I dont need to put out stats, trends, historical information. This is a gut feeling and although Pittsburgh has performed well without their big 2, they are going to feel the loss come Game 1. This will be the first time the Penguins enter the playoffs without their stars, and although nobody can predict how they will react, I just cannot see how they can keep up with Tampa. Tampa, has to not worry about Crosby or Malkin - how to contain them, they can just go out and play run and gun. The Penguins will not be able to keep up and will eventually fizzle into the golf season. If Crosby is smart, he will call it a year. But if he chooses to come back, he will have a huge X on his back to give him a good shot.
Lightning in 5....
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To remove first post, remove entire topic.
Putting 5 units on it.
I dont need to put out stats, trends, historical information. This is a gut feeling and although Pittsburgh has performed well without their big 2, they are going to feel the loss come Game 1. This will be the first time the Penguins enter the playoffs without their stars, and although nobody can predict how they will react, I just cannot see how they can keep up with Tampa. Tampa, has to not worry about Crosby or Malkin - how to contain them, they can just go out and play run and gun. The Penguins will not be able to keep up and will eventually fizzle into the golf season. If Crosby is smart, he will call it a year. But if he chooses to come back, he will have a huge X on his back to give him a good shot.
I'm not following the newfound Lightning trend on this board. They're 7-1 in their last 8, so there's reason to believe they've righted their ship since March, when it looked like they were dead meat in Round 1. They started the season on fire and then were mediocre for quite a while, so the late resurgence is obviously a good sign.
On the flip side, Pitt has been rolling for much of the year. They've had a few bumps, but even despite key injuries, they've gone 8-2 in their last 10. They have a superior goaltender to Roloson, home advantage, the possibility of Crosby returning (which, if it happened, would mean the -150 series price was way too low), Cup experience everywhere including behind the bench. Tampa, on the flip side, doesn't have nearly the same experience, and is particularly inexperienced and questionable on the blueline.
I think this line reflects the public's overrating of TB's most recent games and the Crosby effect on the Pens. The Pens have played quite well without him, and I fail to see why -150 is a bad price for the Pens. At the very least, I can't see taking +130 or so on TB. I'd need +150 or higher, IMO.
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I'm not following the newfound Lightning trend on this board. They're 7-1 in their last 8, so there's reason to believe they've righted their ship since March, when it looked like they were dead meat in Round 1. They started the season on fire and then were mediocre for quite a while, so the late resurgence is obviously a good sign.
On the flip side, Pitt has been rolling for much of the year. They've had a few bumps, but even despite key injuries, they've gone 8-2 in their last 10. They have a superior goaltender to Roloson, home advantage, the possibility of Crosby returning (which, if it happened, would mean the -150 series price was way too low), Cup experience everywhere including behind the bench. Tampa, on the flip side, doesn't have nearly the same experience, and is particularly inexperienced and questionable on the blueline.
I think this line reflects the public's overrating of TB's most recent games and the Crosby effect on the Pens. The Pens have played quite well without him, and I fail to see why -150 is a bad price for the Pens. At the very least, I can't see taking +130 or so on TB. I'd need +150 or higher, IMO.
These two teams are completely opposite Lightning have the explosive, superstar filled offense with questionable defense and goaltending. The Pens are strong in nets/defensively and a questionable offense with no big names.
How many impressive non shootout wins did the Pens have? Look at the number of OT games they had sans Crosby/Malkin. You know these games will be close but this time they are not going to a shootout where Fleury can lock up a W.
As for Tampa they are a terrible road team. They have a -20 differential on the road (last for playoff teams) and have given up the most GA out of all playoff teams as well.
Tampa has a the 6th best PP while Pit has the best PK in the league. TB has given up 16 shorthanded goals which is the most this year while Pit is 2nd in the league with 13 shorthanded goals for. On the flip side, Pit has the 25th ranked PP so again, this doesn't make scoring easier for them.
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This series is really a toss up imo.
These two teams are completely opposite Lightning have the explosive, superstar filled offense with questionable defense and goaltending. The Pens are strong in nets/defensively and a questionable offense with no big names.
How many impressive non shootout wins did the Pens have? Look at the number of OT games they had sans Crosby/Malkin. You know these games will be close but this time they are not going to a shootout where Fleury can lock up a W.
As for Tampa they are a terrible road team. They have a -20 differential on the road (last for playoff teams) and have given up the most GA out of all playoff teams as well.
Tampa has a the 6th best PP while Pit has the best PK in the league. TB has given up 16 shorthanded goals which is the most this year while Pit is 2nd in the league with 13 shorthanded goals for. On the flip side, Pit has the 25th ranked PP so again, this doesn't make scoring easier for them.
Crosby return is highly doubtful. Difference will be Fleury (that guy that some wanted run off not long ago or made a into backup ) and the defensive corps. Look for alot of tight games IMO.
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Alot of lightning love going around.
Crosby return is highly doubtful. Difference will be Fleury (that guy that some wanted run off not long ago or made a into backup ) and the defensive corps. Look for alot of tight games IMO.
I'm a little biased seeing as I'm a Pens fan but I think the physical tight checking style of the playoffs will favor the pens in this series. They are battle tested with alot of these guys winning a cup and fleury vs roloson or smith is a greater advantage for Pens than stamkos vs pens forwards minus the two headed monster. I see alot of low scoring games in this series and Pens in 6
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I'm a little biased seeing as I'm a Pens fan but I think the physical tight checking style of the playoffs will favor the pens in this series. They are battle tested with alot of these guys winning a cup and fleury vs roloson or smith is a greater advantage for Pens than stamkos vs pens forwards minus the two headed monster. I see alot of low scoring games in this series and Pens in 6
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) and the defensive corps. Look for alot of tight games IMO. 
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