Penguins excelling at the right time

For much of the shortened season, it was easy to see that when it came to the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins were the team to beat.
The team had an embarrassment of offensive riches up front, a solid defensive core that was only going to get better and two goaltenders that they could count on to win hockey games. From top to bottom, they were the Conference’s best team.
Once the playoffs came, however, the team faced some adversity. It took the club six games to knock out the eighth place New York Islanders, their starter, Marc Andre-Fleury, was clearly struggling between the pipes and many pundits and fans alike were wondering if they had what it took to get to the next level.
A second round win later, no one is wondering anymore. After knocking out the Ottawa Senators in five games, it is clear that the Penguins are on fire and excelling at the right time.
For starters, the team’s offence is red hot. In their five games with the Senators, the Penguins scored 22 goals.
Penguins’ forward James Neal struggled in the first round against the Islanders and in his first three games against the Senators. In Games 4 and 5, however, Neal was an offensive machine.
In Game 4, Neal had two goals and one assist for three points in his club’s 7-3 win. Neal was even better in Game 5 as he picked up a hat trick and an assist for four points.

Neal is not the only offensive player that is producing for the Penguins. Evegni Malkin has 16 points (four goals and 12 assists), Sidney Crosby has 15 points (seven goals and eight assists), Jarome Iginla has 12 (four goals and eight assists), Pascal Dupuis has 10 (seven goals and three assists) and defenceman Kris Letang has 16 (three goals and 13 assists).

Secondly, the team is getting terrific goaltending from Tomas Vokoun. He may not have the flash or the Cup ring that Fleury has but right now, he has the wins and come playoff time, that is all that matters.
In seven games this postseason, Vokoun is 6-1 with a 1.85 GAA, a .941 save percentage and one shutout. Vokoun has made the saves he is supposed to and more importantly, has instilled confidence in the team that plays in front of him.

Lastly, team head coach Dan Bylsma has his team playing the system that he wants them to play. The team comes out hard, creates offence the entire game, has good puck possession and in the end, can close out third periods by winning the hockey game.
With the Penguins waiting for the Boston Bruins and Rangers to finish their series, they will be primed and ready to click on all cylinders once the Conference Finals start, again proving that they are the team to beat in the East.