Report: What Is Holding Pens Back In Playoffs?

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - As the Pens find themselves tied in their opening-round playoff series with the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-2, many are trying to identify what exactly it is that holds this team back in the postseason.

Ryan Lambert of Yahoo! Sports recently weighed in with his thoughts on the Pens' playoff woes as he looked at Marc-Andre Fleury's contributions as well as the team's lack of depth.

While Lambert says we should have probably seen another Fleury playoff lapse coming, it's not the only way he's hurting the team.

Lambert points out Fleury's $5 million cap hit as a factor in the lack of depth the team has, which has led to Sidney Crosby being forced to play with guys like Lee Stempniak.

Lambert also goes on to say that Fleury's contract is viewed by Ray Shero and others in the organization as an unacceptable way to spend $5 million a year.

Be sure to check out 93.7 The FAN Columnist Colin Dunlap and the piece he wrote on how Pens fans need to learn from Blue Jackets fans when it comes to enjoying these playoffs.