Pens-Caps Series is Just What the NHL Ordered

What a series this has been. Not just for Penguins fans or Capitals fans.

This has been a great series for hockey, and this has been a fantastic series for the NHL.

The Pens-Caps series has everything a hockey fan could possibly want.

You want a marquee rivalry? The Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry speaks for itself. It's easily the biggest thing in the NHL at the moment, and it's only further magnified by the antagonistic nature of one Evgeni Malkin in Crosby's corner over the past year.

You want great defense? This series has it. With three overtimes so far, the defense and goaltending has been absolutely lights out. The players are checking hard, there have been some amazing saves, and the Penguins will be returning Sergei Gonchar to the ice Wednesday night.

You want high-scoring madness? Somewhat paradoxically, this series has had that as well. This fact was perhaps best illustrated when Ovechkin and Crosby both scored hat tricks...in the same game!

Are you only watching for the chance of a fight? Go watch a boxing match and never disgrace a hockey rink with your presence again.

This series has been absolutely epic so far and is the marquee matchup of the NHL. It has the game's two biggest stars going head-to-head, and in perhaps the best thing to happen to the NHL's beleaguered commissioner all year, it's managed to reach Game 7.

It's almost a shame it has to end.

This series alone could help to bring hockey back to the mainstream after the strike. The interest that these two teams draw could easily help bring attention to other matchups like the Ducks taking the mighty Red Wings so deep into their series.

It could draw attention to the Blackhawks, an exciting young team that's set up to be a contender for a long, long time.

In other words, folks...get your popcorn ready.

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