Mike Colligan of The Hockey Writers joins the podcast for an in-depth discussion of the Pens' offseason. We touch on everything -- the Boston series, Rob Scuderi, Matt D'Agostini, Dan Bylsma, Letang/Kunitz/Dupuis/Adams signings, Fleury, and what moves are still left to make. Plus so much else. We even debate whether Rob Scuderi got burned by Ovechkin four years ago. It's a can't miss GTOG Podcast.
You can listen below or on our Spreaker page. If you want to take the podcast mobile, either click here to subscribe on iTunes, or download the Spreaker app for iPhone or Android.
Showing posts with label sidney crosby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sidney crosby. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Pens re-sign Evgeni Malkin for a lot of money; It's ok to be cchhappy
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
[Make sure to check out our podcast recapping Pens season and detailing 10 things the Pens need to do in the offseason]
The Penguins have announced that they've signed Evgeni Malkin to an 8-year, $76 million contract extension. He will have a salary cap hit of $9.5 million, which is the second highest cap hit in the league behind Alex Ovechkin (by a mere $38,000). It's $800,000 more per year than Sidney Crosby, but the total value of the contract is $28.4 million less than Sid's deal.
A few quick thoughts after the jump...
1) This is A LOT of money to be investing in two guys, especially two guys who play the same position and whose utility overlaps at least somewhat on the power play. However, it's still a good contract. Not many teams have the opportunity to have the two of the very best players in the league locked up for the next 8 years at a price that, while expensive, is not cripplingly so.
2) The cap drops to approximately $64 million this coming season, during which Geno will be on the last year of his current deal paying him $8.7 million/year. There's no question that the Pens expect the salary cap to begin increasing quickly and significantly. The fact that ratings for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals were the highest in 16 years is a pretty encouraging sign that will happen.
3) Geno better age well. Sometimes a player dramatically falls off the map, either temporarily (like Ovechkin) or possibly permanently (like Brad Richards, also a former Conn Smythe winner). The concern is not whether Geno can justify a $9.5 million/year cap hit over the next three or four years, but whether he can adapt his game as he ages so that he doesn't become cap-crippling baggage.
4) Speaking of Ovechkin, it's perfect that this deal means Ovechkin remains the highest paid player against the cap in the league. There's a unique pressure that comes along with that title. Better him than Geno.
5) But Geno isn't off the hook in this regard. Whether deserved or not, there's going to be more pressure on him than ever now that he counts more against the cap than Sidney Crosby. It's not going to be enough that Geno elevates his game in Sid's absence, and it's not going to be enough that he generates 20 shots in a playoff game. He just has to bury it. And bury it often.
We're all now in it for the long haul with 87 and 71. It's a good place to be. Now do the Geno Shuffle.
[Make sure to check out our podcast recapping Pens season and detailing 10 things the Pens need to do in the offseason]
The Penguins have announced that they've signed Evgeni Malkin to an 8-year, $76 million contract extension. He will have a salary cap hit of $9.5 million, which is the second highest cap hit in the league behind Alex Ovechkin (by a mere $38,000). It's $800,000 more per year than Sidney Crosby, but the total value of the contract is $28.4 million less than Sid's deal.
A few quick thoughts after the jump...
1) This is A LOT of money to be investing in two guys, especially two guys who play the same position and whose utility overlaps at least somewhat on the power play. However, it's still a good contract. Not many teams have the opportunity to have the two of the very best players in the league locked up for the next 8 years at a price that, while expensive, is not cripplingly so.
2) The cap drops to approximately $64 million this coming season, during which Geno will be on the last year of his current deal paying him $8.7 million/year. There's no question that the Pens expect the salary cap to begin increasing quickly and significantly. The fact that ratings for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals were the highest in 16 years is a pretty encouraging sign that will happen.
3) Geno better age well. Sometimes a player dramatically falls off the map, either temporarily (like Ovechkin) or possibly permanently (like Brad Richards, also a former Conn Smythe winner). The concern is not whether Geno can justify a $9.5 million/year cap hit over the next three or four years, but whether he can adapt his game as he ages so that he doesn't become cap-crippling baggage.
4) Speaking of Ovechkin, it's perfect that this deal means Ovechkin remains the highest paid player against the cap in the league. There's a unique pressure that comes along with that title. Better him than Geno.
5) But Geno isn't off the hook in this regard. Whether deserved or not, there's going to be more pressure on him than ever now that he counts more against the cap than Sidney Crosby. It's not going to be enough that Geno elevates his game in Sid's absence, and it's not going to be enough that he generates 20 shots in a playoff game. He just has to bury it. And bury it often.
We're all now in it for the long haul with 87 and 71. It's a good place to be. Now do the Geno Shuffle.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Pens fall to Bruins, 1-0; Season ends with a whimper
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
[Listen to the Game 4 recap podcast below or on our Spreaker page. You can click here to subscribe on iTunes, or download the Spreaker app for iPhone or Android]
If pucks could talk, Jarome Iginla's wrist shot at the final buzzer would have let out a feeble whimper as it landed almost apologetically in the glove of Tukka Rask. It was a fitting and symbolic end to a series the Pens deserved to lose and the Bruins deserved to win. Now armed with a body of work that reads like an inventory of a losing team's most-favored excuses -- a hot goalie, injuries, a bad goalie, and no good bounces -- the Pens have another long offseason of soul-searching ahead.
Read on for the burial...
When a team loses in such a spectacularly disappointing manner, the brain can pull you in two opposite directions are the same time. There's the reactionary "fire everybody, Crosby sucks" approach, and then there's the "I'll just wait a few weeks and let this pain fade away so that when I decide what changes I want to make I will have tricked myself into thinking we were just a few bounces away" method (aka, The Full Leonsis).
The truth for Ray Shero and the Pens is somewhere in between, but he'd be wise to not waste the opportunity that comes with having your team so thoroughly embarrassed for the world to see. Though the systematic errors are glaring and the individual failures are spectacular, the common thread that binds the last four playoff disappointments was woven at the Herm Edwards School of Simplicity: the Pens don't do the right thing often enough.
It's less important what that right thing is, and much more important that the Pens either can't identify it or can't do it. The Pens started the Eastern Conference Finals playing the right way, but couldn't sustain it when it turned out that Boston was not going to be like Ottawa and pour the accelerating lubricant for the Pens' glide into the next round. So the Pens stopped playing the right way for the next 5 periods and instead dug the first three feet of their own grave. And once the Pens identified the problems in the way they played in games 1 and 2 and tightened up defensively, they could not, shot-differential be damned, consistently generate anything resembling the high quality scoring chances that the Pens would need to beat a locked-in goalie like Rask. The Pens may spend the next few weeks feeling sorry for themselves for not catching a single break over 8 periods in Boston, but that would obscure the fact that the Pens rolled over when things didn't come easily in games 1 and 2, and couldn't persevere in games 3 and 4 once they finally seemed to grasp the idea that winning playoff games is supposed to be hard.
The Pens would have eventually broken through on Rask had they continued to play the way they did in games 3 and 4, but you don't get an "eventually" in the playoffs. And, given this team's track record of mixing random slices of inexcusable chaos into their discipline sandwich, what indication is there that the Pens could have sustained their overall solid performances in games 3 and 4 anyway?
It doesn't matter what might have happened in a game 5 or if the Pens had taken the lead at any point in one of these games because they didn't. It doesn't matter if the Pens were playing the right way when they went out because they went out. By design, the playoffs require excellence across a small sample size; whether the Pens were trending in the right direction when they went out is irrelevant. There's already a trophy for trending well over a large amount of time.
It's an indictment of everyone in the organization that the Pens went out this way, so it's hard to pin more blame on any one person than it is on another. Ray Shero's acquisitions didn't get the team any further than it would have gone without those guys, and it's easy to argue that getting both Morrow and Iginla stagnated a team that simply didn't need both of them. It's great to have a fancy shoe collection, but you can only wear one pair at a time. Dan Bylsma added to an ever-growing resume of presiding over inexplicable performances, and when he finally recalibrated his team in one area (defense), he seemed to do it at the expense of another (offense). Crosby, Malkin, Neal and Letang had no points in 4 games, and while that will almost certainly never happen again over any future 4-game stretch, it still happened. And the supporting cast, supposedly the deepest in the league, didn't hold the fort while the stars got it together. It was a total failure by everyone.
Last night's game was exciting only because it was meaningful -- if that game happens in December, it's a total snooze fest, the kind of game where if you DVR'd it, you'd actually get mad at your roommate for NOT spoiling the score and warning you against spending three hours watching it. It's admirable (and appreciated because we watch all 82 games of it) that the Pens try to play hockey the way most people want it to be played; you know, with actual goals and excitement. But the Pens have to be careful not to martyr themselves as the paragon of the way hockey should be played. Because while it might be nice to enjoy the spoils of the afterlife -- like the MVP and Norris Trophy that could be coming in a couple days -- the bottom line is that you're dead.
[Listen to the Game 4 recap podcast below or on our Spreaker page. You can click here to subscribe on iTunes, or download the Spreaker app for iPhone or Android]
If pucks could talk, Jarome Iginla's wrist shot at the final buzzer would have let out a feeble whimper as it landed almost apologetically in the glove of Tukka Rask. It was a fitting and symbolic end to a series the Pens deserved to lose and the Bruins deserved to win. Now armed with a body of work that reads like an inventory of a losing team's most-favored excuses -- a hot goalie, injuries, a bad goalie, and no good bounces -- the Pens have another long offseason of soul-searching ahead.
Read on for the burial...
