Big O, for example. I think the big Russian machine that never breaks down is running rough.

Dinged up somehow?

But it can’t be his legs — sorry, lower body — because he’s skating as well as ever. And it can’t be torso or arms/shoulders/hands — upper body — because his shot’s are as wicked as ever.

And he’s still hitting like the proverbial ton of bricks.

I think it might be the upper upper body. I think maybe he’s mentally fatigued, and who can blame him? Hype hype hype and the weight of the fans and the team and the league dragging him down is getting to him. Hence the days missing from practice. Mental health days? Now it’s the Penguins and even more off-ice demands.

I think Crosby’s better suited mentally to handle all that outside stuff, and he’s had lots of time to get used to it since he was 12 or 14 or whatever. Plus he speaks the language — doesn’t have to translate everything twice before he speaks. I think Ovechkin’s on-ice performance has been and will increasingly be influenced by the spotlight. That’s the only reason I can see for feeling like he’s not running smooth like strong Russian machine that never breaks.

I think that’s why the Caps performed in such a bizarre manner in the first round. It’s fair to say, I think, that as O (and also Green) goes, so go the Caps. I’m not discounting the Rangers here, just asking — should that series have gone to the last couple of minutes in the seventh game?

And injury possibilities aside, what’s with Green?

Tentative, fumbling, out of position — that’s how I’d describe his play so far. Flashes of his usual brilliance — yes, for sure. His usual consistency? Nowhere to be seen. He took some very solid hits vs the Rangers, so that could be part of it; but even toward the end of the season he seemed off to me, too. I know, long season. I know, new season: the one you play the long one for, the one that counts. He should be taking it to another level, but I don’t see that.

No slight to Alex (we’re coasting to the playoffs) Semin and the rest, but as those two go…

All that aside, it’s the Penguins who have it cooking…

Crosby’s line, Malkin’s line, the Crosby-Malkin (or “powerplay at even strength”) line vs Ovechkin’s line.

Staal’s line vs ???

Staal, Kennedy and Cooke are my X-factors for this series and the next. Is there a better and faster-improving “third” line than this? What have the Caps got to match it?

And I love Talbot, Adams, and Dupuis. Savvy, tough, fast sparkplugs who check and even have some touch.

Gonchar right now vs Green? Gonchar.

The rest of the Pen D vs the Cap D? Even.

Fleury vs Varlamov?

I’ll take Fleury because of his experience and skill, but he scares the crap out of me when he leaves the crease to “play” the puck.

Where is the coaching staff?

STAY IN THE NET — see, the way it works is: goalies STOP the puck, skaters SHOOT the puck (as far as you’re concerned, anyway).

Varlamov is solid and makes big saves and he’s a starter for the Caps, but facing the Penguins is going to be just a wee bit different from facing the Rangers.

I hope I’m wrong about O and Green and that they play amazing hockey because that’ll make for great games and a great series.

If they do it’ll still be the Pens, but…

I’ll say Pens in 6 or 7 (if O/Green cooking) or maybe 5 (if O/Green not cooking).

WSS, TWWW