The state of hockey in the state of Pennsylvania is good. With both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers moving on to the second round of the 2010 NHL playoffs, there’s a storyline nobody expected to come taking place. We’re still a full series away from a potential Stanley Cup-berthing series, but as two of the remaining eight teams, the Keystone state is well-represented; although the two teams arrived at their destinations in very different ways.

The Penguins looked a little rough in their series against Ottawa. It took 10 periods of play in their final two games to put away the Senators. While the Penguins have lost a little talent since their Stanley Cup win last year, the experience of going deep into the playoffs will certainly pay off; that is if it doesn’t wear them out. Crosby has elevated his play once again as his 14 points – nine of which are assists, both lead all players this postseason.

After squeaking into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season, the Flyers made quick work of their first round opponents from New Jersey. The Flyers were the only team to put away the competition in as few as five games, which is even more impressive when you look at the number of first round sweeps we’ve been accustomed to seeing in recent years. Martin Brodeur couldn’t find that playoff form long enough to keep his team going, and the Flyers move on to round two.

There’s a chance that the Flyers and Penguins will face each other in the Eastern Conference Final, and what a storyline that would be. But in order for that to happen, they first need to find out who they’ll play in the second round – an outcome that won’t be determined until Washington and Montreal play their decisive Game 7 on Wednesday night. If Washginton does come out on top, the NHL wins either way in round three. Assuming Pittsburgh can handle a weak rival from the Northeast.