When a team loses in such a spectacularly disappointing manner, the brain can pull you in two opposite directions are the same time. There's the reactionary "fire everybody, Crosby sucks" approach, and then there's the "I'll just wait a few weeks and let this pain fade away so that when I decide what changes I want to make I will have tricked myself into thinking we were just a few bounces away" method (aka, The Full Leonsis).
The truth for Ray Shero and the Pens is somewhere in between, but he'd be wise to not waste the opportunity that comes with having your team so thoroughly embarrassed for the world to see. Though the systematic errors are glaring and the individual failures are spectacular, the common thread that binds the last four playoff disappointments was woven at the Herm Edwards School of Simplicity: the Pens don't do the right thing often enough.
It's less important what that right thing is, and much more important that the Pens either can't identify it or can't do it. The Pens started the Eastern Conference Finals playing the right way, but couldn't sustain it when it turned out that Boston was not going to be like Ottawa and pour the accelerating lubricant for the Pens' glide into the next round. So the Pens stopped playing the right way for the next 5 periods and instead dug the first three feet of their own grave. And once the Pens identified the problems in the way they played in games 1 and 2 and tightened up defensively, they could not, shot-differential be damned, consistently generate anything resembling the high quality scoring chances that the Pens would need to beat a locked-in goalie like Rask. The Pens may spend the next few weeks feeling sorry for themselves for not catching a single break over 8 periods in Boston, but that would obscure the fact that the Pens rolled over when things didn't come easily in games 1 and 2, and couldn't persevere in games 3 and 4 once they finally seemed to grasp the idea that winning playoff games is supposed to be hard.
The Pens would have eventually broken through on Rask had they continued to play the way they did in games 3 and 4, but you don't get an "eventually" in the playoffs. And, given this team's track record of mixing random slices of inexcusable chaos into their discipline sandwich, what indication is there that the Pens could have sustained their overall solid performances in games 3 and 4 anyway?
It doesn't matter what might have happened in a game 5 or if the Pens had taken the lead at any point in one of these games because they didn't. It doesn't matter if the Pens were playing the right way when they went out because they went out. By design, the playoffs require excellence across a small sample size; whether the Pens were trending in the right direction when they went out is irrelevant. There's already a trophy for trending well over a large amount of time.
 |
| Comfort food for GTOG. |
Last night's game was exciting only because it was meaningful -- if that game happens in December, it's a total snooze fest, the kind of game where if you DVR'd it, you'd actually get mad at your roommate for NOT spoiling the score and warning you against spending three hours watching it. It's admirable (and appreciated because we watch all 82 games of it) that the Pens try to play hockey the way most people want it to be played; you know, with actual goals and excitement. But the Pens have to be careful not to martyr themselves as the paragon of the way hockey should be played. Because while it might be nice to enjoy the spoils of the afterlife -- like the MVP and Norris Trophy that could be coming in a couple days -- the bottom line is that you're dead.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Raw Emotion Podcast: The End. Pens lose, 1-0
Pens could have played all weekend. Still wouldn't have scored.
We talk about Game 4, Bylsma's future, the Bruins' defense, late-payment forgiveness, and so much more. It's the GTOG Podcast.
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
**If you're listening on your smartphone, the best ways to make sure that you have an uninterrupted experience are: 1) download the podcast from iTunes OR 2) download the Spreaker app by going to the App store and searching for "Spreaker" then "Get To Our Game"**
We talk about Game 4, Bylsma's future, the Bruins' defense, late-payment forgiveness, and so much more. It's the GTOG Podcast.
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
**If you're listening on your smartphone, the best ways to make sure that you have an uninterrupted experience are: 1) download the podcast from iTunes OR 2) download the Spreaker app by going to the App store and searching for "Spreaker" then "Get To Our Game"**
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Podcast: Pens fall, 2-1, in heartbreaking loss
Pens fall 2-1 in double OT. A heartbreaker. Pushed to the brink of elimination.
[Spreaker is a little slow today for some reason, so it may take a minute to download]
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
**If you're listening on your smartphone, the best ways to make sure that you have an uninterrupted experience are: 1) download the podcast from iTunes OR 2) download the Spreaker app by going to the App store and searching for "Spreaker" then "Get To Our Game"**
[Spreaker is a little slow today for some reason, so it may take a minute to download]
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
**If you're listening on your smartphone, the best ways to make sure that you have an uninterrupted experience are: 1) download the podcast from iTunes OR 2) download the Spreaker app by going to the App store and searching for "Spreaker" then "Get To Our Game"**
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| Story of our lives right now. |
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
So, the Pens got destroyed by Boston last night. Now what?
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
Listen to the podcast below or click here. And click here to subscribe on iTunes.
Last night the Pens were a nerdy 7th grader who got tied to a fence and de-pantsed by the cool kids at the beginning of recess, then had to stand there for the next 40 minutes while everyone laughed and pointed. There was no facet of the game in which the Pens played well, no redeeming performance by any individual players, and almost nothing to give you confidence the Pens can win a game in this series, let alone the series itself. All credit to the Bruins, whose stars dominated the Pens' stars, whose grinders dominated the Pens' grinders, and whose coaching staff is making Dan Bylsma look completely out of his league.
More after the jump...
The good news is that it was only game 2. At least we hope that's the good news. The Pens have shown a tendency to lose ugly this year (10 of their 12 losses were by 2 goals or more), and though it is surprising to have been so thoroughly dominated through much of two games, it would be completely unsurprising if the Pens won game 3 in Boston, even by a large margin. What the Pens haven't done this series is get a lead on Boston and force the Bruins to adapt. The Bruins have been able to do everything that they're really good at with very little resistance from the Pens; unless the Pens can dictate the terms of the game, even a little bit, the Bruins will win this series and will probably do it easily.
This isn't to say that the Pens need to go all crazy before game 3 and try to change everything. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Pens need to figure out what will make them successful again -- making simple plays defensively, possessing the puck for long enough to allow creativity to take over -- and then do it. And then keep doing it even if the Bruins are making it hard. And if the Bruins are still making it hard, then you know what the Pens should do? Keep doing it.
This is all much easier said that done, mainly because of how good Boston has been. But an almost equal reason for pessimism has to do with the Penguins' own mentality. Every quote after these losses is the same: "We got away from our game." Well, why? Why does a team that can be so good play so badly sometimes? Why does Kris Letang look like a first ballot hall-of-famer some nights and a total scrub on other nights? Why do Crosby and Malkin, now in their mid to late-twenties, still get so flustered when things aren't coming easily for them? Why do the Pens either look like the best offensive team since the 80s or outclassed brats playing soccer with the puck because they can't connect on a pass?
The most vexing part of this team is that you have no idea what the expect from one night to the next. Game 3 in Boston could be exactly like game 3 in Philly last year where the Pens started running people and acting like babies when things weren't going their way. Or the Pens could have a 4-goals-in-5-minutes spurt and win 6-2. Or they could play a tight-checking and disciplined 2-1 game. (That last one seems highly unlikely, but with this team, who knows).
As hard as it is to predict how the players will play, it can be equally hard to discern what the coaching staff is doing. There's a balance between being reactive and being proactive, and Bylsma (and Shero) have failed miserably at striking that balance. It's been 12 hours since the puck dropped and I still haven't come up with one good reason (other than possible injuries) why Derek Engelland dressed. It's not that Engelland was any worse last night than anyone else, or even worse than Eaton would have been, but what was this move trying to accomplish? Get grittier? Tougher? Why? It's not like the Bruins' won game 1 by physically dominating the Pens -- they won game 1 because they weathered the storm and then smartly and skillfully took advantage when the Pens started chasing the game. This move was reactionary, which on its face is disappointing from a team that went 36-12. Even worse, it was reactionary to a non-existent problem. Bylsma was reacting to a myth about this Bruins team -- that they're the "big, bad Bruins" -- when it's the Bruins skill and positioning that has been the major problem.
Scratching Kennedy was equally, if not more, confusing. Yeah, Boston had won a lot of face-offs in game 1, but that "problem" didn't really tilt game 1 that much in favor of Boston -- the Pens were only outshot by 1 and the so-called "advanced stats" (which involve counting, then adding) were fairly even given this allegedly crippling discrepancy. The problem in game 1 was that the Pens couldn't finish. So Byslma's solution was to sit the best scorer and puck possession guy the Pens have in their bottom 6 for a guy who may be able to win the face-off ... but to what end? Vitale wins the offensive zone draw to Niskanen, who shoots it into the corner ... who is getting it and then doing anything with it? Brenden Morrow? An overreaction to a real, but hardly fatal, problem.
Both of these moves were marginal in the sense that they didn't in any way cost the Pens this game. The Pens are a unique team. No one plays like the Pens, but the Pens don't -- and can't -- play like anyone else. So why try? Why let the Bruins dictate your lineup? At home, no less. Coupled with his inability to extract any consistency from his best players, Dan Bylsma has as much to answer for as anyone.
One thing that Bylsma can and should answer immediately is the goaltending question, although there really shouldn't be a question. Vokoun has to be the starter. Neither goalie was responsible for this loss, but to anyone who has watched Fleury over the course of his career, it's obvious that this guy is gone mentally. We saw the goal from Marchand almost immediately after the Sutter goal. We don't need to see more. He's so horrible right now that you could easily make the case that he shouldn't even dress as the backup. Fleury looked like he wanted to cry ... when the Pens put him IN the game.
The series is not lost, though when the Pens finally get it together it may be too late to salvage given how well the Bruins are playing. It certainly looks bleak heading back to Boston down 2-0. If the Pens were a normal team, you could look at the results from the first two games and figure that Boston is simply a better team and the Pens would be lucky to win a game. That very well might be the case. But the Pens aren't a normal team. So, really, who the fuck knows what's going to happen?
