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The 2008 Pittsburgh Penguins are the closest the organization has gotten to the Stanley Cup Penguins from the early 90's. Last year the Penguins made an early exit from the playoffs, falling 4-1 to the eventual Stanley Cup finalist Ottawa Senators. Entering the playoffs last year, over half the team had never been in the playoffs which led to a lot of stumbling about and lack of cohesiveness. Since then the Penguins have added some key players and gained a heck of a lot of experience.

The season started out average and quickly went to worse as injuries threatened to end the season out of playoff contention. Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby, and Gary Roberts were all lost to major injuries and missed significant time. The team was precariously perched on the playoff bubble when something amazing happened; the Penguins began playing like a team that had been together for years.

Starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was lost for months with a high ankle sprain. No problem, Buffalo Sabres outcast Ty Conklin stepped in and played amazingly well, leading the league in goals against average. Former MVP Sidney Crosby was lost January 18 for months with a high ankle sprain. No problem, Evgeni Malkin stepped up his game and showed that he is capable of carrying a team on his back. Time and time again the Penguins stared down adversity and thrived.

Then the trade deadline came and out of nowhere Pittsburgh pulled off a blockbuster deal bringing the much coveted winger Marian Hossa to the team. While the Penguins traded away a future number one pick and 3 players the impact was huge. A message had been sent to every team in the NHL: The Penguins were officially done rebuilding and this was the year they made a push towards the Stanley Cup.

Pittsburgh was largely unimpressive for much of the new century in hockey which allowed them to gather several number one draft picks. The Penguins chose wisely and groomed their top prospects into the team that swept the Ottawa Senators. Brooks Orpik, Jordan Staal, Ryan Whitney, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin are all number one draft picks currently playing in the playoffs.

After smashing the Ottawa Senators the only question that remains is; what's in store for the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs? The Penguins take on a talented New York Rangers team in Round 2. Pittsburgh will fight a hard series and win in six games. Next will be a vicious battle for Eastern Conference champion. Then they will march to the Stanley Cup finals and bring the cup back to Pittsburgh after a fifteen year absence. Look for a repeat next year as well.

Learn more about this author, Erik M. Dell.
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