NHL Playoffs: Who will Penguins play in Round 2?

Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) shake hands after the Penguins defeated the Rangers 6-3 in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) shake hands after the Penguins defeated the Rangers 6-3 in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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After beating the New York Rangers in the first round who will the Pittsburgh Penguins play in the second round?

The Penguins have earned themselves a bit of a break after beating the Rangers four games to one in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They will have to wait and see who they play in the second round. Pittsburgh will face whoever wins the first round series between the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. No matter who wins, the Pens will have a tough second round series on their hands.

Obviously, the President’s Trophy winning Capitals would be the biggest threat to the Pens. As skilled and as fast as Pittsburgh is, Washington might be the one team who can match them in both regards and one could argue Washington beats them in the skill department. Washington has the size and strength to be able to wear down the Penguins. Beating them four times in seven games is going to be a very difficult thing. However, the Penguins have had success against them as of late, so they have that going for them.

The Philadelphia Flyers could present an issue to the Pens, though the Pens are clearly the more skilled team. However, if the Flyers beat the Capitals, they’ll be riding a wave of momentum into the second round. Michal Neuvirth can steal games and he has had playoff success. Philadelphia has been known to play well against Pittsburgh too.

Both teams are certainly beatable, but the Pens can’t afford to look past either team.

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