Monday, April 04, 2011

Game #80 - vs New Jersey Devils

Game 80
Devils (36-37-5, 77 points) at Penguins (46-25-8, 100 points)

Why does it matter?
Every game is a must-win. The Pens are just one point ahead of the Lightning and only three points behind the Flyers. If the wins keep coming, the Pens will be certain of the #4 seed and home ice in the first round. There's even a chance they could catch the Flyers (though that is unlikely).

What has been happening lately?
  • Pens - Back on the right track with a win over Florida on Saturday.
  • Devils - Mercifully eliminated from the playoffs, the Devils are playing out the string.
Questions to be answered
  • How effective will Zach Parise be in his second game back from injury?
  • Can the Pens score first to take the Devils out of their mind-numbing trap?
  • Will Flower be able to earn a win for the first time in more than a week?
Keys to the game
  • Please score first. Please. I can't take another game with four shots in the first period. Too much of that, and I'll be tempted to quit watching hockey.
  • Power play - get to the power play and execute. Goals would be nice, but right now I'll take sustained pressure.
  • Win the final regular season game at home for the fans. They deserve it.

No comments: