PENGUINS AND HURRICANES SET TO FACEOFF, MAROSEK MAKES BLOG'S 200TH POST

The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to make a return trip back to the Stanley Cup Finals. Standing in their way is a team that won a championship only a few years ago.

Sidney Crosby came close to capturing a title last season, but came up short against the Detroit Red Wings. This season, they got off to a horrible start and it didn't look like they were going anywhere, and that includes the playoffs. However, a strong second half propelled the Penguins into the postseason and now they find themselves one series win away from getting back to the finals. Again, they might be facing off against the men from Motown, who took down the Blackhawks 5-2 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

This season, the Penguins are missing a key member who helped them throughout the 20007-2008 campaign. Marian Hossa now bears a Red Wings uniform and despite being offered more money to go elsewhere, he decided his best chance to win a cup was in Detroit. The Penguins haven't missed his services over the past few months and facing their old teammate is certainly a possiblilty.

After defeating Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, Sid the Kid and the Penguins now take on a Carolina team that has been playing their best hockey as well late in the season. Acquiring Erik Cole from the Edmonton Oilers was a key move before the trading deadline. Cole, who spent his whole NHL career with Carolina before signing with Edmonton in the offseason, was able to reunite with Eric Stall, a tandem that played a big role in their 2005-2006 championship run.

Now, the boys from Raleigh hope to be the story once again. Defeating Crosby and the Pens would do just that. It's going to be a tight series, but Carolina might be a team of destiny. Their two late goals in the third period of Game 7 against the Devils was unbelievable and the momentum gained from that victory has carried them to this point. The games will be close, but the Hurricanes will take the series, four games to two.

Shawn Marosek