USA Today Hockey Writer Kevin Allen: Pens Better Off Facing Rangers In Round 2
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The Pens advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday night, but their second round opponent is still unknown as it will come down to either the New York Rangers or Philadelphia Flyers.
Naturally, everyone's focus has now shifted to this matchup and who they'd rather see the Penguins get. USA Today Hockey Writer Kevin Allen joined Starkey and Mueller to talk about this and what he saw from the Pens in the first round against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
When it comes to their second round matchup, Allen says he knows who the Pens should be hoping for.
"I think I'd rather see the Rangers just because of the history. The Flyers get the Penguins all fired up and maybe thinking about other things other than hockey," said Allen.
Allen also offered his thoughts on what we learned from the Penguins in their opening round victory, specifically their ability to hold on to their 4-0 lead in Game 6 after the Blue Jackets scored three unanswered goals.
"On one hand, you can commend the mental toughness that they didn't give up that final goal," Allen said. "On the other hand, alarm bells are sounding because, let's face it, the Penguins were sloppy in this series. They should have beaten the Blue Jackets, they did beat the Blue Jackets, but it didn't really go the way, if you're a Pittsburgh fan, you want to see it to go if you're thinking long-term."
Click the audio link below to hear Allen's thoughts on the rumors that Sidney Crosby is playing hurt right now and what the loss of Brandon Sutter to injury would mean for the Pens in the next round.
(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
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