Pre-Game Playoff Notes (Pittsburgh VS Tampa Bay - GAME 7, ROUND 1)

How did we get here (Game 7)?
That's just the playoffs!!

LINE COMBINATIONS (projected by this morning's skate)

Neal-Letestu-Kovalev
Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy
Dupuis-Talbot-Conner
Rupp-Adams-Asham
Tangradi-Comrie-Godard

From what I hear, Bylsma is staying with the same lines and won't make any changes which is typical since no one is out of the lineup (as was Kunitz in Game 4 when Tangradi made his NHL playoff debut); I honestly wish there was some way to get Tangradi in there or that Staal or Neal OR SOMEONE would create a presence in front of TB's net!!

MY PREDICTIONS:

• I predicted that Neal and "Z" would both score goals in this round; Neal scored A BIGGIE during the second OT to win Game 4, so TONIGHT IS Z's NIGHT (and maybe a HT for Nealy - do it!)!!
• the Pens are a better team than what they've been playing (especially in Game 5!), so they're due for a good game (tonight) and TB has yet to show any fatigue and I believe that's due as well --
• the Pens are better than the Bolts, but the pressure lies with the Pens (it's anyone's game and whoever wants it more will win and WILL DESERVE IT)
• Staal will step it up again and Fleury will have a brilliant game to make up for the last two 
• The Pens will have ONE powerplay goal at everyone's amazement (this will knock the Bolts off their game)
• This game will have at least one overtime
• There will be a hero (my guess is Talbot or TK)
• Pittsburgh will need all it's players to have his best game and I BELIEVE they can do it ...
• THE PENS WILL WIN IT IN 6 7

TAMPA BAY LINE / INJURY INFO:
NONE - everyone is healthy and accounted for

INTERESTING STATS:

• Roloson is 5-0 in elimination games (my questions: how long ago was that and who were the teams?  I GUARANTEE Roloson is a different goalie and who the opposing team is makes a difference too)
• the Penguins have gone 140 consecutive game, including post-season, since last losing three or more consecutive games (that was back in the 2009-10 season when they lost 5 in a row from December 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010)