The Instigators: Episode 18 – Crosby Back Again

This week's installment of The Instigators featured a classic line-up of Tom moderating Jack, the Brick, and BarryP.
The topic arose whether or not Crosby’s return would make Pittsburgh the favorites for the Eastern Conference crown. Without Crosby, the Penguins are still strong contenders. But with a Crosby at full or near full capacity, the Penguins will be very difficult to stop.
The Penguins are on quite a roll and despite a plethora of injuries to key players, have continued to find ways to win. They are well coached and many of their players have extended post-season experience. Their chief competition for the East should be Boston and New York. Right now Boston appears that they would be incredibly overmatched. The Rangers might be able to put up a better fight, but I do not think they could best the Penguins in seven games. The Rangers style of play is very taxing on their players, their power play is weak, and I am not completely sold on them being tough enough to win overtime games in the playoffs without a shootout. Right now, it is the Penguins conference to lose.