Listen to the podcast below or click here. And click here to subscribe on iTunes.
Last night the Pens were a nerdy 7th grader who got tied to a fence and de-pantsed by the cool kids at the beginning of recess, then had to stand there for the next 40 minutes while everyone laughed and pointed. There was no facet of the game in which the Pens played well, no redeeming performance by any individual players, and almost nothing to give you confidence the Pens can win a game in this series, let alone the series itself. All credit to the Bruins, whose stars dominated the Pens' stars, whose grinders dominated the Pens' grinders, and whose coaching staff is making Dan Bylsma look completely out of his league.
 |
| You're doing it wrong. |
The good news is that it was only game 2. At least we hope that's the good news. The Pens have shown a tendency to lose ugly this year (10 of their 12 losses were by 2 goals or more), and though it is surprising to have been so thoroughly dominated through much of two games, it would be completely unsurprising if the Pens won game 3 in Boston, even by a large margin. What the Pens haven't done this series is get a lead on Boston and force the Bruins to adapt. The Bruins have been able to do everything that they're really good at with very little resistance from the Pens; unless the Pens can dictate the terms of the game, even a little bit, the Bruins will win this series and will probably do it easily.
This isn't to say that the Pens need to go all crazy before game 3 and try to change everything. In fact, it's quite the opposite. The Pens need to figure out what will make them successful again -- making simple plays defensively, possessing the puck for long enough to allow creativity to take over -- and then do it. And then keep doing it even if the Bruins are making it hard. And if the Bruins are still making it hard, then you know what the Pens should do? Keep doing it.
This is all much easier said that done, mainly because of how good Boston has been. But an almost equal reason for pessimism has to do with the Penguins' own mentality. Every quote after these losses is the same: "We got away from our game." Well, why? Why does a team that can be so good play so badly sometimes? Why does Kris Letang look like a first ballot hall-of-famer some nights and a total scrub on other nights? Why do Crosby and Malkin, now in their mid to late-twenties, still get so flustered when things aren't coming easily for them? Why do the Pens either look like the best offensive team since the 80s or outclassed brats playing soccer with the puck because they can't connect on a pass?
The most vexing part of this team is that you have no idea what the expect from one night to the next. Game 3 in Boston could be exactly like game 3 in Philly last year where the Pens started running people and acting like babies when things weren't going their way. Or the Pens could have a 4-goals-in-5-minutes spurt and win 6-2. Or they could play a tight-checking and disciplined 2-1 game. (That last one seems highly unlikely, but with this team, who knows).
As hard as it is to predict how the players will play, it can be equally hard to discern what the coaching staff is doing. There's a balance between being reactive and being proactive, and Bylsma (and Shero) have failed miserably at striking that balance. It's been 12 hours since the puck dropped and I still haven't come up with one good reason (other than possible injuries) why Derek Engelland dressed. It's not that Engelland was any worse last night than anyone else, or even worse than Eaton would have been, but what was this move trying to accomplish? Get grittier? Tougher? Why? It's not like the Bruins' won game 1 by physically dominating the Pens -- they won game 1 because they weathered the storm and then smartly and skillfully took advantage when the Pens started chasing the game. This move was reactionary, which on its face is disappointing from a team that went 36-12. Even worse, it was reactionary to a non-existent problem. Bylsma was reacting to a myth about this Bruins team -- that they're the "big, bad Bruins" -- when it's the Bruins skill and positioning that has been the major problem.
Scratching Kennedy was equally, if not more, confusing. Yeah, Boston had won a lot of face-offs in game 1, but that "problem" didn't really tilt game 1 that much in favor of Boston -- the Pens were only outshot by 1 and the so-called "advanced stats" (which involve counting, then adding) were fairly even given this allegedly crippling discrepancy. The problem in game 1 was that the Pens couldn't finish. So Byslma's solution was to sit the best scorer and puck possession guy the Pens have in their bottom 6 for a guy who may be able to win the face-off ... but to what end? Vitale wins the offensive zone draw to Niskanen, who shoots it into the corner ... who is getting it and then doing anything with it? Brenden Morrow? An overreaction to a real, but hardly fatal, problem.
Both of these moves were marginal in the sense that they didn't in any way cost the Pens this game. The Pens are a unique team. No one plays like the Pens, but the Pens don't -- and can't -- play like anyone else. So why try? Why let the Bruins dictate your lineup? At home, no less. Coupled with his inability to extract any consistency from his best players, Dan Bylsma has as much to answer for as anyone.
One thing that Bylsma can and should answer immediately is the goaltending question, although there really shouldn't be a question. Vokoun has to be the starter. Neither goalie was responsible for this loss, but to anyone who has watched Fleury over the course of his career, it's obvious that this guy is gone mentally. We saw the goal from Marchand almost immediately after the Sutter goal. We don't need to see more. He's so horrible right now that you could easily make the case that he shouldn't even dress as the backup. Fleury looked like he wanted to cry ... when the Pens put him IN the game.
The series is not lost, though when the Pens finally get it together it may be too late to salvage given how well the Bruins are playing. It certainly looks bleak heading back to Boston down 2-0. If the Pens were a normal team, you could look at the results from the first two games and figure that Boston is simply a better team and the Pens would be lucky to win a game. That very well might be the case. But the Pens aren't a normal team. So, really, who the fuck knows what's going to happen?
Monday, June 3, 2013
Podcast: Pens dominated by Bruins in Game 2, 6-1
Well that was terrible. The Pens were completely dominated by a terrific game from Boston and then compounded it with an all-time stink-bomb. We chronicle it all, LIVE on the GTOG Podcast, after the final whistle.
Listen below or click here.
Listen below or click here.
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| The Prime Minister's face. |
Sunday, June 2, 2013
5 thoughts on the Pens' game 1 loss to Boston, including a new team motto
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
A few leftover thoughts about last night's 3-0 loss to Boston. But first, check out the podcast.
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
5. The Showdown
The Crosby/Chara and Malkin/Bergeron showdowns at the end of the second period are getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so. It's too soon to tell whether this was a good or a bad thing, but there's a lot not to like about it.
It's admirable in a lot of ways that Crosby and Malkin are willing to mix it up more than most superstars are, but it's also not that smart for them to do it for the simple fact that when they fight or jaw at people, they aren't better at it than anyone else. They make themselves ordinary. Rather than staying on a higher plane than other players because of their superior talent, they can be brought down to the level of their competition. Give the Bruins credit for getting Sid and Geno to do it.
The other potential problem with their "standing up for themselves" response is that it's not very logical. Whatever Boston did to get Crosby and Malkin that upset (and maybe it was simply frustration with not scoring), does anyone think that Boston is going to stop messing with 87 and 71 because they fight back? Does anyone really think any of the Bruins are going to be afraid of getting their asses kicked by Crosby and Malkin? If Crosby and Malkin are reacting like that, then it means that they're at least somewhat rattled emotionally and obviously Boston will try to keep doing that if that's the response they can get from those two guys. Boston is only going to stop with that stuff when the scoreboard dictates that they have to stop.
New motto: Ignore and Score.
Four more thoughts after the jump...
4. The bottom 6 has become necessary
As we discussed on our podcast, the Pens are going to need contributions from the bottom 6 to win this series. Our initial thought was that scoring from the bottom 6 would be sufficient to beat Boston, but not necessary. After game 1, it looks more necessary than ever. Boston is going to load up, as they should, to stop the Pens' top 6, and they're good enough that they might be able to. If the bottom 6 doesn't contribute offensively, the Pens could easily lose this series. It's not enough that the bottom 6 wasn't on the ice for any of Boston's goals. They need to be on the ice for Pittsburgh's goals.
Some numbers so far in the playoffs:
Good: Kennedy (5 points in 8 games)
OK: Morrow (4 points in 11 games)
We're seeing some things, but need to see more: Cooke (3 points in 12 games); Jokinen (3 points in 7 games)
We know not to expect much, but it would be nice every once in a while: Adams (1 point in 12 games); Glass (1 point in 5 games); Vitale (1 point in 4 games); Bennett (1 point in 4 games)
Really disappointing: Sutter (2 points in 12 games)
You don't win Stanley Cups with passengers.
3. Hit the net
As Dejan Kovacevic pointed out in his column this morning, the Pens need to focus on hitting the net, not necessarily picking corners. The Pens got a lot of good looks, especially early, but channeled their inner-Alex Semin and airmailed them way over the net. When the Pens missed the net off the rush, these misses started Boston's breakouts at least a handful of times in the first period. And even though we're pretty close to being done worrying about the PP combinations, because all of the combinations are good, the emphasis needs to be on more traffic. Doesn't matter who.
2. Easy on the pinching
Letang wasn't at his worst, but also wasn't at his best. He seemed dedicated to pinching on almost every opportunity last night -- great if it works, nightmare when it doesn't. Boston isn't Ottawa -- not only can they get the puck past Letang when he pinches, they can score when they do. This certainly didn't cost the Pens the game, but it's something to watch going forward.
1. Video review on 5-minute majors
Refereeing is our least favorite topic. The Pens didn't lose the game last night because of officials -- the Pens PK was perfect, and they had 4 power-plays. No complaints on that front.
But the 5-minute major on Cooke was ridiculous. It's such a difficult call for the refs to make at full speed, and it's such an impactful decision to give a guy 5 and a game, why not let this be subject to video review? I hate anything that slows the game down, but if the ref believes in his decision to give 5 and a game, let's take away the excuse that things happen quickly. Make him look at it again, and then decide. If he makes the wrong decision after video review, then the league should discipline him. Or just let the league review it.
