Definitely fuels my “Sanford is totally getting showcased right now” theory

@BeastModeUnknown

I have a question. Do you think the a fully healthy Penguins team can beat a fully healthy Blues team in a best of 7 series?

Either team could easily win.

We should find out in June. We'll be there, are your guys free then?

Depends to be honest. If it’s a fully healthy team I’m taking Blues, but Pittsburgh if in full sync could be deadly.

Yeah I think it will be close. Two completely different teams, the Blues are a heavy, grinding team and but the Pens are all speed and finesse. Blues depth on defence is much better though.

Come playoff time when Blais and Barbashev will be roaming the ice, Sid just came back from and injury and Letang has a long history of injury problems...I like the Blues chances of pounding the Pens into a depleted roster. Would hate to face Malkin and Crosby seven times though. Those guys are just so good.

Well, the Penguins have faced many physical & intimidating teams during their cup runs, but none as good as the Blues.

I agree. I'm sure the big two studs have been pounded by many a players for much of their careers. That's just what you have to do to that kind of talent. The Blues just have bulldogs on every line at every position and forecheck so well. While I'd hate to face Malkin and Crosby for seven games, I'm sure no one wants to play the Blues for seven either. It'd be cool nonetheless for both fan bases.

If these teams make it, it’s going to be the best one of the most exciting finals ever. One concern that I would have is Crosby matching up against O’Reilly. Not sure if Sid can handle. Throughout his career, he’s struggled against elite defensive centers such as Toews, Bergeron & Datsyuk. He’s not in his prime but he does have more experience under his belt. It’ll be interesting to see if he can break through.

I'd take a Sid "not in his prime" every day and twice on Sundays! Dude's a stud. Yes, ROR is arguably the best defensive center in all of hockey. His stick work and positioning are fun to watch. Perhaps we revisit this conversation in June...

I have a question. Who do you take between Evgeni Malkin in his prime or Ryan O’Reilly?

That shouldn't be a tough question, but I'm finding that it is. One is a lock for the HoF; the other likely doesn't make it. One has a consistent history of injuries; the other does not. The easy answer is Malkin, but in a system where the forward's defense is just as important as the defender's D, ROR is a perfect fit. Great question and I found it tougher than it appeared.

Yeah exactly. O’Reilly fits the Blues because of his strong defensive play but Malkin suits the Penguins’ run and gun skill system with lots of puck possession. O’Reilly is also more disciplined than Malkin, Malkin can take lazy bonehead penalties

This is a fun scenario between two really good teams (if healthy). The best way to look at it, is taking away the top lines for both teams. It'll really be a battle of the bottom lines to determine the series. I'd take the Blues in 7.

Yes. There is no team deeper than the Blues. Armstrong has done a good job with depth for sure.

If you are meaning on the Blues then I’m taking O’Reilly because he fits our team. If you are going who is better and a player you would just want regardless of team I’m taking Malkin.