Pittsburgh Penguins: Five Things to Watch in First-Round Matchup

Special teams

It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine this series largely decided on even-strength play. The Penguins have the top powerplay in the league this season with a 26.1% conversion rate, while the Flyers penalty kill finished in 29^th. Unfortunately for the Penguins, they may not get a chance to take advantage much as the Flyers managed to stay out of penalty trouble this year. For the Penguins, their average penalty killing unit (17^th) would meet an average power play (15^th).

With the limited opportunities, the Penguins will have to take advantage of every powerplay given.  At the same time, if the Flyers are aggressive on the penalty kill, they can make the Penguins have to win games at even strength.