It's Playoff Time.

I am back from my trip and it is time for the playoffs. Round 1 against the Philadelphia Flyers begins tomorrow night at Consol Energy Center for the Pens at 7:30 p.m. Just a little over 24 hours from now.
There is nothing quite like hockey playoffs, it is easily one of my favorite times of year. I saw a quote a few weeks ago that said, "Life will be postponed due to hockey playoffs until further notice." This may have been meant as a joke, but to me it is the truth. Nothing gets in the way of me and my playoff hockey. Really, the regular season is just the same as well though. I rarely ever miss a Pens game, ever. Though, if friends choose a night that interferes with some Pens playoff hockey, they will hear from me that another night needs to be chosen.

Playoff hockey is thrilling and exciting. I know people who only watch playoff hockey because of the excitement and energy. Every game, mostly, is intense and when you get to a game 7 situation, I don't know what could be more exciting and/or nerve-racking. The games that go into multiple overtimes keep you on the edge of your seat no matter what overtime it is because you can't miss any of it. Players giving it their all because this is it; the playoffs are where teams make it all the way or their season ends abruptly in a series. The stakes are higher and so is the intensity. While I will admit, at times games do make me nervous, it is the nerves and excitment that make playoff hockey one of the best things in the world. No exaggeration, playoff hockey is that great!

Playoff hockey is exciting no matter who the opponent, but the Pens' first round opponents are quite familiar and quite hated: the Philadelphia Flyers. Regular season games between these teams usually get pretty heated and this series will surely not lack in the physical aspect of the game and will offer an exciting show for sure. The animosity between these two teams has never been hidden and this series is sure to be can't miss hockey.

The Pens finished #1 overall in the league in scoring and the Flyers finished 2nd overall. Therefore, we may see some high-scoring games, or we may see some hot goaltending. One just never knows in the playoffs. Both teams feature some of the best offensive players in the league and both teams also have good powerplay systems. The Pens will need to be sure to be consistent on the power play though. The Pens' penalty-kill was ranked higher than the Flyers' and the penalty kill will need to be strong against the Flyers and limit their opportunities.
Fleury will need to be strong in net and come up with those huge saves like he has in the past in the playoffs. The Pens are determined to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this season and they believe with their lineup that it is possible. We, as fans, know what this team is capable of. They need to be strong defensively and on special teams as well as in net and also show just how potent the team can be offensively as well. Consistency will also be a huge part to focus on for the Pens.

I doubt the Pens will need to work on their motivation. This is a determined team that is well aware of what it takes to raise Lord Stanley's Cup. I don't think they will have any trouble getting fired up for their first round opponents either and vice versa. This is sure to be an exciting series. There are plenty of storylines to discuss between these two teams, but none of the trash talk or former players of ours on their team currently matter now. All that matters is sticking to our game, playing our best and beating the Philadelphia Flyers to advance to the second round. I know I am ready for some playoff hockey and I am sure the Pens are fired up for their opponents. Let's hope emotions don't get the best of the Pens and result in bad penalties, let's hope for the emotions to drive the Pens that much harder to complete their task: eliminating the Philadelphia Flyers from the playoffs. Let's get these playoffs started.