PENGUINS IN 7 (OR 6, OR 5)

I pride myself in being able to work up a good, unhealthy pessimism regarding any situation. But that’s tough to do when it comes to the Pens-Sens playoff series. Ottawa lost too much secondary scoring when Alex Kovalev got hurt, and they’re playing the wrong goalie. Brian Elliott had a better year, but Pascal Leclaire is better. The Senators acquired him to be their No. 1, but lost faith too quick. Imagine the Penguins sticking with Ty Conklin in the 2008 playoffs.

So, Penguins in 7. I would say 6, even 5, but this team seems determined to do things the hard way.

Evgeni Malkin is the story. If Ottawa’s shutdown defense pair of Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips controls Sidney Crosby, Malkin will have to shoulder a bigger burden. He’s certainly capable, but the Senators are a frustrating team to play against, and Malkin has proven he’s easily frustrated with a plethora of dumb penalties, including several down the stretch that were insane. Witness negating a power play in Atlanta by cross-checking Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg.

Not only that, but if Malkin keeps carrying his stick and elbows high, somebody’s going to straighten him out, and it might not be Henrik Zetterberg this time around.

Malkin needs discipline. The coaching staff needs to provide it.