The Pittsburgh Penguins, as the reigning Stanley Cup champions and with a relatively unchanged lineup, were expected to make it far in the 2017 playoffs or even repeat as Cup champs.
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The Ottawa Senators, meanwhile, were generally expected to squeak into the playoffs in a wildcard spot. Even though the Penguins did prevail, as expected, the Senators exceeded expectations—largely thanks to excellent goaltending and a smart head coach.
The Pens have become notorious for their abundant injuries. This series was no different, as the team lost key players like Justin Schultz, Patric Hornqvist, and Bryan Rust for extended periods.