Bottom line: No panic heading into Game 2. The Pens know what they have to do to win, they just have to do it. And not stop doing it if it isn't working right away.
A few leftover thoughts about last night's 3-0 loss to Boston. But first, check out the podcast.
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
5. The Showdown
The Crosby/Chara and Malkin/Bergeron showdowns at the end of the second period are getting a lot of attention, and rightfully so. It's too soon to tell whether this was a good or a bad thing, but there's a lot not to like about it.
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| Very little good can come from this. |
The other potential problem with their "standing up for themselves" response is that it's not very logical. Whatever Boston did to get Crosby and Malkin that upset (and maybe it was simply frustration with not scoring), does anyone think that Boston is going to stop messing with 87 and 71 because they fight back? Does anyone really think any of the Bruins are going to be afraid of getting their asses kicked by Crosby and Malkin? If Crosby and Malkin are reacting like that, then it means that they're at least somewhat rattled emotionally and obviously Boston will try to keep doing that if that's the response they can get from those two guys. Boston is only going to stop with that stuff when the scoreboard dictates that they have to stop.
New motto: Ignore and Score.
Four more thoughts after the jump...
4. The bottom 6 has become necessary
As we discussed on our podcast, the Pens are going to need contributions from the bottom 6 to win this series. Our initial thought was that scoring from the bottom 6 would be sufficient to beat Boston, but not necessary. After game 1, it looks more necessary than ever. Boston is going to load up, as they should, to stop the Pens' top 6, and they're good enough that they might be able to. If the bottom 6 doesn't contribute offensively, the Pens could easily lose this series. It's not enough that the bottom 6 wasn't on the ice for any of Boston's goals. They need to be on the ice for Pittsburgh's goals.
Some numbers so far in the playoffs:
Good: Kennedy (5 points in 8 games)
OK: Morrow (4 points in 11 games)
We're seeing some things, but need to see more: Cooke (3 points in 12 games); Jokinen (3 points in 7 games)
We know not to expect much, but it would be nice every once in a while: Adams (1 point in 12 games); Glass (1 point in 5 games); Vitale (1 point in 4 games); Bennett (1 point in 4 games)
Really disappointing: Sutter (2 points in 12 games)
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| There are 132 action shots from game 1 on the Pens' website. Brandon Sutter is in 1 of them. |
3. Hit the net
As Dejan Kovacevic pointed out in his column this morning, the Pens need to focus on hitting the net, not necessarily picking corners. The Pens got a lot of good looks, especially early, but channeled their inner-Alex Semin and airmailed them way over the net. When the Pens missed the net off the rush, these misses started Boston's breakouts at least a handful of times in the first period. And even though we're pretty close to being done worrying about the PP combinations, because all of the combinations are good, the emphasis needs to be on more traffic. Doesn't matter who.
2. Easy on the pinching
Letang wasn't at his worst, but also wasn't at his best. He seemed dedicated to pinching on almost every opportunity last night -- great if it works, nightmare when it doesn't. Boston isn't Ottawa -- not only can they get the puck past Letang when he pinches, they can score when they do. This certainly didn't cost the Pens the game, but it's something to watch going forward.
 |
| Textbook? |
Refereeing is our least favorite topic. The Pens didn't lose the game last night because of officials -- the Pens PK was perfect, and they had 4 power-plays. No complaints on that front.
But the 5-minute major on Cooke was ridiculous. It's such a difficult call for the refs to make at full speed, and it's such an impactful decision to give a guy 5 and a game, why not let this be subject to video review? I hate anything that slows the game down, but if the ref believes in his decision to give 5 and a game, let's take away the excuse that things happen quickly. Make him look at it again, and then decide. If he makes the wrong decision after video review, then the league should discipline him. Or just let the league review it.
Bottom line: No panic heading into Game 2. The Pens know what they have to do to win, they just have to do it. And not stop doing it if it isn't working right away.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Podcast: Pens lose, 3-0. Stay the course.
We aren't going to tell you that everything is OK, but we will tell you that it's far from the end of the world. We're covering everything about Game 1, including Cooke's 5-minute major, Tukka Rask, Tomas Vokoun, and all the emotions we're feeling. It's the GTOG Podcast.
Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
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Listen below or click here. And as always, click here to subscribe on iTunes.
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Pens-Bruins preview podcast: Oozing with analysis, emotion, and predictions
It's our Pens-Bruins Eastern Conference Finals preview podcast. How does the long delay affect the series? Which Bruin do you fear the most? What's the deal with the Tortorella firing? All that, our predictions, and so much more. It's the GTOG Podcast.
**If you're listening on your smartphone, the best ways to make sure that you have an uninterrupted experience are: 1) download the podcast from iTunes OR 2) download the Spreaker app by going to the App store and searching for "Spreaker" then "Get To Our Game"**
TWITTER: Follow Artistry. Follow Finesse. Follow GTOG.
TWITTER: Follow Artistry. Follow Finesse. Follow GTOG.
Patrice Bergeron shutting down Sidney Crosby? Don't hold your breath.
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
There's no question that the Patrice Bergeron vs. Sidney Crosby matchup is one of the top story lines of the Eastern Conference Finals. Bergeron is a really good player, he's clutch, and he's exceptional on face-offs. As Puck Daddy pointed out, "Bergeron has given Crosby fits in the face-off circle in the past" (and it linked to this old story).
But other than in the face-off circle, has Bergeron ever given Crosby fits in anything else? We decided to take a look at their head-to-head history ... and we found that one guy has a decided advantage. A very decided advantage.
Read on to find out who...
Crosby and Bergeron have matched up 18 times. The results are pretty clear.
For the image impaired, here are the highlights:
- Crosby is 10-8 overall against Bergeron, but 10-3 in the last 13.
- Crosby has more than twice as many points as Bergeron (27 to 13). We know Bergeron isn't the offensive dynamo that Sid is, but for a guy who is going to be tasked with "shutting down" Crosby, he's allowed Sid to put up 1.5 points per game in their head-to-head match-ups. That's a 123-point pace. Or another way to put it, that would be more points than Crosby has ever scored in the regular season.
- Crosby is a +12. Bergeron is a -8.
- Crosby has been a minus player 4 times in the 18 games. Bergeron has been a plus player 4 times in the 18 games.
- Crosby has put up three points 7 times.
This is not to take anything away from Bergeron. As we said, he's a very good player and seems like one of those guys who will be better in the playoffs than in the regular season. But Crosby is an exceptional player.
So the real question about this match-up is not be whether Sidney Crosby can overcome the Bergeron line. It's whether Patrice Bergeron can live up to his billing as the top defensive forward in hockey, or will Sidney Crosby continue to dominate him?*
*JINX Disclaimer: We accept no responsibility if this post jinxes everything.
There's no question that the Patrice Bergeron vs. Sidney Crosby matchup is one of the top story lines of the Eastern Conference Finals. Bergeron is a really good player, he's clutch, and he's exceptional on face-offs. As Puck Daddy pointed out, "Bergeron has given Crosby fits in the face-off circle in the past" (and it linked to this old story).
But other than in the face-off circle, has Bergeron ever given Crosby fits in anything else? We decided to take a look at their head-to-head history ... and we found that one guy has a decided advantage. A very decided advantage.
Read on to find out who...
Crosby and Bergeron have matched up 18 times. The results are pretty clear.
For the image impaired, here are the highlights:
- Crosby is 10-8 overall against Bergeron, but 10-3 in the last 13.
- Crosby has more than twice as many points as Bergeron (27 to 13). We know Bergeron isn't the offensive dynamo that Sid is, but for a guy who is going to be tasked with "shutting down" Crosby, he's allowed Sid to put up 1.5 points per game in their head-to-head match-ups. That's a 123-point pace. Or another way to put it, that would be more points than Crosby has ever scored in the regular season.
- Crosby is a +12. Bergeron is a -8.
- Crosby has been a minus player 4 times in the 18 games. Bergeron has been a plus player 4 times in the 18 games.
- Crosby has put up three points 7 times.
This is not to take anything away from Bergeron. As we said, he's a very good player and seems like one of those guys who will be better in the playoffs than in the regular season. But Crosby is an exceptional player.
So the real question about this match-up is not be whether Sidney Crosby can overcome the Bergeron line. It's whether Patrice Bergeron can live up to his billing as the top defensive forward in hockey, or will Sidney Crosby continue to dominate him?*
*JINX Disclaimer: We accept no responsibility if this post jinxes everything.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Remember: Goliath kills David 99 times out of 100. A recap of Pens-Sens
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
The widespread hope coming out of the first-round dogfight was that the pressure coming with being a heavy favorite and having three straight bad series losses in the playoffs would be relieved and the Pens would finally play up to their potential. Check that box. This victory over Ottawa was as lopsided as it should have been. The Pens were way better than Ottawa and they played like it.
There are areas that still need tightened up, but no team is without flaws. And while other teams may be better in certain areas than the Pens, no team comes as close to having everything as the Pens. A lot of teams have a really good top 6; the Pens have a top 6 that has the runaway two best players in the league. A lot of teams have a good bottom 6; the Pens have a bottom six consisting of 6 guys who each fit a specific role, and do it well. A lot of teams have a good defense; the Pens have 6 guys who are playing better each game, and look like they have their worst hockey behind them. A lot of teams have defensemen who can generate offense; the Pens have Kris Letang.
It's true that the Pens have achieved only what they have been expected to achieve -- beating a #8 and #7 seed. On paper it seems like no big deal, but consider: The #2 and #3 seeds in the East are out. The #2 and #3 seeds in the West are out, and Chicago is one game away from being out. The best compliment you can give the Pens right now is that they are as dangerous as we all thought they'd be.
