If the NHL season had not been interrupted, and if the Metropolitan Division standings had not changed over the final weeks of the regular season -- sounds like quite a reach at this point, doesn't it? -- the Penguins now would be engaged in a first-round playoff series against the Flyers.
You know, the opponent that, over the years, has inspired more disdain on this side of the Commonwealth than any other since the teams entered the NHL in 1967.
The team of Bobby Clarke and Dave Schultz, of Derian Hatcher and Scott Hartnell.