Pens-Flyers Playoff Matchup?

Washington Capitals Hockey

There was a thread on the Washington Capitals discussion board about whether the Penguins will do everything in their power to avoid a matchup with the Philly Flyers in the first round like they did last year. My thinking on this is that the circumstances are a whole lot different this year, and will probably keep them from slacking unless it comes down to one game like it did last year. In 2008, the Pens were one of the top teams in the playoffs point wise and already had a spot in hand and had the luxury of coasting a bit at the end. This year while they are sitting in 5th place, they are only three points ahead of the 8th seed and could still miss the playoffs if they have a bad stretch. With the first three seeds already locked in, Pittsburgh is looking at 4th to 8th seed, and if they're going to have to play the Flyers you would think that they would want home ice advantage. So bottom line is, if it comes down to one game and the Penguins have the choice of playing the Bruins, Capitals, Devils or Flyers, yes they might decide to rest Crosby and Malkin and avoid a 1st round matchup with the Flyers.