Before we get to Boston in the next few days, let's recap this series.
Series MVP: Kris Letang
We give the guy as much shit as anyone, but he was consistently the best player in this series and it wasn't all that close. The guy is a human 3-on-2. In the first period of game 6, Sutter won a defensive zone draw to Letang, who simply took the puck and skated directly up the ice so quickly that the Pens had a 3-on-2 before the Senators even knew what happened them. Who even does that? It wasn't a special play and the Pens didn't get some weird bounce. Letang simply got the puck, went straight, and the Pens had a scoring chance.
If it wasn't for some memorable errors -- and he's made several in the first two rounds -- Letang would be near the top of anyone's Conn Smythe list. If he can just cut down on those mistakes in the next round -- and pairing him with the recently re-steadied Mark Eaton makes that more likely than ever -- it's entirely possible that Letang could win the Conn Smythe. He's that good when he plays that good. If that makes sense.
Pens MVP to date: Tomas Vokoun
The Pens score in bunches, and those bunches are usually (and understandably) followed by lulls ranging from brief to extended. After Letang put the Pens up 3-0, the Pens didn't get another shot for almost 7 minutes. The Senators had the puck the whole time, including twice on the power play. Milan Michalek scored, but that's all. Vokoun never gave up the goal that would have given the Senators life, and holding the fort through that lull is the definition of timely goaltending. The Pens' next shot was Malkin's goal, which essentially ended the series.
Pivotal moment of Round 2: The first two minutes of the second period of Game 4
After the Pens blew Game 3, they came out and were as dominant as ever during the first period of game 4. Yet somehow (ok, Letang was prominently involved) they were down 2-1. Against a lesser team, this would have given the Senators life. But the Pens snuffed that out when Kunitz and Iginla scored 40 seconds apart. The Senators may have been hoping for some sort of reprieve. Those 40 seconds pretty much confirmed that Ottawa had no choice in the matter.
Signature moment of playoffs so far: TK's breakaway goal in Game 5 against the Islanders
Winning this series with relative ease may obscure how perilous the situation was after Game 4 against the Islanders. No one knew what to expect from Vokoun, the Isles were swelling with over-confidence, and the Pens were forced into several lineup changes just to keep up. TK's brilliant finish proved that even if the Pens don't technically have a Plan B when "get to our game" isn't working, they have a lot of guys who can execute Plan A.
Unsung hero: Brooks Orpik
Orpik came back before Game 4 against the Islanders, and while that game turned out to be a nightmare, it was not his fault. (See if you can remember who we blamed). Since that game, the Pens are 6-1, Orpik is a +7, and he hasn't been a minus in any game. He's not a superstar by any means, but he always plays like a grownup and has helped the Prime Minister start playing like one of the best defensemen in the league. Orpik's ideal usage is as the third best defenseman on a team -- that's his destiny, and he's living it near-perfectly.
Emergability Winner: No one
Ottawa had unlimited candidates to emerge during this series as a better player than anyone though. It's tempting to pick Colin Greening because he scored three goals, but at no point during this series did anyone go, "oh shit, Colin Greening is on the ice." Kyle Turris also had three goals, but they were of the someone-has-to-score variety. The Pens prevented any Senators from emerging, and instead exposed them as entirely dependent on great goaltending.
Adjustments for Boston: None.
The Pens may have finally found the lineup that works. As long as Eaton isn't getting exposed like he did for a few games in Round 1, the defense isn't getting any better than it is right now. Tyler Kennedy is a must-dress for the remainder of the playoffs, Brenden Morrow seems destined to play a huge role against the Bruins, and having a healthy Jussi Jokinen on the 4th line is a luxury the Pens can afford.
Who needs to do a lot more: Brandon Sutter
We're not going to slam the guy too much while the Pens are essentially on a 7-game winning streak, but he had no points against Ottawa and has only one point in 11 playoff games. The Pens didn't need him against the #7 and #8 seed, but he could make their job against Boston a lot easier if he shows up for Round 3. Because everyone on Boston will show up.
Two random things to watch going forward
1) Is Kunitz fully healthy? He's been sitting for extended stretches at times during the last two games.
2) Guess who played the fewest minutes for the Pens in Game 5: Jarome Iginla.
Final Word on Ottawa
Penguins-Bruins was destined to happen. Ottawa was a small bump in the road and the Pens were riding on 28s.
The widespread hope coming out of the first-round dogfight was that the pressure coming with being a heavy favorite and having three straight bad series losses in the playoffs would be relieved and the Pens would finally play up to their potential. Check that box. This victory over Ottawa was as lopsided as it should have been. The Pens were way better than Ottawa and they played like it.
There are areas that still need tightened up, but no team is without flaws. And while other teams may be better in certain areas than the Pens, no team comes as close to having everything as the Pens. A lot of teams have a really good top 6; the Pens have a top 6 that has the runaway two best players in the league. A lot of teams have a good bottom 6; the Pens have a bottom six consisting of 6 guys who each fit a specific role, and do it well. A lot of teams have a good defense; the Pens have 6 guys who are playing better each game, and look like they have their worst hockey behind them. A lot of teams have defensemen who can generate offense; the Pens have Kris Letang.
It's true that the Pens have achieved only what they have been expected to achieve -- beating a #8 and #7 seed. On paper it seems like no big deal, but consider: The #2 and #3 seeds in the East are out. The #2 and #3 seeds in the West are out, and Chicago is one game away from being out. The best compliment you can give the Pens right now is that they are as dangerous as we all thought they'd be.
Before we get to Boston in the next few days, let's recap this series.
Series MVP: Kris Letang
We give the guy as much shit as anyone, but he was consistently the best player in this series and it wasn't all that close. The guy is a human 3-on-2. In the first period of game 6, Sutter won a defensive zone draw to Letang, who simply took the puck and skated directly up the ice so quickly that the Pens had a 3-on-2 before the Senators even knew what happened them. Who even does that? It wasn't a special play and the Pens didn't get some weird bounce. Letang simply got the puck, went straight, and the Pens had a scoring chance.
If it wasn't for some memorable errors -- and he's made several in the first two rounds -- Letang would be near the top of anyone's Conn Smythe list. If he can just cut down on those mistakes in the next round -- and pairing him with the recently re-steadied Mark Eaton makes that more likely than ever -- it's entirely possible that Letang could win the Conn Smythe. He's that good when he plays that good. If that makes sense.
Pens MVP to date: Tomas Vokoun
The Pens score in bunches, and those bunches are usually (and understandably) followed by lulls ranging from brief to extended. After Letang put the Pens up 3-0, the Pens didn't get another shot for almost 7 minutes. The Senators had the puck the whole time, including twice on the power play. Milan Michalek scored, but that's all. Vokoun never gave up the goal that would have given the Senators life, and holding the fort through that lull is the definition of timely goaltending. The Pens' next shot was Malkin's goal, which essentially ended the series.
Pivotal moment of Round 2: The first two minutes of the second period of Game 4
After the Pens blew Game 3, they came out and were as dominant as ever during the first period of game 4. Yet somehow (ok, Letang was prominently involved) they were down 2-1. Against a lesser team, this would have given the Senators life. But the Pens snuffed that out when Kunitz and Iginla scored 40 seconds apart. The Senators may have been hoping for some sort of reprieve. Those 40 seconds pretty much confirmed that Ottawa had no choice in the matter.
Signature moment of playoffs so far: TK's breakaway goal in Game 5 against the Islanders
Winning this series with relative ease may obscure how perilous the situation was after Game 4 against the Islanders. No one knew what to expect from Vokoun, the Isles were swelling with over-confidence, and the Pens were forced into several lineup changes just to keep up. TK's brilliant finish proved that even if the Pens don't technically have a Plan B when "get to our game" isn't working, they have a lot of guys who can execute Plan A.
 |
| Again, Iginla's face in this picture. |
Orpik came back before Game 4 against the Islanders, and while that game turned out to be a nightmare, it was not his fault. (See if you can remember who we blamed). Since that game, the Pens are 6-1, Orpik is a +7, and he hasn't been a minus in any game. He's not a superstar by any means, but he always plays like a grownup and has helped the Prime Minister start playing like one of the best defensemen in the league. Orpik's ideal usage is as the third best defenseman on a team -- that's his destiny, and he's living it near-perfectly.
Emergability Winner: No one
Ottawa had unlimited candidates to emerge during this series as a better player than anyone though. It's tempting to pick Colin Greening because he scored three goals, but at no point during this series did anyone go, "oh shit, Colin Greening is on the ice." Kyle Turris also had three goals, but they were of the someone-has-to-score variety. The Pens prevented any Senators from emerging, and instead exposed them as entirely dependent on great goaltending.
 |
| That you probably don't know who this is proves the point. |
The Pens may have finally found the lineup that works. As long as Eaton isn't getting exposed like he did for a few games in Round 1, the defense isn't getting any better than it is right now. Tyler Kennedy is a must-dress for the remainder of the playoffs, Brenden Morrow seems destined to play a huge role against the Bruins, and having a healthy Jussi Jokinen on the 4th line is a luxury the Pens can afford.
Who needs to do a lot more: Brandon Sutter
We're not going to slam the guy too much while the Pens are essentially on a 7-game winning streak, but he had no points against Ottawa and has only one point in 11 playoff games. The Pens didn't need him against the #7 and #8 seed, but he could make their job against Boston a lot easier if he shows up for Round 3. Because everyone on Boston will show up.
Two random things to watch going forward
1) Is Kunitz fully healthy? He's been sitting for extended stretches at times during the last two games.
2) Guess who played the fewest minutes for the Pens in Game 5: Jarome Iginla.
Final Word on Ottawa
Penguins-Bruins was destined to happen. Ottawa was a small bump in the road and the Pens were riding on 28s.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
A 7-3 victory sounds about right; Pens push Sens to the brink in Game 4
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
We opened our podcast last night asking the question: Was Game 4 the game we've been waiting for the Pens to play all postseason? Our answer was a definitive 'no.' Game 3 was the game we had been hoping the Pens were capable of -- a tight, 1-0 win, with scoring from an unexpected place, and an ability to overcome a hot goalie with a hot goalie of our own. But you know, shit happens.
[Listen above or click here to subscribe on iTunes]
Game 4 was the game we knew the Pens had in them, and the Pens teased us with it a few times in the Isles series (Games 1 and 5) and even early in this series (Game 1). But they never got all the way there like they did last night. Game 4 was total domination. The Pens OWNED the first period and probably should have been winning 5-2 after 20 minutes. With all due respect to Dejan Kovacevic, who is having himself a hell of a playoffs, the Pens were not "awful" in the first period. In fact, it was arguably the Pens most dominant period offensively in the whole playoffs; it just took a few minutes more of play in the second period to reap the benefits on the scoreboard. What happened in the third period -- 4 goals in 10 minutes -- was not the product of 10 good minutes of hockey, something which has often been enough for the Pens to win games. It was the well-earned payoff from two excellent overall performances in Ottawa in Games 3 and 4.
The Pens went into Ottawa and scored 8 goals in 2 games -- it's just a matter of bad fortune that they weren't spread out more evenly to come home with two wins. Because one thing is clear this morning and it's that this series should already be over.
Read on for more...
Unfortunately, it's not over. The mental errors that the Pens make way-too-regularly are not going away, so there's no guarantee that the Pens close it out in Game 5. But the Pens would be wise to keep their foot on the gas and try to bury Ottawa right from the start because as clearly as the fans and media can see that the Pens are the better team, the Senators themselves seem to see it most clearly. From Scott Burnside of ESPN.com:
- Somehow Evgeni Malkin ended up with zero points despite the Pens putting up a 7-spot, including two on the power-play. He's now gone two straight games without a point. On paper, this looks bad. But if you have eyes, then it's evident he is returning to his MVP form of last season. If Geno and Sid are both playing at their highest level -- where they each are around 1.5 points per game -- the Pens are a near-impossible match-up for anyone. With no Cups in the prior three season, there have been questions about whether the "2 superstar model" works. The answer is that it does work when the 2 superstars are playing like the 2 best players in the league. Which they are.
- Tomas Vokoun is something to behold. I've never seen a goalie look behind himself so much to make sure the puck isn't dribbling between his legs and in. It doesn't dribble between his legs, though, and that's all that really matters. As long as he keeps winning -- and he's 5-1 with a 1.82 GAA and .942 save percentage -- there is nothing to discuss. He's the goalie. If he falters (and despite the constant looking over his shoulder, there's no indication that a collapse is imminent), Fleury will be ready. The only question at this point is whether if Vokoun has a bad game, would that even be enough for Fleury to supplant him as the #1 goalie again?
- Kris Letang must be bi-polar. One personality is an evolutionary Scott Neidermayer; the other is a de-evolutionary Mike Green. His first period was horrific, from giving up a shorthanded breakaway to falling on top of his goalie. But then he had 4 assists. When he isn't limiting himself, his ceiling is unlimited.
- If healthy, Jussi Jokinen needs to stay in the lineup. Joe Vitale did a very nice job in his few games, but Jokinen brings something that can further separate the Pens from the competition -- an ability to sustain offense. The Pens are so top-heavy that you can't even really say they have a "1st line." With Jokinen, the same is true at the bottom of the lineup. There's really no 4th line. With Cooke, Kennedy, Sutter, Jokinen, Adams, and Bennett/Morrow, it doesn't really matter what you call any combination. Each can play 10-15 effective minutes. Here are Game 4's time on ice numbers:
- Last night was a sad night for Sergei Gonchar. He was a -4 and was in the box for James Neal's killer PP goal early in the third. He's a big time liability at this point.
- 15:32 from Crankshaft, and you barely heard his name. That's a great thing.
Pens need to put this one away on Friday. We suspect they will. Go Pens.
We opened our podcast last night asking the question: Was Game 4 the game we've been waiting for the Pens to play all postseason? Our answer was a definitive 'no.' Game 3 was the game we had been hoping the Pens were capable of -- a tight, 1-0 win, with scoring from an unexpected place, and an ability to overcome a hot goalie with a hot goalie of our own. But you know, shit happens.
[Listen above or click here to subscribe on iTunes]
Game 4 was the game we knew the Pens had in them, and the Pens teased us with it a few times in the Isles series (Games 1 and 5) and even early in this series (Game 1). But they never got all the way there like they did last night. Game 4 was total domination. The Pens OWNED the first period and probably should have been winning 5-2 after 20 minutes. With all due respect to Dejan Kovacevic, who is having himself a hell of a playoffs, the Pens were not "awful" in the first period. In fact, it was arguably the Pens most dominant period offensively in the whole playoffs; it just took a few minutes more of play in the second period to reap the benefits on the scoreboard. What happened in the third period -- 4 goals in 10 minutes -- was not the product of 10 good minutes of hockey, something which has often been enough for the Pens to win games. It was the well-earned payoff from two excellent overall performances in Ottawa in Games 3 and 4.
The Pens went into Ottawa and scored 8 goals in 2 games -- it's just a matter of bad fortune that they weren't spread out more evenly to come home with two wins. Because one thing is clear this morning and it's that this series should already be over.
Read on for more...
Unfortunately, it's not over. The mental errors that the Pens make way-too-regularly are not going away, so there's no guarantee that the Pens close it out in Game 5. But the Pens would be wise to keep their foot on the gas and try to bury Ottawa right from the start because as clearly as the fans and media can see that the Pens are the better team, the Senators themselves seem to see it most clearly. From Scott Burnside of ESPN.com:
Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who reached the 100-point plateau in playoff scoring with a power-play goal with the game out of reach in the third, was asked whether it was feasible to win three straight against this Pittsburgh team.The Senators are ready to lose this series. The only way they get back in it is if the Pens let them, and the killer-instinct and refusal to get frustrated last night is the most encouraging sign yet that the Pens won't allow it. The last 4 games for Ottawa have been like nursing a sick relative. There was a brief glimmer of hope, but we all know how it should end. It's time to pull the plug and let go.
"Probably not," he answered with brutal candor. "With their depth and their power play right now, it doesn’t look too good.
"I’m just saying that I don’t think there’s much going for us. Maybe that’s the way we like it."
 |
| It's ok, Paul. Don't be scared. |
- Tomas Vokoun is something to behold. I've never seen a goalie look behind himself so much to make sure the puck isn't dribbling between his legs and in. It doesn't dribble between his legs, though, and that's all that really matters. As long as he keeps winning -- and he's 5-1 with a 1.82 GAA and .942 save percentage -- there is nothing to discuss. He's the goalie. If he falters (and despite the constant looking over his shoulder, there's no indication that a collapse is imminent), Fleury will be ready. The only question at this point is whether if Vokoun has a bad game, would that even be enough for Fleury to supplant him as the #1 goalie again?
- Kris Letang must be bi-polar. One personality is an evolutionary Scott Neidermayer; the other is a de-evolutionary Mike Green. His first period was horrific, from giving up a shorthanded breakaway to falling on top of his goalie. But then he had 4 assists. When he isn't limiting himself, his ceiling is unlimited.
- If healthy, Jussi Jokinen needs to stay in the lineup. Joe Vitale did a very nice job in his few games, but Jokinen brings something that can further separate the Pens from the competition -- an ability to sustain offense. The Pens are so top-heavy that you can't even really say they have a "1st line." With Jokinen, the same is true at the bottom of the lineup. There's really no 4th line. With Cooke, Kennedy, Sutter, Jokinen, Adams, and Bennett/Morrow, it doesn't really matter what you call any combination. Each can play 10-15 effective minutes. Here are Game 4's time on ice numbers:
 |
| Gorgeous. |
- 15:32 from Crankshaft, and you barely heard his name. That's a great thing.
Pens need to put this one away on Friday. We suspect they will. Go Pens.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Penguins-Senators Series Preview: Tale of the Tape
By GTOG Staff
Round 1 was like a boat ride in choppy waters after doing 23 tequila shots with a chaser of spoiled milk. Now we have to look at Chris Neil for the next two weeks.
Ottawa just steamrolled Montreal in five games by a combined score of 20-9. Erik Karlsson is back. Jason Spezza is practicing. Eugene Melnyk is investigating. The team is capable of revisiting that bizarre gladiator introduction again at any time. Anything can and probably will happen when the Sens take on the top-seeded Pens in Round 2. All we can do is handicap this matchup. Who has the advantage? Read on for the GTOG Tale of the Tape...
Obstacle Overcomability
The Penguins overcame their late-season obstacles in the first round by eliminating the obstacles. The Prime Minister and Crosby returned from serious injuries and Brooks Orpik and James Neal escaped their injury scares relatively unscathed. Had any of those guys missed even one additional game, the Isles series easily could have gone 7. And if it was the Prime Minister or Sid missing another game,well, we don't even want to think about what could have happened.
The Senators, on the other hand, have made obstacles their bitch all season. Erik Karlsson missed 31 games, Jason Spezza missed 43 games, Milan Michalek missed 25 games, Jared Cowen missed 41 games, and Craig Anderson only played in 24 games. They're basically the 2011 Penguins, only if Evgeni Malkin (Erik Karlsson) had returned late in the season and Sidney Crosby (Jason Spezza) had returned to practice to tantalize the opposition even though there was almost no chance of him playing (oh wait, that last part happened).
