BC in the NHL Playoffs, May 17: Orpik Praised as Pens Win

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Things are going quite well for the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs.

Prior to the game, ESPN.com did a feature on Boston College’s own Brooks Orpik, a defenseman for the Penguins. Scott Burnside’s piece, “Orpik Sets Tone for Pens in Many Ways,” talks of the ex-Eagle as a steadying force on Pittsburgh’s blue line, as well as a role model for other defensemen in their organization. There are a few more former Eagles sitting in Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate, including recent Boston College champion and fellow defenseman Brian Dumoulin. Both had the benefit of being coached by Jerry York, so it’s no wonder why both are doing well.

As for the game on Friday night, Pittsburgh came through for a 4-3 win to double their series lead over the Ottawa Senators. Orpik was without any points in his 22 minutes on the ice in Game 2, but he blocked three shots, hit two Senators, and even took a boarding penalty for good measure.

On Saturday, the Chicago Blackhawks face the Detroit Red Wings — both teams with Eagles on the team or in the organization — in Game 2 of their series. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks will play Game 3; Rob Scuderi has had a good series so far for the defending champs.