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Stanley Cup Final 2016: Penguins, Sharks keys to victory

By Jason Parker

May 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys on display at the press conference are seen during media day a day prior to game one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys on display at the press conference are seen during media day a day prior to game one of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) congratulate right wing Phil Kessel (RC) after Kessel scored his second goal of the game against the Washington Capitals during the second period in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and left wing Chris Kunitz (14) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) congratulate right wing Phil Kessel (RC) after Kessel scored his second goal of the game against the Washington Capitals during the second period in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

After a tough seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Finals, Pittsburgh needed a break before heading to the Stanley Cup Final for the fifth time in franchise history. Now, they find themselves in the position of being in a toss up battle with the upstart bunch from California.

If the Penguins are to win their fourth Stanley Cup all-time, the play of captain and super star Sidney Crosby is paramount. Crosby is arguably one of the most polarizing figures in the entire NHL, but he is also one of the best athletes in the sport. If he has a slow series and can’t overpower the Sharks, this could be a long trip for Pittsburgh.

While Crosby is the unquestioned star, the now famous “HBK” line has been one of the hottest things for the team in this year’s playoffs. Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel have to continue being unstoppable and applying pressure on San Jose, which will make the Penguins unstoppable if all goes the right way.

Finally, the play in goal by Matt Murray is beyond important if the Penguins are going to hoist the cup. It can’t be said that Murray had a great Eastern Conference Finals and he needs to improve against a San Jose team that is fast and is going to pepper him with shots the entire series.

If Pittsburgh can capitalize on the areas mentioned, they will be in great shape to hoist the Stanley Cup at the end of this series.

For more NHL Playoffs news, check out our NHL hub page.

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