Unless a miracle finish, bring on the Capitals again

[Ice]

What the fuck happened to Haglin? Concussion? Broken jaw? He will be missed on PK and defense.

My guess is either broken jaw or busted teeth. It didn't look like he banged his head on the ice, and he popped up to his feet immediately after being hit with no signs of being woozy. The fact that he's already skating is a good sign as well.

He's skating? Didn't know that. Well that's good news.

I figured it was a jaw or teeth problem, but although he popped up quickly, it looked like he did slam his head on the ice. Maybe not enough to do concussion damage. . .

But he must not be traveling because of a medical scheduling thing.

Was thinking the same thing about that decision, COR. I'm actually pleased that Malkin is traveling with the team, but not really reading much into it. Plenty of room to stretch out on first-class/chartered planes. Did I miss whether or not he's skating with the team?

[Pabst]

Both Hags and Malkin skated on their own:

Pens Inside Scoop✔
@PensInsideScoop

Malkin and Hagelin skated this morning, but not with the team. That's where their status is -SK

[Legacy User]

I don't think there's any way we win game 1 without both malkin and hags

if by some miracle we do win, then the craps are in a heap of trouble

[Louis Lipps Service]

I don't think there's any way we win game 1 without both malkin and hags

if by some miracle we do win, then the craps are in a heap of trouble

Anything can happen in any single game.

Murray may very well go back to playing out of his mind and Holtby may very well go back to remembering that we own real estate in his head.

[swissvale72]

I don't think there's any way we win game 1 without both malkin and hags

if by some miracle we do win, then the craps are in a heap of trouble

Anything can happen in any single game.

Murray may very well go back to playing out of his mind and Holtby may very well go back to remembering that we own real estate in his head.

That's exactly right. Not that we want to lose a player of Malkin's pedigree, but....Sheahan did very well in his stead on Sunday, drawing a ton of accolades, none of the dumb penalties that Malkin seems to take. Both Dominic Simon and Carter Rowney have answered the bell when called upon.

Certainly....would rather have Malkin and Hagelin in the lineup, but reminds me a bit of beating the Caps while Letang was out with a suspension two years ago. No one gave the Pens a chance in that game either.

[Orangesteel]

As someone said, you can’t be SH against the Caps and expect to win. Their PP is operating at a high level, with Malkin out ours takes a significant hit.

Watching the Caps lately here is what I see. Stop Ovie, stop Kuznetsov, stop Oshie. They have some tremendous players but the talent level drop off is large on that team.

Oh, and above all, let the Caps try and pull that fancy shit. Shoot the puck and attack the net. I’m looking for guys like Horny, Guentzel and Sheehan to be huge in this series. Grind the goals out and backcheck your asses off.

[Orangesteel]

^

Just to add to the first part; I’m talking to you Letang. We need you to be tough but we can do without the stupidity. The retaliatory bullshit is going to hurt us big time so leave that bullshit in the locker room.

If I was Sully I’d have a real stern talking to with Letang before game one. WAS will try and bait him in and we all know he rarely keeps his cool.

[Legacy User]

hopefully with those 2 important guys out, everyone else steps up their game and plays solid

But we don't need guys like Letang to try to "do too much" to make up for malkin and hags being out- just play your solid 2 way game.

[Ice]

Carter Rowney is not an NHL player, and his best impression of one has come at wing and not center.

That said, Crosby, Sheahan and Brassard isn't a dogshit top three. Add in some timely scoring from the wings, and we can keep the ship afloat for a game offensively.

Defense, goaltending, and especially managing the puck in all three zones will be key.

[jeemie]

They’re officially out for Game 1, according to Sullivan.

[SteelPro]

I know. It is way more important to Washington. I think if they fall behind in this series they will crumble.

See, I have my doubts about that. It's definitely going to seven games in my mind. Craps had two season ending series to fix that lack of "mettle." I think they are hungrier than ever and without comparison to last year.

There were times in the philly series that the pens looked vulnerable. On multiple occasions. Last year, they didn't as much. At least for me, anyway.

The craps might not be the same team as last year, but then again, neither are the pens.

I guess I'm just trying to manage expectations. . .

Hunger has nothing to do with mettle. You either pass the test or you don't. And until you actually pass the test it is just natural to question whether you can. If the Caps get behind the eight ball you telling me you expect they'll be a poised team ready to stare down adversity? I think they'll start gripping their sticks like they are chocking the life out of them. They will have that 1000 yard stare and wear the "here we go again" faces. It is just like what happens when the Steelers play the Patriots.

As I was saying. How tight do you think the Capitals buttholes are right now?

[drmalba]

Well boys, maybe it was the law of averages this time. That was an entertaining as hell game and series. No matter what happens next, i know your pain and I'm betting we'll see you again next year. At least now it's an actual rivalry.

[swissvale72]

Well boys, maybe it was the law of averages this time. That was an entertaining as hell game and series. No matter what happens next, i know your pain and I'm betting we'll see you again next year. At least now it's an actual rivalry.

I'd like to wish you luck, Malba, but can't do it. I'm a died-in-the-wool poor sport, meaning I can't rest until the team that beat my team is knocked out of the playoffs.

I do understand though, that Caps are now playing with house money, having beaten the Penguins, anything else is gravy.

[Obviously]

GO WINNIPEG!