NEW YORK– By Daniel Friedman

Things I Think

1) I think the Pittsburgh Penguins had all the potential in the world to win this series and, by losing their composure, they became nothing but a “humongous big” waste of talent and depth. I also think Pens owner Mario Lemieux owes the entire hockey world an apology for all this hypocrisy, though I doubt he’ll deliver one. I’m not shocked that head coach Dan Bylsma couldn’t control the situation, but where’s captain Sidney Crosby? I’ll tell you where Sidney Crosby is, he’s “leading by example.” And he’s not setting a very good one right now. This is what happens when you think you’re entitled to everything and do nothing but whine and complain. For a team that’s been to a pair of Stanley Cup Finals, they sure don’t look like one.

2) I think Rangers F Carl Hagelin’s three-game suspension was a bit too hefty. There’s no question he deserved a suspension — he left his feet and targeted the head of Daniel Alfredsson. He deserved one, maybe two games. But three? Give me a break. Of course, the fact that Nashville’s Shea Weber got away scott free only adds to the confusion.

3) I think the Flyers will not win another round after they dispose of the Penguins. Don’t be fooled by the high goal-totals; they’re facing a Pittsburgh team that is unorganized and way off their game right now, and a goaltender in Marc-Andre Fleury who’s as shaky as one can get. Ilya Bryzgalov has been awful as well and the defense in front of him hasn’t been particularly effective, either. They will not be able to pull this shtick against a team like Boston or the Rangers.

4) I think Vancouver’s 3-0 series deficit is far from surprising. I picked the Kings to win before this best-of-seven began and by the looks of things, that was a pretty good move. The Canucks aren’t as dangerous as they were last season and they have no response to LA’s physical style. Also, Jonathan Quick’s been a wall; Roberto Luongo, not so much. I also said Cory Schneider would be the starting goalie for the Canucks before this series ended; he’s starting Game Four.

5) I think the Florida Panthers are going to be a more formidable opponent than we thought. The Devils should win this series, but they need to stay out of the box. If they put the Cats on the power play too many times, they’re going to fall behind in hockey games because Florida is deadly with the man advantage.

6) I think the Rangers deviated a bit from their style towards the end of Game Two and that’s why they lost. The Blueshirts are usually more aggressive and, instead, it was almost as if they were retreating further and further into their own zone. Ottawa had them hemmed in and New York couldn’t clear the zone; they got burned for it. Also, Henrik Lundqvist was visibly ticked off after a puck ricocheted of Michael Del Zotto and into the net. That cannot happen again. If you think that had no psychological impact on his teammates, think again. It had a negative effect and he needs to be calm between the pipes.