When Penguins meet Blue Jackets in 1st round, it's stars and Cups against tough young team

FILE - In this April 8, 2014, file photo, Columbus Blue Jackets' Sergei Bobrovsky, of Russia, defends the goal against the Phoenix Coyotes in an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets, playing in the postseason for only the second time in franchise history, open the Stanley Cup playoffs at the Pittsburgh Penguins, Wednesday, April 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this April 1, 2014, file photo, Columbus Blue Jackets' Ryan Johansen, right, collides with Colorado Avalanche's Nate Guenin (5) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets, playing in the postseason for only the second time in franchise history, open the Stanley Cup playoffs at the Pittsburgh Penguins, Wednesday, April 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike Munden, File) (The Associated Press)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping they have more moments to remember in this year's foray into the Stanley Cup playoffs than they had the last time.

In 2008-09, they took on the Detroit Red Wings. Four games and eight days later, it was all over.

The Blue Jackets open a first-round matchup at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. They're pleased to be in the postseason, but also aware that just getting in isn't going to cut it anymore.

The Penguins have three Stanley Cups, superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and another half dozen of the best players in the game. The Blue Jackets are one of the NHL's youngest teams, relatively free of name players and eager to show they belong in the sport's brightest spotlight.