Trying to decide who (aside the Pens, of course) are is most in danger of a 1st Round upset.
Off the top of my head, I'm thinking it's Minnesota. They were among the worst teams in the League in March, before recovering to win 4 in a row last week; of course, those wins were over Colorado (2), Arizona, and Carolina (who collapsed in April, losing 5 of 6). Plus, I don't think any goaltender in the business fell off the cliff as much as Dubnyk, who seemed virtually unbeatable the first 2/3 of the season.
As for the Pens, it appears the Blojax recent losing streak has understandably taken much of the shine of their rose with the media; most every analyst I've read thus far is picking Pittsburgh. Interestingly, some accounts seem to feel the Pens actually have the advantage in goal, given (mostly, I think) to Bob's comparatively little playoff experience.....along with the fact he's been as middling the past few weeks as he's been all season.
It's admittedly a story which still needs to be written, but it wouldn't bother me in the least to see both Murray and Werenski miss the series.....and pay Torts and the Blojax back for their virtual injury-less regular season. From that standpoint, the Craps probably deserve to lose a half dozen or so starters for that same reason.
Speaking of Columbus, it's too bad the Leaves couldn't hold it together against them yesterday, which would have left the Craps to deal with Brad Marchand's stick in the 1st Round. But even if the Craps beat them 4-straight, the League media will spend the entire summer fawning.over St Lou, Pope Mike, Matthews, and all those precocious Toronto kids (that is. when they're not fawning over the McDavid and the Oil).
With the possible exception of a Cup in Washington......who the media seems to be widely pulling for among Cup favorites (if for no other reason, because they so universally despise Pittsburgh)......this is not going to be a very good summer if you're looking for coverage on any team outside Edmonton or Toronto.
