Will the Penguins make the play offs?

[2las]

Well i have done pretty good in the NHL this year but I have lost 2 times picking the Pens over the Leafs.

and thinking about picking them again Saturday @ the Leafs in a game i think will be close to a pick'em lol

surely they can't lose 3 in a row to the Leafs or can they.hno:

 

[VegasVic]

Why they won't make the playoffs:

They will need to get at least 91 points to make the top eight, and likely more. Since the lock out no Eastern Conference team has made the playoffs with less than 92 points. It took 94 last year.

Just to reach 91 they would have to go 16-10 in their last 26 games. Any other combination using OT loses would be just as difficult, (ie: 13-4-6). When you start figuring combinations to reach 92 points or higher the results would be insurmountable.

They play 10 of their next 13 on the road where they, like most of the other teams, are below .500. (Pens are 12-12-3 on the road).

Among those 10 road games they oppose Washington twice, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Florida, and Columbus.

Besides these tough road tests they face no less than 5 teams at home that own better squads at this time including teams like Florida, Boston, Calgary, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

Yes Gonchar might be back as early as tonight but what effect he will have until he gets into game shape is debatable. Because of the off season loses and lack of secondary scoring they are forced to play Crosby and Malkin over 22 minutes a game. Only one forward plays more in the NHL, (Ovechkin). After playing deep into June last year, how long before this workload takes it's toll on Pittsburgh's lone two legitimate scoring threats?

Penguins don't have the depth, talent, or ease of schedule to win 16 games in their final 26.

I believe the eight eastern teams you see in playoff position today is what you get in April.

 

[barman]

WILL the Penguins trade for Martin St Louis?

 

[PassTheBuck]

There are several large question marks looming over both of the teams tied for 8th in the East. How will Buffalo fare without Vanek (3 more weeks), and will Florida be forced to trade Jay Bouwmeester, who IMO is one of the top 5 dmen in the whole league this year.

Despite their schedule, there is still opportunity for the Pens to make a run. They do lack secondary scoring, but when you have the two best centres in the league, scoring should not be a problem. With Gonchar and Whitney both healthy, they will need to keep the puck out to win games.

I think it's entirely possible they catch one of those two teams, but of course the odds are stacked against them.

 

[bookie]

Take the Pens tonight.
Gonchar is back starting tonight and Leafs are getting worse as the season progresses.

Leafs had an optional practice this morning and hardly anyone showed up...they have given up and don't care at this point.

 

[SkateSharpener]

Get outscored 5-0 in the 3rd period to the Leafs while blowing a 2-0 lead and losing 6-2. They are done like dinner this game really was a defining moment for them!

 

[crazy]

Crosby compared to "the GREAT-ONE" what a joke 2 shots and -3. he's lucky there is no more clutch and grap in the nhl or he could have went the PAT FALOON way. There is a plast from the past.

 

[bookie]

Get outscored 5-0 in the 3rd period to the Leafs while blowing a 2-0 lead and losing 6-2. They are done like dinner this game really was a defining moment for them!

Agreed.
No doubt, Therion will be fired.

 

[Bushay]

WILL the Penguins trade for Martin St Louis?

They'd have to be out of their minds if they did. especially if Whitney and Stall are going the other way.http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/s...on-st-louis-as-he-shines-in-the-first-period/

 

[barman]

Take the Pens tonight.
Gonchar is back starting tonight and Leafs are getting worse as the season progresses.

Leafs had an optional practice this morning and hardly anyone showed up...they have given up and don't care at this point.

!~~~!

 

[barman]

BUSHAY, I was pretty much screwin' around as I had also read same TBO blog offering and consider it slow week claptrap

 

[CrazyCanuck]

I hope they dont...Screwed up my parlay 2nite :>(

 

[mplastered]

Why they won't make the playoffs:

They will need to get at least 91 points to make the top eight, and likely more. Since the lock out no Eastern Conference team has made the playoffs with less than 92 points. It took 94 last year.

Just to reach 91 they would have to go 16-10 in their last 26 games. Any other combination using OT loses would be just as difficult, (ie: 13-4-6). When you start figuring combinations to reach 92 points or higher the results would be insurmountable.

They play 10 of their next 13 on the road where they, like most of the other teams, are below .500. (Pens are 12-12-3 on the road).

Among those 10 road games they oppose Washington twice, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Florida, and Columbus.

Besides these tough road tests they face no less than 5 teams at home that own better squads at this time including teams like Florida, Boston, Calgary, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

Yes Gonchar might be back as early as tonight but what effect he will have until he gets into game shape is debatable. Because of the off season loses and lack of secondary scoring they are forced to play Crosby and Malkin over 22 minutes a game. Only one forward plays more in the NHL, (Ovechkin). After playing deep into June last year, how long before this workload takes it's toll on Pittsburgh's lone two legitimate scoring threats?

Penguins don't have the depth, talent, or ease of schedule to win 16 games in their final 26.

I believe the eight eastern teams you see in playoff position today is what you get in April.

I beleive you were wrong.