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Pittsburgh Penguins: Nashville Predators Doing Penguins a Favour

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Apr 18, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ron Hainsey (65) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ron Hainsey (65) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins may arguably be the best team in the league right now and their run to the Stanley Cup shouldn’t be that hard.

In the East, other than Washington, there doesn’t seem to be much competition holding the Pittsburgh Penguins back from repeating as champions. And when it comes to the Capitals, we know how to handle them.

But in the West, the only team that arguably would have a solid chance at giving the Penguins a run for their money are the Chicago Blackhawks, should the two teams meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.

But fear not, because it looks like the Nashville Predators are doing us a solid. They are currently up 3-0 on the Blackhawks and are looking to eliminate them sooner or later. Unless the Blackhawks pull off the rare comeback from a 3-0 deficit, we might as well say we’re safe.

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Nashville vs. Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks came in looking like a real threat in the Western Conference. After clinching the West during the regular season, many thought they would be the new favourites to win the Stanley Cup.

For the Penguins who are looking to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, the Blackhawks looked like a likely Stanley Cup Finals opponent. It would be an intense battle between the last two cup winners and arguably the league’s two best teams.

However, it looks like we won’t have to worry about that. The Predators are absolutely shutting down the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Chicago’s offence is struggling, being shut out in the first two games.

If Chicago was truly our main concern, the fact that Nashville can knock them out sooner than later is great for our Cup chances. It makes it that much easier to repeat.

Now you may be thinking though, does this mean Nashville is better than Chicago? Should we be fearing a run by Nashville to the finals?

Should We Fear Nashville?

No. Nashville matched up well against the Blackhawks because Rinne was able to be dominant and their defensive core is very strong. Pittsburgh on the other hand is arguably stronger than Chicago offensively and can hold their own.

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Chicago has seen struggles all throughout the season with their key players. Although Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane really picked up the pace in the second half of the season, you can see they were a bit unstable this year.

Nashville may be able to handle Chicago, but this is the playoffs where anything can happen. The Penguins have been really hot all season long. We’re keeping it going and it should be an easier bracket for us now.

Pittsburgh has kept it together all season long, despite injuries and other complications. Chicago’s imminent defeat makes it that much easier for us to repeat. So thank you Nashville for making it that much easier for us. We may now be the best team in the playoffs, easily.

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