Pittsburgh Penguins Talk: Who Is Our Round 2 X-Factor?

Apr 27, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) celebrates with teammates after the Penguins' game against the Washington Capitals in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 12, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) moves the puck ahead of Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Samual Campbell

These games against the Washington Capitals are going to push anxiety ridden fans over the edge. It seems almost every playoff game is going to OT these days, so we are in for some entertaining hockey.

When I think of an X-Factor, I imagine a player that is going to emerge and contribute that little extra to push the Pens to the Eastern Conference Finals. My nominee, perhaps you’ve heard of him, is Nick Bonino.

The center of all trades scored the game winner in Game 1. He looks to build off of last year’s playoff success, where he put up 5 points in the second round series against Washington. The Caps are definitely going to hope to contain Crosby and Malkin (although resistance may be futile), which could open the door for Bonino.

Hopefully we get to hear that beautiful Punjabi goal call a few more times this postseason.

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