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Pittsburgh Penguins: It’s All or Nothing in the Stanley Cup Finals

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Jan 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) and Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) chase the puck during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) and Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) chase the puck during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year straight.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Nashville Predators in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. After taking out the Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals, and the Ottawa Senators, the Penguins may be up against their toughest opponents yet.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

Not to say our other opponents weren’t difficult, but the Predators are hot right now. For an eighth seed in the west, they’ve been tearing up the league.

If it’s ever been time to get our act together, it’s now. We’re four wins away from a repeat. If we can get all our players to come clutch when they’re called on, I have no doubt in my mind that we can get it done.

Goaltending

Taking a look at the goaltending situation for these finals, it’s interesting for both teams. Pekka Rinne has been the hottest team in the playoffs. He currently leads the league in most goaltending stats, including save percentage, goals against average, wins and shutouts.

The Penguins have a more interesting case. Neither of our goalies may be leading in stats, but they are both capable of being number one goalies. This is where we may have the upper hand over Nashville. We can have a good goalie in net no matter what. This flexibility can come clutch in a seven game series.

Defence

I’ll just say it right now. With Kris Letang out, our defensive core isn’t as good as Nashville’s. In fact, Nashville has one of the best defensive cores in the league. But that won’t stop us. Our defence is still very good.

We need to watch out for PK Subban and Roman Josi especially. The two are elite defenceman that are capable of holding down their blue line effectively.

Offence

With Ryan Johansen out for the Predators, their offensive core has downgraded a bit. Pittsburgh meanwhile still have their stars in play with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel.

We have to hope for big games from our main guys. Our offence has been rather slow at times these playoffs. We need to pick it up.

Next: Looking Back at the Eastern Conference Finals

Nashville’s offence is still something to watch out for. Overall, I think this series will be a close and hard-fought one. Let’s hope we come out on top.

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