The newspaper polled six Pittsburgh reporters for the CH-Penguins series
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In the taverns of Montreal, Pittsburgh, Moscow or Kathmandu, there is the same belief. The Penguins will win the qualifying round against the Canadian. This is the most popular prediction.
If, in Montreal, only Réjean Tremblay and Denis Poissant predicted the elimination of the Penguins, the verdict is unanimous among the journalists of Pittsburgh. The side of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will eliminate the Habs.
The newspaper took the pulse of six reporters assigned to daily coverage of the Penguins. From this small survey, we emerge some main lines. Mike Sullivan’s team will come out on top in four games, Malkin will be the key player, and Jared McCann will represent the hidden card.
Dave Molinari
(DK Pittsburgh Sports)
- Winner: Penguins in four
- The key player: Jake Guentzel
“Rather than go for an easy choice like Sidney Crosby or Carey Price, I choose Jake Guentzel. One reason: He has scored five goals in eight shots since making his NHL debut against Price. Guentzel hasn’t played since December 30, but he’s completely healed from his injury and he’s enjoying a good camp. “
- The hidden card: Nick Suzuki
“In my eyes, the center of the 2e The Canadiens’ trio could become the hidden card of this series. If the Habs wish to have a lower chance of winning this series, Claude Julien will need an excellent performance from his second center in his confrontation against Malkin. “
Seth Rorabaugh
(Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
- Winner: Penguins in four
“The Canadian has the talent and the youth to steal a game, but the Penguins have the experience and more talent. “
- The key player: Matt Murray
“Murray has won the Stanley Cup twice, but he will play big in the next series. He does not want to lose his position in favor of Tristan Jarry. “
- The hidden card: Jared McCann
“A good third center and a place on the first unit in numerical superiority. “
Rob Rossi
(The Athletic)
- Winner: Penguins in four
- The key player: Evgeni Malkin
“He’s healthy, motivated and he wants to win. Geno also has in mind to forget the disappointment of the year 2018-2019. “
- The hidden card: Jared McCann
“Like 3e center, McCann will benefit from advantageous confrontations. He will also play in power play. “
Josh Yohe
(The Athletic)
- Winner: Penguins in four
“They have too much raw talent for Montreal. They are healthy. Guentzel’s return will make a difference and Malkin will be super motivated. “
- The key player: Evgeni Malkin
“Crosby might not be 100% for this series and we know that Malkin is always better when Sidney is won. “
- The hidden card: Jared McCann
“The third center is always an important player for the Penguins in the playoffs. Nick Bonino and Jordan Staal have enjoyed success in the past. “
Mike DeFabo
(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Winner: Penguins in four
- The key player: Evgeni Malkin
“He’s very good at camp. “
- The hidden card: Jared McCann
“He went through a huge lethargy at the end of the season, but he will benefit from the presence of a veteran like Patrick Marleau on the left wing. “
They leave Kovacevic
(DK Pittsburgh Sports)
- Winner: Penguins in threes
“They will win in three, but if they were to lose the first game, they will win in five. We’ve never seen a playoff debut like this after a break of more than four months. “
- The key player: Evgeni Malkin
“Malkin has been playing in a surreal way since the start of camp. Since covering the activities of the Penguins, I have rarely seen him so motivated. “
- The hidden card: John Marino
“Marino could have been a Calder Trophy finalist this season if he hadn’t received a puck in one eye. I like his calm and his skills. “
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