Penguins Sweep Sens, Steelers Release Difficult Schedule

The Pittsburgh Penguins swept the Ottawa Senators 4-0 after a win Wednesday night.  Evgeni Malkin and Jarko Ruutu scored second period goals in leading the Pens.  Sidney Crosby also scored on an empty net with 7.5 seconds left.  Marc-Andre Fleury had 21 saves for the Pens.

Pittsburgh got its first series sweep in 16 years and its first playoff series win since 2001.

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently released their 2008 schedule.

With the scale of strength of schedule being 1-10, I’d say the Steelers have about an 11.  Among the opponents next season, Pittsburgh will host the rival Ravens, Super Bowl Champion Giants, once removed Super Bowl Champion Colts, back-to-back AFC Championship contending Chargers, rival Bengals and the NFC Contending Cowboys.

And that’s just the home schedule.

On the road, the Steelers will have to face the Eagles, Jags, Bengals, Redskins, Patriots, Ravens, and Titans.  All of these teams are definitely in the upper class of the NFL.  This road schedule will prove to be a test for the Steelers throughout the season.

If they do in fact make it, the Steelers will be the most deserving playoff team in the league next year without question.  Mike Tomlin will have his work cut out for him in his second season for sure.