Joe Starkey

The bar's clearly been raised.

Do they now need to get out of the first round to satisfy limits?

No.

No, I think getting to the playoffs is just good enough.

And I know we have this conversation all the time about the Steelers and just getting to the playoffs now is not nearly enough.

You have to win a playoff game.

They haven't done it in nine years.

The Penguins haven't been there in now four years.

First time they're back in four.

And I thought they were going to be.

The expectations were on the floor for me.

I thought they were talking about the number one pick.

Now they're in the playoffs, I think, with a roster that has a good chance with home ice already to win a first-round playoff series.

If they don't, it wouldn't crush me.

They've got to be competitive, though.

Yeah, they can't get swept.

It has to be a good series because that's the whole problem with the Steelers.

I've heard people say,

Oh, when the Steelers get to the playoffs, it's a bad thing.

But when the Penguins do, it's a good thing.