Burnside: Pens in 7

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Whatever. I'll remember you said this, especially the bolded parts.

For the record, we are 10-4 through the first three rounds and have successfully picked the Penguins and Red Wings to reach the Cup finals. All of which means nothing, but thought we'd say it anyway. Even though the Red Wings boast a much more talented blue line (at least on paper), we like Fleury's toothy confidence and think the Wings aren't going to have an answer for Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle. In the end, it will be the Penguins. Penguins in seven.

Article

Edited May 20, 2008 by Wings_Dynasty

[Izzy24 44]

Pfft, where did this "comparable defense" idea come from? This isn't the first time I've heard it, is it wishful thinking on someone's part?

[Cern 0]

Shut [Detroit's top line] down, as the Stars did in the middle of the West finals, and the door will be open for the Penguins, whose offensive depth is so impressive.

Has EVERYone completely forgotten that there are players called 'defensemen' whose JOBS it is to shut down offense? Detroit's blue line definitely has the kind of depth to frustrate Croskinssa, to say nothing of the abilities of their defensive forwards.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Melrose picked the Wings tonight on the Sportscenter recap if it's any consolation.

Seriously though, can't really blame Burnside. Pitt has a helluva team with a ridiculous amount of offensive, probably a little more capable than the Wings in terms of a balance standpoint if possible, and the two defenses are pretty even. Their only question is in goaltending I think, but that is far from an achilles heel.

I highly doubt this series will end quickly and it'll probably be an offensive slugfest. The series could honestly go either way and the teams are almost dead even in terms of talent and capabilities I think.

[miller76 463]

I have a comparison:

E = L

S = O

P = A

N = D

[Red Kingdom 4]

Melrose picked the Wings tonight on the Sportscenter recap if it's any consolation.

Seriously though, can't really blame Burnside. Pitt has a helluva team with a ridiculous amount of offensive, probably a little more capable than the Wings in terms of a balance standpoint if possible, and the two defenses are pretty even. Their only question is in goaltending I think, but that is far from an achilles heel.

I highly doubt this series will end quickly and it'll probably be an offensive slugfest. The series could honestly go either way and the teams are almost dead even in terms of talent and capabilities I think.

Sorry, but the Wings defense is much better than the Pens, period. You're talking about the best defense in the NHL. The only player comparable to Lisdstrom and Rakalski is Gonchar. Ryan Whitney is fairly good but, Orpik and Gill are average at best, though they have picked it up in the playoffs.

[pjgj13 30]

But, do the Pens have the help on "D" to stop the Wings?

I don't think so.....

[Dabura 12,232]

My one question is this:

Where is this notion of comparable blue lines coming from? Not to be a homer, but the Wings' top 4 -- and, for that matter, commitment to overall team defense -- is far superior to the Pens'.

[Guest MrSandMan]

s***, Crosby, Hossa, Malkin and Staal have nothing on us! We have players who score goals with their teeth! And we have The Drake! (hopefully the Mule too).

Our defense is superior hands down.

Edited May 20, 2008 by MrSandMan

[Wings_Toledo 233]

I'd like to know how the Wings "aren't going to have an answer for Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle," yet still take the series to seven games. Doesn't make much sense to me. I think thre real difference will be if Franzen can somehow get back into the lineup for at least a few games.

[Dabura 12,232]

Unless there's some serious disinformation swirling around, Mule should be back for Game 1. Game 2 at the latest.

Bad news for the Pens.

[Rivalred 630]

So what is ESPN doing here? The guy's last name is "Burnside" and this is suppose to be like a "fire side chat"??

[timothy1997 0]

Eastern Conference is all that matters to ESPN. If Tampa Bay played Detroit in a series, he probably would say Tampa Bay in 7 as well.

[8 Legged RedWing 367]

Yea thats garbage. Even pen's fans agree our defence is superior. We can stop crosby and malkin. It will take a little more effort but we can do it. Again, i really dont pay attention to anything ESPN says about hockey since they dont even broadcast the sport.

[toby91_ca 620]

Pfft, where did this "comparable defense" idea come from? This isn't the first time I've heard it, is it wishful thinking on someone's part?

I'm asking a serious question here, because I didn't see it, where is the comment of "comparable defense" in the article. I must say I didn't read it word for word, but there was a suggestion that the Pens were playing great D, but the Wings have the big edge in that area.

[Doggy 130]

The Wings aren't going to have an answer for Crosby, Malkin and Staal down the middle.

What do you call two current Selke finalists, a Selke winner, Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart? An answer.

[ThreeRiversFan 0]

Consider the source...Burnside...'nuff said....

Serious question...you guys did not score a ton of goals on Dallas.....do you seriously think Dallas is better than the Pens defensively?

Have you watched the Pens this post season at all?

This series goes either way....I will submit that your defensemen may rank higher than ours....but there is much more to defense than just the D-men

Do not underestimate the Pens defensively

[Reds4Life 51]

Do not underestimate the Pens defensively

omg enough with this already. You are no Ducks or Wings. These teams have great defense.

Wings are better defensively. We play team defense, just like you. The difference is, we play it for years. You play it for months.

[ThreeRiversFan 0]

omg enough with this already. You are no Ducks or Wings. These teams have great defense.

Wings are better defensively. We play team defense, just like you. The difference is, we play it for years. You play it for months.

LOL...ok! ok!

Isnt the question really who will play it the best for the next 2 weeks?

Continue to live under your "west is superior" umbrella.....

[Reds4Life 51]

LOL...ok! ok!

Isnt the question really who will play it the best for the next 2 weeks?

Continue to live under your "west is superior" umbrella.....

West teams are stronger than East teams, in general.

We have better defense than you. No question.

Edited May 20, 2008 by Reds4Life

[toby91_ca 620]

West teams are stronger than East teams, in general.

Based on what? I hear people make this comment all the time, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

[ThreeRiversFan 0]

West teams are stronger than East teams, in general.

And if you think Pens have comparable defense with Detroit, then continue to live under your rock.

Relax....

You averaged under 3 goals a game against an average Dallas team (defensively)....my only point is...you will fare no better against us.

How can one really make the generalization about the whole "west vs east" thing?....with this screwed up schedule...they rarely play each other.

[Reds4Life 51]

Based on what? I hear people make this comment all the time, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

Better goalies, better defense.

Playoff teams:

San Jose, Detroit, Dallas, Anaheim

vs

Montreal, Pittsburgh, Rangers, Philadelphia

what teams are better in your opinion?

Calgary, Minnesota, Colorado, Nashville

vs

Washington, Boston, Ottawa, Devils

what teams are better in your opinion?

[Nightfall 871]

Based on what? I hear people make this comment all the time, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

It is said here because 90% of the teams we play against are in the west. Its easier to look at teams that are tougher when you play against them all the time. This is why I am glad the schedule is getting changed next season. I would love to see more of the east teams more often.

[Nightfall 871]

Relax....

You averaged under 3 goals a game against an average Dallas team (defensively)....my only point is...you will fare no better against us.

How can one really make the generalization about the whole "west vs east" thing?....with this screwed up schedule...they rarely play each other.

Quoted for truth my friend.

The schedule the last few years has been crap. I hate playing 32 games against teams in your own division. I am glad that is getting paired down.

At the same time though, the finals this year will be interesting because both teams have not played each other since exhibition. I bet both sides are wondering what the heck is going to happen because its uncharted territory thats for sure.