Running 2008 NHL Playoffs Thread

JR's right about the Pens' defensive dominance. They have shut down what had been a pretty good offensive team.

• 
  The Flyers' average goals scored in the three series:
  • Against Washington: 3.2
  • Against Montreal: 4.0
  • Against Pittsburgh: 1.6

 

Oh, am I the only one who thinks John Stevens will sit Steve Downie in game four?

 

I wouldn't count on it, HB. I want him to play, anyway. Not only will he help Pittsburgh more than his own team, but he might also get clobbered by Laraque.

 

I think Downie's brain dead giveaway to Malkin might be enough to earn him a seat in the press box. Especially considering he was responsible for Talbot's game two game-winner.

 

There are obviously people on here who know a lot more about hockey than I do, so I am interested in this response.

Would the Pens even still be playing if the Hossa trade was not made? Would Crosby and Malkin been enough to reach the conference finals or to lead this series?

If that is the case, will the Hossa trade, if they can resign him, be as strong for the organization as the Ron Francis deal?

 

I think the Pens would be in the Eastern Conference Finals, but the playoff run wouldn't have been as easy--for lack of a better word--as it has seemed to be.

The Hossa trade gave Michel Therrien the luxury of placing high quality snipers with Crosby and Malkin. Crosby has Hossa on his line while Malkin is paired with Sykora. Ottawa, New York and now Philly were and are in a Catch 22. Which line do you try to shut down?

 

I think after Hossa's play this post season the Pens will throw a good amount of money at him.

The one-on-two goal last night that blistered through the defenseman's legs was a heck of a goal. To have a guy who can turn crap into a goal this time of year is so valuable.

I just hope the Pens don't become the Lightning who dump all their resources into a few players, but did not have a rounded team.

 

That last part illustrates exactly why there is a good chance they won't keep Hossa, which is fine. The Penguins accomplished exactly what they wanted with that trade. They gave themselves a chance to win the Stanley Cup this year. They may not take advantage of it, but the opportunity is there.

 

Anyone know how much Hossa's making? Is he an UFA at the end of the season?
Did the Pens use up all their cap this year?

 

The Pens also have to renegotiate Malkin's and Jordan Staal's contracts as there is one year remaining on each deal. Obviously Hossa is a UFA, but so is Brooks Orpik--reportedly, the Rangers have a Chara-sized hard on for him--along with Ruutu, Ryan Malone and Laraque. Plus, the Pens are going to have to set aside some coin for Marc-Andre Fleury, who could be a Conn Smythe candidate should the Pens win the Cup.

 

The cap is going up this summer, I think to $60 million.

Hossa made a cool $7 million this year.

http://www.sportscity.com/NHL/NHL-Free-Agents-by-Position-2008/

 

Agreed. That's why I don't see them being able to keep Hossa. I don't think keeping him was ever part of the plan.