If the playoffs started today: Jets at Ducks, Wild at Blues, Hawks at Preds, Flames at Canucks; Pens at Rangers, Sens at Canadians, Wings at Lightning, Islanders at Caps. After a perfect night for the Blues, there are only two games in the East, but a big game for the Pens.

NY Islanders v Pittsburgh. Islanders – both teams are slouching toward the playoffs. This almost becomes a matter of personal preference of the two you want in: Sens, Pens, Bruins. For me, I want the Sens in and I dislike the Pens slightly more than the Bruins.

Buffalo v Columbus. Columbus - Buffalo and Arizona competing for the best shot in the McDavid sweepstakes.

Of the possible PO pairings mentioned above (aside from our Blues), the Detroilet/Bolts and Isles/Caps series look like they'll be good ones.

Even if the Pens get in they're going to get killed by whoever they face. Most likely the Rangers. Pittsburgh has some moves to make, the first one would be to fire Johnston. Second step: Throw all the moneys at Babcock, Tippett, or Carlyle.

I wonder if Rutherford will retire after this disaster of a season is over for Pittsburgh.

Penguins running five on defense again because they are too tight against the cap.

Scuderi, Martin, Lovejoy, Cole and Taylor Chorney.

OK on Tippett or Carlyle, but would love to see the Blues win the SC, Hitch goes out on top, and the Blues throw money at Babcock.

Jaeger wrote:OK on Tippett or Carlyle, but would love to see the Blues win the SC, Hitch goes out on top, and the Blues throw money at Babcock.

I think even if the Blues somehow win it all Hitch is going to stick around. The PD article from a few weeks back was really an eye opener regarding Hitch. He's not planning on hanging em up any time soon. I believe there's about a 95% chance he's our coach next season. Babcock IMO is going to either stay in Detroit, go to Pittsburgh, or Philly. I really don't see him coming back west and I don't see him going to Toronto.