Crashing the Playoffs: Random Thoughts on Games 1 and 2 : Ottawa

I had forgotten how intense and exciting playoff hockey was. I had forgotten how much more physical the play on the ice becomes in the playoffs. And I had forgotten how crazy the fans are during playoffs in the NHL. Wednesday's game one was a rude re-introduction to both the Pens and their fans.

The young Pens were clearly unprepared for the din of 20,000 Canadians, all wearing red, screaming at the tops of their lungs. In retrospect they never had a chance in game one.

The playoffs really started yesterday in Game 2. And the Pens regained their footing, somewhat and held on to win 4-3 in Ottawa, stealing home ice from the Sens and putting the spotlight on the fans in Pittsburgh to match the intensity of their neighbors to the north.

Random thoughts:

- Jordan Staal, the 18 year old who half of the experts insisted should be sent back to juniors or it would hinder his development, already has two goals in the playoffs. And where would they be without his penalty killing skills. Geno Malkin gets all the national run, but Staal is as, if not more important to the Pens success this year.

- While I love the passion of Canadian fans. The whole "respectful booing" of Crosby everytime he touches the puck thing seems kinda silly to me. Boo Staal, he's got as many playoff goals against you as Crosby.

- With all the buildup, the "fight" between Colby Armstrong and Comrie at the start of the third had all the pop of one of those plastic champagne bottle confetti shooters they pass out at birthday partys. They took more time taking off their helmets and gloves than actually fighting. Still, props to Army for bringing the physical.

- Speaking of physical, suprised to see Laraque replaced by Petrovicky in the lineup. Another message delieverd via Thierrien Express

- While I look forward to watching the game tonight, I wish it were tomorrow. Be nice to have a day to let yesterday's game settle in. It's a pretty quick turnaround after such an intense, physical game; but the Pens youth and the home ice should give Pittsburgh the advantage .

OK Pittsburgh. Time to earn that "best fans in hocky" moniker that's painted beneath the ice.