Unfiltered: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss Penguins, playoff outlook

And now we wait … for the NHL playoffs to begin. The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the East Division, but the postseason matchups are not set yet. Will a break hurt or help the Penguins?

Tim Benz and Madden return for this week’s edition of “Unfiltered” on TribLive’s Facebook page to talk about the Penguins and the playoffs.

Madden thinks the break is absolutely a good thing.

“They can’t afford to go into the playoffs with Mike Matheson out, Brandon Tanev out, Evgeni Malkin on a gimpy knee. … A week off before the playoffs can only be a good thing for the Penguins,” according to Madden. But if the Penguins get bounced in the first round, the break will certainly be trotted out as an excuse.

Benz said that while fans want to call this a successful year already for the Penguins, that can’t be determined until we see what happens in the playoffs.

Madden added that people don’t understand what is at stake with these playoffs, “If this team is one and done, you won’t recognize the team next season.”

New general manager Ron Hexall and director of hockey operations Brian Burke will make changes in the offseason and how the playoffs go will influence some of those moves .

Benz and Madden also discuss the Penguins goaltending, how the Penguins matchup against the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders and make playoff predictions.

Benz and Madden also talk Steelers, NFL Draft and what next season might look like for the team.

The guys also answer viewers’ comments and questions.

Watch the show here: