Having only 48 games due to the lockout, The Pittsburgh Penguins had a near perfect season. They finished 36-12-0 with 72 points, which was good for a division title, first in the Eastern Conference, and second in the NHL.
The depth of the organization was truly tested. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal, Paul Martin, Kris Letang, and Matt Niskanen all missed time due to injuries. Players were called up, such as rookie first round picks Beau Bennett and Simon Despres who both stepped up big. New additions to the team: Brendon Morrow, Jarome Iginla, Jussi Jokinen, and Douglas Murray have exceeded expectations.
With the playoffs just days away, Dan Bylsma is going to have to make some tough decisions on who plays. Here is what I think are the best line combinations for the playoffs.
Dupuis - Crosby - Iginla
Yes this breaks up what was the best line in the NHL, but I think its the best way to even out the top two lines. Iginla wants to play with Crosby, and I think that was Shero's plan when he made the move.
Kunitz - Malkin - Neal
Easily the best line in hockey last year. All three players fit perfectly with each other. Kunitz does work in front of the net while Geno and Neal do their thing. Looking at the players in the top six its hard to go wrong, all of them are All-Stars.
Cooke - Sutter - Morrow
The third line Bylsma has always wanted, but could never keep because of injuries. Should provide great defense, grit, and some scoring in the playoffs.
Adams - Vitale - Bennett
No Glass or TK? I know that is highly unlikely, but I love Joe Vitale. All the dude does is work his ass off. Bennett for Tyler Kennedy is more of the no brainer. Beau Bennett is who TK wants to be but sadly cannot. Beau can play good defense, has a scoring touch, and can make some sick passes. Look at the stats this year for Beau and TK:
Beau has 20 less games played and has three more points and is a +7 while TK is -6. Bylsma has some sort of blood pact with Tyler Kennedy so he will most likely play, and if the Pens lose, its Kennedy's fault.
Lets go to the defense:
Orpik - Martin
Bylsma has already called this his "shutdown pair" so I expect them to be paired come playoff time.
Niskanen - Murray
Murray has been paired with Niskanen since his arrival, and that will not change.
Letang - Despres/Eaton
This is a hard one. Eaton has played so well since signing with the Pens mid season, and he is a good fit to play with Letang. But Despres makes it so hard to sit him. He is young and is going to be an absolute beast. When it comes down to it I thnk Bylsma goes with Eaton just because of experience, although Despres should play some games.
Goalie is the easiest decision:
Marc-Andre Fleury
All he does is win. Fleury will prove that last years playoffs were a fluke. Look for big performances from the Flower.
Playoffs start Tuesday, and The Penguins look to be set for a big run. Time to bring home the cup! #cupordie
Please follow me on Twitter: @JakeMcBee_
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