The Senators may go down, but it won't be without a fight.
EDGE: Sens.
Coiffability
Paul MacLean's mustache called Dan Bylsma's goatee in January and said, "Look, you're embarrassing yourself, your franchise, and your city. Just go." We know about the power of Pascal Dupuis' beard when it reaches full capacity, but we're not there yet. Not even close. And the MacLean 'stache is in full flower.
EDGE: Sens.
Sex appealability
Let's turn this one over to the Women of GTOG. Again, all picture selections are made by GTOG's Executive Committee.
Mrs. Artistry: "He looks befuddled. This is not a characteristic that I desire when considering who to bed."
Artistry's Mom: "He looks like a demented walrus…not appealing."
Mrs. Artistry: "The missing tooth and crazy eyes make him look inbred."
Artistry's Mom: "He looks like Skeletor."
Mrs. Artistry: "Intense. I'd do him."
Artistry's Mom: "I do not deal with toothless."
Mrs. Artistry: "I want him to clean my house shirtless, and then to make sweet love to me. (J/k babe, but he does look pretty good in this picture.)"
Artistry's Mom: "MMMMMMM"
[Ed. note: We did not tell them how old Crosby was in this picture]
EDGE: Pens.
Tabloidability
The Ottawa Sun is destination reading for tabloid-style hockey reporting. Their top Senators columnist recently wrote a whole column about the relative size of his testicles, for God's sake.
But the Pittsburgh tabloid-style newspaper -- the Tribune Review -- is nothing to scoff at when it comes to bizarre reporting. Josh Yohe is usually pretty solid, but Rob Rossi practices what we like to call Guesspecuporting, a hybrid of guessing, speculation, and reporting where no one can tell the difference between one or the other. And a new hero is emerging, however, to give the Sun a run for its money in the tabloid department, and his name is Deron Cookacevic.
Deron is the alter ego of usually revered columnist Dejan Kovacevic when he slips into full Ron Cook Poetry mode. A recent gem from Deron Cookacevic:
EDGE: Sens
Emergeability
This is a new category, but it's a huge one. When you're playing a team of lesser reknown, a team with more of a lunch-pail mentality like the Senators, there are always players who sneak up on you. There's someone on that team who you've heard of, but maybe never noticed as much as you should. Someone like Travis Hamonic or Andrew MacDonald or Casey Czikis (SP? We don't care) on the Islanders. These are players who were barely on our radar before Round 1, and they emerged as far better players than we or probably anyone outside of Long Island gave them credit for.
For the Sens, how about Jean-Gabriel Pageau? We have no idea who he is, but apparently he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games against Montreal. (All 3 were in one game. But still). Jakob Silfverberg and Cory Conacher could be in line to burn a third defense pairing of Engelland and Murray, and big bodies like Zach Smith, Matt Kassian, and Guillaume Latendresse will try to hammer the Pens' skill guys at every turn.
On the other side of the ledger, who on the Penguins has yet to emerge? We know everyone's ceiling. Isn't the only question whether or not the Pens will play to the level we already know they can reach? Exactly.
EDGE: Sens.
Walrusability
EDGE: Sens.
Achillability
This category has to do not with the mythological Greek hero, but the tendon of the same name - specifically, the durability and integrity thereof. Senators all-world defenseman Karlsson came back at unrealistic speed after having his tendon accidentally sliced by the well-meaning and virtually angelic Matt Cooke. That's impressive. But Karlsson's Achilles gets demerits for attacking Cooke, who wasn't even watching the play. This was akin to Karlsson sucker-punching Cooke and breaking his knuckles on Cooke's nose, IOO. For shame.
EDGE: Penguins.
Game Fixability
Alex Ovechkin has made it clear after the Caps' devastating elimination from the playoffs last night that the league is now involved in fixing games.
Well, who does the league like better than the Penguins?!
Gary Bettman obviously fixed the Islanders series for the Pens by forcing the refs to call Brain Strait for holding in overtime of Game 3, so why wouldn't he do it again to ensure that the Pens will at least get to the Eastern Conference Finals? Is there a Kickstarter we can contribute money to for this?
EDGE: Penguins
Leadability
On the Senators side there is no shortage of leadership. Daniel Alfredsson is revered and is longing for a Stanley Cup in the twilight of his career as much as anyone on the Pens. Sergei Gonchar made Evgeni Malkin cry tears of gratitude last year and they weren't even on the same team any more. Chris Phillips has played for the Senators for a thousand years and his male pattern baldness just screams out, "Follow me."
But let's be serious. Daniel Alfredsson could rescue a hundred garment workers in Bangladesh and it wouldn't be a fraction of the veteran leadership that is oozing from the pores of Brendan Morrow and the much-cooler-than-Chris-Phillips bald head of Jarome Iginla.
EDGE: Penguins
Game breakability
The least competitive of all the categories. The Senators get a lot of contributions from a lot of guys, but outside of Erik Karlsson, who is a danger to put up 3, 4, or 5 points in a game? We're fully prepared for the fact that a lot of these guys are going to be better than we think, but who really puts fear into you?
The Pens have like 9 guys who can get multiple points in a game and they can all do it in the same game. And as the Islanders' series showed, the Pens don't have to be playing particularly well to score. Recall Game 3, where the Pens were down 2-0 midway through the first period, then scored 3 goals in less than 6 minutes. This is why Twitter is so dangerous for Pens fans. Just when you're ready to bury a Penguin, you look up at the TV and the guy has at least two points.
The best way to evaluate a category like this is to put yourself in the shoes of the opposition's fans. Sure, we aren't comfortable with the Pens ability to protect leads and keep the scoring down. But if Ottawa is up 3-1 heading into the third period, how comfortable do you think their fans are protecting that lead?
BIG EDGE: Penguins
SCORE: 5-5
PREDICTIONS
The Islanders series was a reminder that unless Tim Gleason is prominently involved, playoff series victories don't come easily. The Senators have unlimited heart and there's no doubt that they will quickly earn the Pens' respect. But when in doubt, take the team with at least 8 of the 10 best players in the series.
Artistry: Pens in 6
Finesse: Pens in 7
Round 1 was like a boat ride in choppy waters after doing 23 tequila shots with a chaser of spoiled milk. Now we have to look at Chris Neil for the next two weeks.
Ottawa just steamrolled Montreal in five games by a combined score of 20-9. Erik Karlsson is back. Jason Spezza is practicing. Eugene Melnyk is investigating. The team is capable of revisiting that bizarre gladiator introduction again at any time. Anything can and probably will happen when the Sens take on the top-seeded Pens in Round 2. All we can do is handicap this matchup. Who has the advantage? Read on for the GTOG Tale of the Tape...
Obstacle Overcomability
The Penguins overcame their late-season obstacles in the first round by eliminating the obstacles. The Prime Minister and Crosby returned from serious injuries and Brooks Orpik and James Neal escaped their injury scares relatively unscathed. Had any of those guys missed even one additional game, the Isles series easily could have gone 7. And if it was the Prime Minister or Sid missing another game,well, we don't even want to think about what could have happened.
 |
| Wrong Prime Minister, but the point remains the same. |
The Senators may go down, but it won't be without a fight.
EDGE: Sens.
Coiffability
Paul MacLean's mustache called Dan Bylsma's goatee in January and said, "Look, you're embarrassing yourself, your franchise, and your city. Just go." We know about the power of Pascal Dupuis' beard when it reaches full capacity, but we're not there yet. Not even close. And the MacLean 'stache is in full flower.
 |
| Wonders why there's always a hair in his food. |
Sex appealability
Let's turn this one over to the Women of GTOG. Again, all picture selections are made by GTOG's Executive Committee.
Mrs. Artistry: "He looks befuddled. This is not a characteristic that I desire when considering who to bed."
Artistry's Mom: "He looks like a demented walrus…not appealing."
Mrs. Artistry: "The missing tooth and crazy eyes make him look inbred."
Artistry's Mom: "He looks like Skeletor."
Mrs. Artistry: "Intense. I'd do him."
Artistry's Mom: "I do not deal with toothless."
Mrs. Artistry: "I want him to clean my house shirtless, and then to make sweet love to me. (J/k babe, but he does look pretty good in this picture.)"
Artistry's Mom: "MMMMMMM"
[Ed. note: We did not tell them how old Crosby was in this picture]
EDGE: Pens.
Tabloidability
The Ottawa Sun is destination reading for tabloid-style hockey reporting. Their top Senators columnist recently wrote a whole column about the relative size of his testicles, for God's sake.
 |
| We're against anything that results in bloggers using the word "classy." |
 |
| Deron Cookacevic: not the love child of Daequan Cook and Radoslav Nesterovic |
Go ahead, it won't bite.Impressive work, Deron, but there's just not enough about your balls in there.
I mean, come on, Penguins 4, Islanders 3 in OT!
Series winner!
(Crickets.)
Just not feeling it, huh?
Understandable, I guess.
An optional morning skate.
With a handful of participants.
All doing defense-free shootout drills.
Or if they even cared all that much.
But they did care.
They did win.
They did make it through.
Thank you, Islanders.
Or unraveled, I should say.
Yes, they do.
Now, imagine the opposite.
And boy, did the Penguins need it.
We'll find out.
No crime in that, right?
Come on, breathe already.
