ARE they capable of winning the cup this year?
2007-03-20 01:32:52 · 16 answers · asked by zarazowskijr 1 in Sports ➔ Hockey
The Pens will definitely not win the cup this year. They are still kind of shaky on defense although it is improving. Fleaury isn't stable enough in goal yet either. They are getting close but they aren't quite there yet. The additions of Laroque and Roberts do not seem to have made much impact. Roberts was slated to play on the first line and open the ice for Crosby. Instead, Roberts is playing on the third line and taking bad penalties.
2007-03-20 03:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by rtydufulus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Capable, sure.
Probable, no
Most of these kids haven't had the grind of a playoff run under their belt; Roberts, Recchi aside.
Of course the first cup they won was with guys named Stanton and Paek, so anything is possible.
Marc Andre isn't nearly as consistent as you would like a playoff netminder to be. The team gives up way too many goals when leading by several and ends up in OT games when they should be outright wins.
The problem is that these kids don't care about the odds, they scare the heck out of most teams with their sheer offensive prowess; the defense however is suspect and the goalie lets up too many weak goals.
2007-03-20 14:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by zaphodsclone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teams as young as the Penguins need to deal with adversity before being considered cup contenders. This creates character and allows them to deal with it once the playoffs start. I think they have the talent and makeup to be Cup contenders as early as next year, but to be honest, I predict they will be bounced in the first round. There is a reason why teams try and get character players and experienced playoff warriors. They know how to deal with things when they don't go their way.
2007-03-20 14:31:26 · answer #3 · answered by VoteQuimby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah they are capable. I'm a Pens fan but honestly don't see them getting past the Eastern Conference Finals. Also as much as I hate this 20+ games in March and how screwed up our schedule is, it will only be to our advantage come playoff time. The Pens are going to be USED to playing games constantly like you do at playoff time. They are used to the playoff atmosphere with the games they have been playing lately. This is working to get them ready, and I think that really helps carry them.
2007-03-20 08:59:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a huge Pens fan but I have to be honest. They are doing amazing this year but I'm not quite sure if they could win yet. It would be extremely tough. It's possible and I really hope it happens, but I think we have a much better shot next year. Then we'll have had a chance to work out all the kinks in our lines.
2007-03-20 18:22:34 · answer #5 · answered by courtneylovesthepens87 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes I'm not a Pens fan but from what I've seen Crosby is that good and can put up big numbers in the playoffs just as he did in his junior years and before that. with the two big pick ups at the trade deadline with Gary Roberts with his leadership and determination and never quit mentality this will really help this young club succeed in the playoffs. Laraque another great pick up will most likely be in the line up and nobody will touch Crosby or Malkin so they are very well protected if some asses try to run them down. Fleury is a big key of their success in the playoffs he needs to be on his game and we all know what happened in the playoffs if your goalie doesn't show up.
before the trade deadline i gave them a second round exit, but with the trade deadline pick ups of Roberts and Laraque they are considered a true contender.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2007-03-20 13:00:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the defence is too inexperienced for them to make a run this year they might win one round but I dont see them as cup contenders.
2007-03-20 14:22:42 · answer #7 · answered by novid_manu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are still a very young team but this maybe they might make to the Conference Finals. In a few years they could easily be the best in the league.
GO PENS GO!!!!!
2007-03-20 14:49:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are contenders, but they won't win it this year.
Though it is looking bright as far winning championships in the many years to come.
2007-03-20 12:21:45 · answer #9 · answered by TDK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible? Yes, however having to beat NJ , Buffalo, or even the Thrashers will be extremely hard. Then, you get the Red Wings, Vancouver, or Anaheim. Sorry maybe next year. The Pens need to acquire more experienced defensivemen to help Fleury/T-bo.
2007-03-20 08:55:15 · answer #10 · answered by mark w 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