The Ottawa Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins will have two very different mindsets on what transpired in the first round. For the Sens it is entirely positive, they took down the somewhat favoured Canadiens in five games and proved themselves immensely while doing so. Meanwhile, the Penguins had difficulty dispatching the underdog Islanders in what some considered to be the biggest mismatch in round one. They will look to rebound from a series that they won rather unconvincingly.
In fact, the close call with the Islanders could prove to be a catalyst for the Penguins going forward. They completely underestimated the ability of the 8th seed and almost paid for it. Having a close call early and being able to overcome it is a luxury for the Penguins who will have a little extra drive going into round two. This can only be problematic for the Senators who will hope to surprise the Penguins in their own way just as they have done to teams all season long.
While this series may not be a traditional rivalry it will certainly have plenty of rivalry like symptoms. These teams have met a couple of times in recent playoff action and have had some fairly sizable battles in the past. Look for more of that, especially if the series goes for more than 5 games which it most likely will. Although it is most likely overrated as a storyline the Matt Cooke-Erik Karlsson saga will be in full force in this series. Look for that to add a little extra heat to an already bright fire.
To get past the Penguins the Senators will once again be relying heavily on goaltender Craig Anderson, the undisputed MVP against the Canadiens. It was his play that made the massive difference and turned the tide on a series that could have just as quickly gone the other way. Against the Penguins he will have an even more difficult task as the players firing pucks at him will be exponentially more dangerous. That being said Evgeni Nabokov was able to do a decent job of containing the Pens offence. Anderson will need to be solid once again for the Senators to have a chance.
On the other end of the spectrum is Marc-Andre Fleury, or as some might point out the Fleury / Tomas Vokoun tandem. The former had an incredibly forgettable first round, only adding to his recent playoff woes. He ended up giving up the job to his backup Vokoun who led the team to the second round with two straight wins. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said he still trusts Fleury and we will see how deep that trust is in round two. That being said, Fleury could be set to have a bounce back series in round two. But the goaltending edge still goes to Ottawa.
Just as the first round drew plenty of PK Subban/ Erik Karlsson comparisons the second round will feature the same only with Kris Letang this time. The Senators best player is back from injury and has been relatively impressive since returning. Against Montreal he was victim of far too many turnovers and was for the most part outplayed by Subban in the series. Karlsson may be a little tentative again in this series. Gonchar may have to come up absolutely massive for the Sens defensive corps.
It is the Penguins offence, evidently, that is the most dangerous weapon in this series. The combination of dynamic offensive players is one unmatched in the rest of the league and a major obstacle for the Senators. They of few goals, despite pounding in two six goal games against the Canadiens, will have to try and immensely contain this weapon. Three or four goals against could effectively spell the end for the Sens. They will need to rely on a cast of young players to provide offence once again.
The experienced Black and Yellow offence should take over this series. Evgeni Malkin was huge for the Penguins once again and is looking primed to attempt another Conn Smythe trophy campaign. Crosby was also as he should be, although he will be looking to improve on the minus-1 rating he put up against the Isles. The Penguins could, however, use more production out of James Neal and Chris Kunitz. Both have put up less impressive statistical totals so far these playoffs.
The final factor in this series belongs to a player who has been MIA for most of the season due to a back injury. Jason Spezza is definitely one of the most talented offensive players in the league and playing at his best could be a major boost to the Senators. It doesn’t seem likely that he will be in the lineup early on in the series but it isn’t out of the question that he will appear as he has been practicing with the team.
The Senators will prove a worthy adversary, but in the end the Penguins are just too talented on too many levels. Pittsburgh in 6 games*.
*I am 63% so far in terms of predictions this playoffs.
Here’s what the other writers think:
Ben Kerr (63%): While the Penguins goaltending seems more stable today with Tomas Vokoun than Marc-Andre Fleury, their first round series with the Isles didn’t inspire huge confidence. The Sens meanwhile are playing very well and Craig Anderson is standing on his head. This series will be close, but ultimately the Penguins have too much firepower. Pittsburgh wins in 7 games.
Russell Mckenzie (75%): Senators in 7: The Islanders exposed the Penguins defense as weak, and the Senators are ready to further drill that point home.
Max Vasilyev (100%): Pittsburgh in six: Senators are similar to the Islanders, but have better skill and better goaltending. Still, picking against the Penguins is like playing Russian Roulette with only one empty chamber.
Tuesday, May 14 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Pittsburgh NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Friday, May 17 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Pittsburgh NBCSN, CBC
Sunday, May 19 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Ottawa CBC, RDS, NBCSN
Wednesday, May 22 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Ottawa CBC, RDS, NBCSN
* Friday, May 24 7:30 p.m. Ottawa at Pittsburgh NBCSN, CBC, RDS
* Sunday, May 26 TBD Pittsburgh at Ottawa CBC, RDS, TBD
* Tuesday, May 28 TBD Ottawa at Pittsburgh CBC, RDS, TBD
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