Opening Series Recap

What to say after the opening round sweep of the Senators? How about: WOW. Contrary to the opinions of some Ottawa players that they were competing with the Penguins or "had" the flightless birds at varying points, the Senators were clearly outplayed and outclassed by the Penguins the entire series.

Certainly, the Senators have been one of the worst teams in the league since the dawn of 2008. It's also true that Ottawa had their share of injuries. But the truth of the matter is that, even if their team was healthy, it's hard to envision them having played as well as Pittsburgh.

With that said, here are the most significant differences in the Penguins' play against the Senators in round 1 this year as opposed to in the opening round last season:

1) Focus. The Penguins played with intensity from the drop of the puck in each game. Rarely were there letdowns and when their were, the team re-established its superiority quickly. Last year they were overwhelmed. Crosby said it often seemed like there were 8 Senators on the ice in the series opener last year and, with the way we looked at the time, he wasn't kidding.

2) Goaltending. Fleury was good when he needed to be against the Senators this time around. He didn't have a poor series last year, but it's hard for anyone to not notice he has played better than any other netminder in round 1 so far. More on him in a few days.

3) Secondary scoring. Sure, the big boys scored and led the way, but Ruutu, Talbot and Roberts all lit the lamp this time around, unlike last year when everyone other than a few players were passengers.

4) Power Play. The Penguins scored a power play goal in every game in the series this year (6 for 23), after the man advantage miserably failed them in round 1 last season.

5) Defense. The underrated Pittsburgh defense set a team record for goals against in a playoff series, allowing only 5 (the prior record was 6). They were very solid and, thanks to all the big boys up front who occupy the spotlight most of the time, continue to thrive behind the scenes.


The fact of the matter is that there was little the Penguins did not do well in round 1. There is some concern in the national media circles that the Penguins failure to be significantly tested in round 1 could be a problem for them in the next or later rounds. I suppose that's possible, but I think unlikely. For one, the Penguins have been a club that responds well to adversity all season long. The significant injuries they sustained hardened them, and they only lost more than 2 games in a row three times during the entire season. They seem to bounceback well so if they run into adversity in the future, they don't lack the ability to respond.

Not only that, but the team seems very focused. The veteran leadership is also very good on what is generally regarded as a young squad. The players all seem to recognize that their time in the playoffs this year can be a marathon and not a sprint if they maintain their intensity. If they play in future rounds with the same desire they had in this series, they will be fine -- even if they do run into adversity.

That's all for now. It will be nice to sit down and dissect some of the other series more as the Penguins await their round 2 opponent.