Penguins clinch!

[IABucFan]

Probably fodder for the General Sports forum, but I just wanted to give props and say congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins for officially clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  Best of luck Pens!

[Johnny Ray]

I'm not a huge hockey, but do follow the box scores everyday. I also watch the Penguins a lot because they are on VS. or HD Net a lot.

They have great chemistry this year and a ton of offense.

They are going to score a ton, if they get good goalie play and defense they will win the Cup.

[IABucFan]

Hossa got hurt again tonight.  I hope it's not serious.  I would be a shame to trade for him and than not even have one full game of him and Crosby playing together on the same line.  If he's OK, then the Pens are pretty much back to full strength.  It's scary how good their offense can be.  Malone-Malkin-Sykora will be the SECOND line?  Please.  That line would be first by quite a ways on just about every other team in the NHL.  Even guys on the third and fourth lines (Ruutu, Talbot, Staal, possibly Dupuis depending on where they decide to use him, Kennedy, and the like) can score.

I sure wish the Pirates would develop a lineup like this.  They might sacrifice a little defensively, but they sure can put the puck in the net.

[Dogknot3]

Finishing dead last for four years in a row helped the Penguins big time as they got great draft picks.  The Salary Cap helped even more so the Penguins can afford the guys they drafted.

The Pirates have been bad, but haven't been the worst in the league bad.  They also can't rely on a Salary Cap.