The Pen's Big Three...

So, the Heat have Wade, James, and Bosh, and the Pens have Crosby, Malkin, and Staal.  I think there are certainly some similarities between the two sets of players.  Let's get the two big differences out of the way immediately.  Um, the Heat play basketball and get a lot more media attention, and the Pens play hockey and well don't get as much media attention (in this country anyway).  Also, the Pens "Big Three" have won a championship, and the Heat, well, I'm sure you have probably heard by now.

Speaking of championships, I think that is the biggest similarity between these two groups.  Both of the groups will be measured in terms of their championships that they have won.  If you look at hockey, whether you are a fan of the Penguins or not, they have the best 1-2-3 punch in hockey today, and maybe ever.  When you have that talent, the expectations are huge, especially when you have won before.  In 08', we made the Cup Finals only to lose to Detroit.  In 09', we avenged the prior year's defeat with a cup win.  In 10, we lost in 7 games in the second round to Montreal.  Last year we blew a 3-1 lead in the series to Tampa Bay, and had an early first round exit.  2010 could be blamed on fatigue, as the Pens played an extra half of a season of hockey from the playoffs.  That year was the olympics as well.  Last year, the Pens were stricken with injuries and were without the services of Crosby, Malkin, and Staal for much of the season.  This season brought about new hope with the three being reunited.

I think these three are comparable to the Heat's Big Three based on performances.  Malkin reminds me of Lebron - Flashy numbers, but not someone you think of in the clutch.  In big moments, Malkin often disappears and gets kind of lost in the moment.  Staal is like Bosh.  He is a big man and consistent performer.  He has shown clutch traits, and comes up with the occasional big game.  He is also sound in both areas of the ice.  Then there is Crosby.  By deduction, you will realize I will relate him to Wade.  The team will go as far as Crosby takes them.  He is one of the transcedent players of our generation, and he is the one you think of as clutch (see Golden Goal in 2010, youngest Stanley Cup winning captain). 

It is time for the big three to earn their paychecks.  If the Pens go on to win today, and then ultimately on Tuesday.  They would complete something only three other teams have done in the history of hockey.  It sounds like something that would fit in Crosby's legacy, no?  For a group of players measured on championships, a first-round exit does not sit well with anyone.  Especially when there are no excuses this year.  Think what would happen if the Heat lose to the Knicks in the first-round this year.  If the Pens do go on to win today and win the series, one thing is for sure, look for 87 to be near the top of the stat line....