by Frank Foreman

Created on: April 16, 2008

With a round 1 series sweep of the Ottawa Senators hanging in the balance, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the midst of playing arguably their best hockey of the season. Though expectations are running high, it appears that for now, the Pens are taking the pressure of the post-season in full stride.

Critics and analysts agree that come June, the Penguins could be, and in the eyes of many, should be hoisting Lord Stanley's cup. While the "Stanley Cup or bust" mentality may seem a bit overbearing, it may not be too far off the mark. In an era of professional hockey suffocated by the salary cap, Pittsburgh needs to focus on this season, and this season alone.

Not to say that the Penguins' organization hasn't been driven by this mentality, (proof in the last-minute trade deadline deal acquiring winger Marian Hossa) but the realization of how close this team really is to their first title since 1992 is beginning to reign supreme. Pittsburgh has what many believe the best player in hockey in Sidney Crosby, a dynamic center in Evgeni Malkin and a supporting cast full of players that are required to be on a championship-caliber roster.

Another bonus for the Atlantic Division champions is health. What seemed to be the Achilles Heel for most of the season now is a distant memory as the entire lineup from top to bottom have been sighted on the ice for the Pens in the last month. With key injuries plaguing the team all year long, it can be said that the loss of so many role players and bona fide stars throughout the season have made this team even more dangerous this time of year. Each member at some point of the season has been called upon to step up their game in the absence of teammates, and continually answered the call. What was already a deep team just became even deeper. Translation: Every line is dangerous.

Not to be forgotten, the goal tending the Pens have received has been ranked up there with the best in the league. The return of Marc-Andre Fleury to the lineup has been met with win after win. That mentality has been thrust into the playoff picture as well, with Fleury only giving up four goals in three games, including a Game 1 shutout. And if the young Fleury finds himself in a rough patch during the playoffs, the Pens have been given the unique benefit of having a more than capable backup with the likes of Ty Conklin, who is a front-runner for Comeback Player of the Year.

So what is in store for the Pittsburgh Penguins this post-season? It would be a bit of a stretch to say that unless they win it all, the season was for nothing. But when you combine the pure skill of two of the best players in all of hockey, the speed and ability to do the little things of the role players and an overall team defense that improves every single game, it's becoming more clear that there is little reason as to why the Pittsburgh Penguins won't become 2008 Stanley Cup Champions.

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