Ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, we discuss the series with the Pens Labyrinth site expert. Matthew Rodrigopulle answers our questions about the Pens and the series.
Playoff time and the Columbus Blue Jackets will face a familiar foe in the Pittsburgh Penguins. We have seen them four times this season. We know how the Pens feel about us and their style of play, but an extra scouting report never hurts.
So I sat down with Matthew Rodrigopulle, site expert for Pens Labyrinth, and talked about the biggest first round match in the NHL playoffs. Be sure to check out his great writing over at Pens Labyrinth during this series for a different perspective.
Pens Labyrinth Site Expert Interview
Lansing Murphy: When it was set in stone that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets were going to play each other, what were you’re initial thoughts?
Matthew Rodigopulle: I said bring it on! Looking at the season series, it’s a pretty even match up between us. The Pens took two games and the Jackets took two games. Two of them went to overtime as well. I think it’ll be a fun, even-matched series with a lot of intense moments. We’re obviously battling injuries here in Pittsburgh, but we’ve still been pretty hot heading into the playoffs. The Jackets…not so much.
We also are pretty experienced in the playoffs (Stanley Cup Champions!), so I guess that helps. All I’m hoping is that our key players step up like they have in the regular season—players like Kessel, Sheary, Guentzel, Hainsey etc. But then again, the CBJ surprised many this season, so I don’t think we should underestimate the Columbus Blue Jackets either.
Related Story: CBJ vs Pens Playoff Schedule
LM: How concerned are you about the health of the Penguins, especially the blue line?
MR: The Penguins have been hurting for the second half the season. But surprisingly, our depth came through and helped us finish second in the entire league. Am I concerned about injuries? Of course I am. We may have done well in the regular season but playoffs are another animal. But I think if key players can play like they have in the season, we’ll be fine. Conor Sheary ended up with 53 points on the season playing with Sidney Crosby. I know losing a number one defenseman in Kris Letang definitely hurts our blue line, but I think our blue line has been able to hold up really well despite this hole. We’re just hoping we can keep it going in the playoffs and avoid any more injuries.
LM: How important do you think home ice advantage will be in this series?
MR: Hard to tell, but I think it will play an interesting role in this series. Every game in our season series was won by the home team. You already know both fan bases will be rocking during the playoffs.
Related Story: Home Ice in Game 7 for Pens
LM: What Pens, besides Crosby and Murray, need to play exceptionally well in order for the Pens to advance?
Columbus Blue Jackets
MR: Phil Kessel is a big one. He was arguably our best performer in the playoffs last year leading our team in points. Even though the HBK line may be on hold for now, you can expect big things from him. Also, Conor Sheary really stepped his game up this year and I’m interested to see how he does this time around in the playoffs. On our blue line, key acquisitions like Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit need to help fill the void Kris Letang left. Justin Schultz needs to step up as a clutch factor as well.
LM: How would you describe the rivalry between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets (if you think its a rivalry at all)?
MR: There is definitely some sort of rivalry growing between us. In fact, I wonder at times why a rivalry between our two teams never bloomed earlier on. Pittsburgh and Columbus is not very far in distance anyways. The rivalry first started when we met in the playoffs in 2014 and it has just gotten hotter from there. This season it has reached its peak because you guys have been competing neck and neck with us. The regular season race within our division was a rivalry in its own right. I’m sure this playoff series will intensify this rivalry.
Related Story: CBJ vs Pens: The Rivalry
LM: How much do you love Brandon Dubinsky?
MR: …………
LM: What is your prediction for how this series will play out?
MR: It will be an intensely fought series. Both teams match up very evenly together. Ultimately though, I think our experience will come into play and the Penguins will take it in 6 or 7 games (hoping for a sweep though)!
Thanks again to Matthew for talking to us about the series. Be sure to check out his writing over at Pens Labyrinth.