NHL Playoffs 2017: Second round likability rankings

Apr 20, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) attempts a shot during the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) prepares for a face-off against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won the game 5-2 and the series 4 games to 1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Pittsburgh Penguins

Why you should root for them: Phil Kessel deserves to be a Stanley Cup champion. He’s already stuck it to his haters in Toronto, but now he needs to win one to stick it to Team USA hockey. Kessel’s joy is worth the pain of seeing the city of Pittsburgh experience joy again. Also, Marc-Andre Fleury saving the Pens season would be poetic in so many ways. It would also be about the best sendoff in NHL history. Fleury gets a lot of hate, but he’s been very good for Pittsburgh. If he leads the Pens to their fifth title, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Evgeni Malkin deserves more respect than he gets. A third championship would likely get him it. To top it off, winning a Stanley Cup for Kris Letang is something even Disney couldn’t script better.

Why you shouldn’t: If anyone has had the pleasure of meeting a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you know how conceited they are. Try to say anything critical of the black and gold and they’ll brag about their five Lombardi Trophies. Penguins fans aren’t too different. While it might be fun to watch Chicago and Pittsburgh fans yell at each other, the only winners would be people who wouldn’t hear them. Everyone else loses in that scenario.

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