This match-up just doesn’t work in the Senators’ favor. After all, squaring off with a team featuring Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and a Cup-winning goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury wouldn’t be a positive pairing for almost any other team in the Eastern Conference picture.

Ottawa definitely was a surprise team to me during the regular season, but I just don’t think they have the firepower to keep up with the defending champs.

The Penguins will win if … they stick to their game plan don’t let Ottawa’s physical play from the likes of Mike Fisher and Jarkko Ruutu get them off their game.

The Senators will win if … they stay off the penalty kill and get outrageous goaltender.

My pick: Pittsburgh in 5. After all the Pens have been through the last couple years, this series should be a cakewalk.