EQF (1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (8) New York Islanders (Penguins win 4-2).

[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Two things:

1) the bolded is not true. I don't believe there is a term for it (like racism or sexism for example) but there is always a prevailing bias/prejudice that the modern era is better and things were much easier in the old days. While it's certainly true that there is more information, more training, better equipment, better diets, etc, etc, at the end of the day, each player plays/lives within the limits of their own environment. Yes, things change, but it changes for everyone equally. It is neither easier nor harder today, simply different.

I'm not saying that one era was better or worse than the other, but that the league now demands a certain level of training and self-discipline that it didn't in the past. I don't think that can legitimately be denied. It's possible hard work is a necessity of being one of the greats of all time, but the way the league is now I think hard work is a necessity for even being considered a really good player over just a few years.

Either way, phenomenal talent is the irreplaceable factor in being great across all eras. Regardless of era, any player could improve himself with the right work ethic, but not every player could become phenomenal.

[dammage79]

For those who were talking about Brock Nelson the other day:

Gord Miller ‏@GMillerTSN 5m
Looks like Brock Nelson will make his NHL debut with the Islanders in game six against the Penguins tonight.

[Sakari]

Iggy with Sid. Nice.

[d_phaneuf]

Tavares!

[Sakari]

Jaaaaaaaaaroooooooooooooooooooooome iginllaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[FlameFan21]

Iggy!!! 1-1!!!

[Captain_Obvious]

oi oi oi!

2 goals and 7 assists in six games for Iggy!

[nfotiu]

Got to hand it to the Islanders. I have thought their season was done about 10 times this series, but they keep staying in the series.

[nik-]

Pens just look like they don't realize they're in a playoff series. Their D seems weak and there is a distinct lack of aggression/urgency in their game.

[nik-]

And the Islanders heart their way to another goal.

[atb]

Islanders just want this game more right now

[devo22]

great work by Grabner ahead of that goal.

[gargamel]

Not happy about that last goal, but my chances of making it out of this arena alive in my Iginla jersey are definitely better if the Isles win. Great atmosphere in here.

[direwolf]

Pens better learn how to play defence if they want to close out this series. I agree with the post above. There doesn't seem to be enough urgency in their game. I still think Pittsburgh wins it, bit it wouldn't shock me in the least if the Isles find a way to take this thing in 7 games. Right now they're playing with a lot more heart than the Pens.

[PlayfulGenius]

I'm feeling better and better about these draft picks... PIT could very well lose either this series or the next one with the Senators.

[nik-]

Pens going out this round or next is a double whammy for our picks too. It obviously lowers their pick, and it's a another division winner that doesn't make it to the conference finals to push the St. Louis pick down.

[devo22]

dear Isles, will you please score a third goal already?! This is frustrating. They are clearly the better team today and it's still only 2-1. Pittsburgh will go nowhere near the cup unless they can find a few extra gears.

[the_only_turek_fan]

These guys look like the 1983 New York Islanders.

I think it's safe to say John Taveres is an elite player now.
Up in the Stamkos, Giroux category.

[Street Pharmacist]

Malkin plays like he's half asleep

[RedMileDJ]

This NY crowd is just awesome.