Mmmmm... gimme some of that!

All kidding aside, this won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination, but the last game against Atlanta's potent offensive was as good a rehearsal as any. And while the Pens are Stanley Cup champions, they haven't fared all that great against the Sens, even last year with the Sens winning 3 out of 4 tilts. That being said, three of those four games were also one goal wins, so the games are tight... but basing predictions on the past is like saying that dice have a memory. The Penguins line-up is relatively unchanged since last year, while The Senators have what almost equates to a new team.

Depth to the rescue

In reviewing the Penguins' official site, I noted that the analysts believe shutting down the 2nd line is a key to winning. Oh, really? Let's see: while the first line hasn't been that productive so far, Spezza for one likes to eat Penguin for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and may not be adverse to a midnight snack as well. Spezz has registered 28 points in his 21 games against the Pens. Yes, the second line has been great with Fisher and Alfie near the top of the Sens scoresheet, but travel down that scoresheet a little and you find Peter Regin and Chris Neil (3rd line), then Donovan and Kelly (4th line). Sorry, Pens fans. Your boys are going to have to work on all the lines.

Also of note is that the Big Rig and A-Train are one of the best shut down pairs against Malkin and Crosby. Granted, with Senators' three defensive lines against the Penguins' four offensive lines, it's likely that some of the newer Sens blueliners will have to face the two redoutable Penguins; a good baptism of fire.

What I'll be watching for

Consistency from Leclaire. He has been solid so far, and this is a great test for him. AK27 finally got on the score sheet, and I'm just waiting for one of his patented streaks. Getting one of those rolling against his former team would be gravy. Milan Michalek is way overdue on the score sheet, and I'm looking for that snowball to start heading downhill as well. Finally, I'm looking for the scoring potential to finally hit its stride. While the Sens have been good so far, they have not scored anywhere near what their potential is, and I'm hoping it'll be a busy night for Pens goalie Fleury.