resuscitated after a win against Philly in Manhattan  Saturday.  Boston won its final three games, including a 4-3 shootout victory Sunday in Washington, to move up in the standings and enter the second season on a hot streak.

The 2010 playoffs open Wednesday.  Dates and times of the first round will be announced soon.  Here is the first round playoff pairings.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens
#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers
#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche
#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators
#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings
#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings