Wide World of Women

In 2017, the Pittsburgh Penguins became the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Detroit Red Wings did so in 1997 and 1998. No team has won three straight since the New York Islanders' dynasty in the beginning of the 1980s (1980-83). Their quest for their third straight Stanley Cup (and sixth overall) begins with this series against their rivals from the other side of the state, the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers clinched the last playoff spot in the entire Eastern Conference in the final game of the regular season, and it seemed like the team was doomed after a 10-game losing streak (0-5-5) early in the season. The PA teams are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 2012, which saw the Flyers win their East Quarterfinal series in six games. The Pens won all of their regular season meetings with the Flyers, but they were all close. I expect this series to be close, too, but again, the defending champs will advance.

Prediction: Penguins in 7

#1

Penguins 7, Flyers 0

Sidney Crosby's hat trick leads the Pens' Game One rout of the Flyers.

Flyers 5, Penguins 1

Flyers bounce back from their Game One blowout loss with a dominant victory in Game Two.

Penguins 5, Flyers 1

Another one sided affair, this time in favor of the Penguins; Crosby and Malkin with a goal apiece.

Penguins 5, Flyers 0

Another blowout decision goes the Pens way; defending champs are one win away from advancing.

Flyers 4, Penguins 2

Long overdue drama in the all-PA series; Flyers take Game Five to force a trip back home on Sunday.

Penguins 8, Flyers 5

Jake Guentzel scores FOUR: Pens knock out Flyers and win their ninth straight playoff series.