2013 Stanley Cup playoffs: Two key matchups for Penguins-Bruins

March 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) talk during a timeout during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The dream series is finally here, as the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins will meet in the Eastern Conference final for the third time.

The Pens won the first two meetings when they claimed back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992 with Mario Lemeiux, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Recchi and others. Now they have another star player named Sidney Crosby who will try to send the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2009 when they won it all.

One of the biggest matchups in this series will be the top Penguins forwards against the young Bruins defense. The Bruins defense has been outstanding these playoffs without Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference, two of their best veterans.

Youngsters such as Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski now have their biggest challenge ever. They must stop the likes of Evgeni Malkin, Crosby, James Neal and Jarome Iginla. These are some of the top scorers in the league right now and they pose a huge threat to this defense.

Another huge matchup to look at is the Penguins’ power play vs. the Bruins’ penalty kill. Boston’s PK, like Ottawa’s, ranked at the top of the NHL this year. The Penguins have the best power play in these playoffs and after what they did to the Senators last round, the Bruins have got to be a little worried. They don’t want to take too many penalties or this series will be over in a heartbeat.

This will be a series to remember forever. Consol Energy Center will be rocking like it’s 2009, the last time the Penguins made the conference finals. Let’s hope Pittsburgh comes to play.