The 2nd half of the year they are playing much better, they have one of the top 1st lines in the league.
2007-02-22 13:48:34 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Hockey
EVERY TEAM IS A CONTENDER.
2007-02-25 13:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by Tiberius 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One and a half lines? The 3rd and 4th lines were a HUGE part of the run they were just on and have played solid all season. I will agree that Fleury will have to step up big time and that they need to get a right handed defenseman. Yes Gonchar is their top offensive defenseman (third highest scoring defenseman in hockey) but don't forget about Mark Eaton who plays great defense. I also don't think you can call their top line one of the best until they get someone in there that can finish plays instead of Malone who has 12 goals playing with Crosby. That said I think they could win a series or two...but no cup this year
2007-02-23 12:00:51 · answer #2 · answered by Andy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Penguins are an exciting team that may surprise a lot of people in this year's play-offs. But as others have said, they are too young and inexperienced to take it all this year. They remind me of the high octane Oilers of the early 80's the year before they won their first Cup - they lost to the Islanders in a heart-breaking series. Years later Gretzky said they needed that experience to learn how to compete at the highest level, to learn what it took to win a Cup.
I have a feeling the Penguins are in the same boat - tons of talent and promise, but they need to learn how to pull it all together. I believe they will if they can keep the team together - they have way too much talent not to and they have time on their side.
2007-02-24 00:08:29 · answer #3 · answered by Paul d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I certainly hope so. i went to Vegas in early July and the Pens were 80-1 to win the cup so I put $25 on it. It would be nice to go to Vegas again in July of this year, courtesy of the Pens. 2 grand baby, oh yeah, 2025.00 actually.
That said, I don't know because they are so young but I won't bet against Crosby like someone else already mentioned. Fleury would need to get hot. Alot of people would take experience over talent..not me. Obviously. The new NHL is a young man's game.
Also, when i was in Vegas a few years back, I put longshot money on the TB Lightning to win it all. Payday.
2007-02-22 22:29:55 · answer #4 · answered by Bob Loblaw 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They're contenders but they won't win the Cup. Everyone knows the saying, "Offense sells tickets but Defense wins championships." The young guns on the team are an amazing start, but they need more solid play from Fleury and better defensemen if they really want to go far.
2007-02-22 23:49:23 · answer #5 · answered by njdss4 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are definitely a contender. But they are still not a favorite. Their defense and goaltending leaves a lot to be desired. It is hard to win the Cup on offense alone. That said, you can't 100% count out any team that has Sydney Crosby. I wouldn't go to Vegas on the Penguins, but you never know.
2007-02-22 21:56:31 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt call them contenders yet. Theyre playing well, but they dont have the defense to win the cup. If they can add one or two blue-liners by the deadline, I would consider them legitament contenders, but Fluery will have to step up to the next level for a cup win, but I dont see that happening
2007-02-23 12:34:37 · answer #7 · answered by redwingsrthebest19 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contenders? Yes. Stanley Cup champs? No.
2007-02-22 22:16:24 · answer #8 · answered by Stepher 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
They will NOT win the Stanley Cup. A good first line will NOT win a cup. They don't have the goaltending for it. Fleury is not good enough to win the cup.
2007-02-26 13:00:09 · answer #9 · answered by Gina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are nowhere near the first one to ask, but they're going to be in the playoffs, and once in anyone can win. last year, the Oilers were # 8 in the West.
2007-02-22 22:23:07 · answer #10 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Statistically, they are, but in reality, they aren't. The playoffs are a completely different game than the regular season and, because of the lack of playoff experience and Crosby over-crying all the time, the Pens will get run over. I predict a 4-1 series loss...and that's being generous.
2007-02-22 22:50:18 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