Sorry I've been so quiet. That whole life thing hit (as unacceptable as some think that is). With that, let's do it!
1. There's a reason they're called the two-headed monster. Crosby and Malkin are absolutely dominating on the ice. Their linemates are benefitting as well.
2. Last season, the Pens's success in the conference finals was because of Crosby and Hossa. Geno's line struggled mightily and became ineffective towards the end of the eastern conference finals and into the next round. Crosby and Hossa carried that series into six games.
3. This season, it's a different tale. Malkin is still producing at a torrid pace. He's got five goals in two games. Fedotenko has one, and Talbot's had so many chances that have bounced away, but he's not going to keep missing. Crosby, Kunitz, and Guerin are also a more complete line, even though Hossa is an all-world winger.
4. Cam Ward's playing his heart out. His defense needs to help him.
5. The J. Staal line was one of the most effective forechecking lines during the Philly series. It's been getting more of a defensive role and not getting much offense. That must change in order to advance to the finals and win the Cup. Staal's got to do some better shooting and start burying those chances.
6. Hal Gill is really slow-footed. So bad, if he gets caught pinching in against a fast opponent, it's likely a goal on a 2v1. This is noticable when watching Scuderi.
7. Given Gill's failures, they are still a shutdown pair. E. Staal is still goal-less. That's a good thing.
8. Fleury's been sharp, but I still think he's been outplayed by Cam Ward.
9. Chris Kunitz finally got a goal, but he's been really contributing with the assists. I'd like more balance on the attack, but I'll take the wins over balance anyday.
10. Miro Satan fought. Wow.
11. Kris Letang is showing why he will be a feared defenseman like Nick Lidstrom or Mike Green in the next few years. Wow, that guy can shoot.
12. Mark Eaton, a defenseman many people think is not worth his money, is proving he is this postseason. Great defensive play so far.
13. Who is better: Sid or Geno? My brother says Sid because he's got the skills. I say Geno because he can go through anyone and can do anything you ask of him. You decide.
14. Sidney Crosby playoff beard watch: currently just okay/ meh. Definitely a step up on Jonathan Toews, though.
15. Best beard on the team: Bill Guerin. Some grey in there, which is always a plus, but it's very thick and full.
16. Loving Craig Adams right now. What a solid 4-th line pick up.
17. I'm liking the seven-defensemen, 11-forwards strategy Disco Dan's rolling with. Crosby and Malkin are both playing really well and carrying this team. Double-shifting them is a great idea, particularly with the rest they get in between games (2 days between 1-2, 3-4).
18. Sergei Gonchar's looking better every game. The rest is definitely helping. I'm hoping, though, to get back to six D-men soon.
19. That said, he's still looking slow-footed and struggling at times. I'm hoping he won't be a liability next round.
20. Power play has scored in seven straight games. Doing really solid right now in that department.
And there you go. A bit rushed, but all good. More coming soon.
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re 10: look at the smile on miroslav's face at the end of it :-)
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As far as geno being the better of the 2 I will have to disagree, well sort of, he is just a touch better on the ice by himself but Sid makes litteraly everyone around him better and he also shows great leadership, just look at the empty netter at the end of the game against carolina, he could have taken it himself but instead he passed it off to his line mate there is something to be said about being a good leader as well as a great player.
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