EDGE: Sens
Emergeability
This is a new category, but it's a huge one. When you're playing a team of lesser reknown, a team with more of a lunch-pail mentality like the Senators, there are always players who sneak up on you. There's someone on that team who you've heard of, but maybe never noticed as much as you should. Someone like Travis Hamonic or Andrew MacDonald or Casey Czikis (SP? We don't care) on the Islanders. These are players who were barely on our radar before Round 1, and they emerged as far better players than we or probably anyone outside of Long Island gave them credit for.
 |
| You don't know who this is. But you might soon. |
On the other side of the ledger, who on the Penguins has yet to emerge? We know everyone's ceiling. Isn't the only question whether or not the Pens will play to the level we already know they can reach? Exactly.
EDGE: Sens.
Walrusability
EDGE: Sens.
Achillability
This category has to do not with the mythological Greek hero, but the tendon of the same name - specifically, the durability and integrity thereof. Senators all-world defenseman Karlsson came back at unrealistic speed after having his tendon accidentally sliced by the well-meaning and virtually angelic Matt Cooke. That's impressive. But Karlsson's Achilles gets demerits for attacking Cooke, who wasn't even watching the play. This was akin to Karlsson sucker-punching Cooke and breaking his knuckles on Cooke's nose, IOO. For shame.
EDGE: Penguins.
Game Fixability
Alex Ovechkin has made it clear after the Caps' devastating elimination from the playoffs last night that the league is now involved in fixing games.
 |
| No wonder Ovechkin doesn't have a ring: who still makes phone calls? |
Gary Bettman obviously fixed the Islanders series for the Pens by forcing the refs to call Brain Strait for holding in overtime of Game 3, so why wouldn't he do it again to ensure that the Pens will at least get to the Eastern Conference Finals? Is there a Kickstarter we can contribute money to for this?
EDGE: Penguins
Leadability
On the Senators side there is no shortage of leadership. Daniel Alfredsson is revered and is longing for a Stanley Cup in the twilight of his career as much as anyone on the Pens. Sergei Gonchar made Evgeni Malkin cry tears of gratitude last year and they weren't even on the same team any more. Chris Phillips has played for the Senators for a thousand years and his male pattern baldness just screams out, "Follow me."
 |
| "Get behind me, because you may not want to look at the front of me." |
 |
| There's no comparing these bald guys. |
Game breakability
The least competitive of all the categories. The Senators get a lot of contributions from a lot of guys, but outside of Erik Karlsson, who is a danger to put up 3, 4, or 5 points in a game? We're fully prepared for the fact that a lot of these guys are going to be better than we think, but who really puts fear into you?
The Pens have like 9 guys who can get multiple points in a game and they can all do it in the same game. And as the Islanders' series showed, the Pens don't have to be playing particularly well to score. Recall Game 3, where the Pens were down 2-0 midway through the first period, then scored 3 goals in less than 6 minutes. This is why Twitter is so dangerous for Pens fans. Just when you're ready to bury a Penguin, you look up at the TV and the guy has at least two points.
The best way to evaluate a category like this is to put yourself in the shoes of the opposition's fans. Sure, we aren't comfortable with the Pens ability to protect leads and keep the scoring down. But if Ottawa is up 3-1 heading into the third period, how comfortable do you think their fans are protecting that lead?
BIG EDGE: Penguins
SCORE: 5-5
PREDICTIONS
The Islanders series was a reminder that unless Tim Gleason is prominently involved, playoff series victories don't come easily. The Senators have unlimited heart and there's no doubt that they will quickly earn the Pens' respect. But when in doubt, take the team with at least 8 of the 10 best players in the series.
Artistry: Pens in 6
Finesse: Pens in 7
 |
| And don't forget that Ottawa once hung this outside the visitor's locker room. |
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Pens win 5-4 in OT; The good, the bad, and the Mark Eaton
By Finesse (follow me on Twitter)
Having cooled off after the Pens' dramatic 5-4 overtime win over the Islanders to take a 2-1 lead in the series -- yes, we needed to cool off after a win -- perhaps we were too negative in our Raw Emotion Podcast recorded minutes after the Pens escaped with a win they didn't deserve.
After all, the Pens have scored 13 goals in 3 games and are winning a series against an Islanders team that played possibly its best game of the season, yet still lost 5-4 to a Pens team playing as poorly, sloppily, and lazily as it has played all year. If the Pens can actually play better, rather than just talk about the universally accepted notion that they need to play better, this can still be the 5-game series we predicted all along. So in this spirit of looking at the bright side of things, lets sprinkle a dusting of good among the bad, the ugly, and the repugnant.
Read on after the jump...
THE GOOD: Sidney Crosby. He had two goals in Game 2 but for long-time connoisseurs of his excellence, he was noticeably rusty and far less able to dictate the game than he was before his injury. That was all to be expected, of course. But seeing him that rusty made us a little bit skeptical that he would be able to get back to his level from March so quickly. That was dumb.
Crosby was far and away the Pens best player Sunday and he was the only guy who inspired any confidence when he was on the ice. His passing was sublime and he dominated the boards in the offensive zone when he wasn't preoccupied in his own zone because of defensemen who were unwilling to take seriously the fact that there are two teams in each playoff game and the other team isn't going to step aside and allow you to tap-dance to loose pucks then gently push them in the general direction of "anywhere I won't get hit."
THE WAAAAAHHHHHHHH: As sure as the days get longer, the trees start to bloom, and co-workers lament their allergies during awkward elevator rides, Sidney Crosby is the subject of springtime controversy, having drawn the penalty that led to the game winning goal. This is a good place to be if you're a Pens fan because any shift of the conversation away from how terrible the team played to the psychological comfort food that is defending Sid against allegations of diving is a welcome distraction.
Was it a dive? No. Was it a soft call, as the estimable panel of Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury suggested during the post-game show? No.
There may be some truth to the notion that Crosby gets the benefit of the doubt, as have so many superstars over time. But there's more truth to the notion that superstars are superstars for a reason: they are better than guys like Brian Strait. Would hockey be a better sport if Strait was allowed to offset his cavernous talent disadvantage by reaching out with both arms to impede the best player in the world from doing the very thing that makes him the best player in the world? Of course not. I agree with the argument that that play would not have been a penalty against any other player, but not because the "rules of nature" don't apply to Crosby as Jesse Spector suggests. It's because if Crosby was any other player, Brian Strait wouldn't have had to use both arms to haul him to the ice after getting worked over on the boards.
THE : Brandon Sutter was invisible yet again, which means it's a safe estimate that 95% of the minutes he's played this season have been borderline useless. Are we not reading the right newspapers or blogs, or are we the only place that's noticing just how much he isn't contributing? We're not asking for the guy to be able to give the 20 solid minutes per game that Jordan Staal gave the team, but to contribute something. Anything. And if he can do it more than once a game, even better.
THE NOT WORKING: Sutter and Morrow together isn't really working. Advanced stats will tell you that both players are bad with puck possession; your eyes will tell you that they routinely get pinned deep in their own zone and Morrow, for as much as he came on late in the season, looks like a guy who would be a lot more effective playing with guys who can actually get the puck so that he can do what he's good at: stand in front of the net and be tough to play against. You know when Brenden Morrow is not tough to play against? When he's sucking wind at the end of a 75 second shift spent entirely in his own zone.
THE STATUS QUO: The Pens defense gave Marc-Andre Fleury even less help in Game 3 than in a terrible Game 2, but four goals is four goals, and at some point if you want to be taken seriously as a goalie who can win another Stanley Cup you have to give up four goals a lot less frequently. The Pens defense was so bad, however, that the status quo holds: Fleury starts game 4, but remains on a very short leash.
THE REPUGNANT: It's hard to imagine that a hockey player could have a worse game than the game Mark Eaton played today. Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang certainly gave it their best shot, but Eaton reached such historic levels of terribleness during this game that he would have been better off spending his shifts laying across the goal line and hoping that he saved a goal by accident. And the thing is, we love Mark Eaton.
THE HANDSY: Chris Kunitz. Where would we be without him.
THE OUTLOOK: Despite our general malaise, the Pens are in a great position to win this series. The past two games have served to narrow our focus from the big picture to the little things like GETTING THE PUCK OUT OF YOUR OWN ZONE. Wooooosahhh. Anyway, the biggest reason to remain optimistic, other than leading the series, reclaiming home-ice advantage, and having the best player in the world back, is the if. If the Pens can just get by this self-imposed psychological hurdle of the first round of the playoffs, maybe they return to being the team that won fifteen straight and looked damn good doing it. It's just not going to be as easy as we hoped.
Having cooled off after the Pens' dramatic 5-4 overtime win over the Islanders to take a 2-1 lead in the series -- yes, we needed to cool off after a win -- perhaps we were too negative in our Raw Emotion Podcast recorded minutes after the Pens escaped with a win they didn't deserve.
After all, the Pens have scored 13 goals in 3 games and are winning a series against an Islanders team that played possibly its best game of the season, yet still lost 5-4 to a Pens team playing as poorly, sloppily, and lazily as it has played all year. If the Pens can actually play better, rather than just talk about the universally accepted notion that they need to play better, this can still be the 5-game series we predicted all along. So in this spirit of looking at the bright side of things, lets sprinkle a dusting of good among the bad, the ugly, and the repugnant.
Read on after the jump...
THE GOOD: Sidney Crosby. He had two goals in Game 2 but for long-time connoisseurs of his excellence, he was noticeably rusty and far less able to dictate the game than he was before his injury. That was all to be expected, of course. But seeing him that rusty made us a little bit skeptical that he would be able to get back to his level from March so quickly. That was dumb.
Crosby was far and away the Pens best player Sunday and he was the only guy who inspired any confidence when he was on the ice. His passing was sublime and he dominated the boards in the offensive zone when he wasn't preoccupied in his own zone because of defensemen who were unwilling to take seriously the fact that there are two teams in each playoff game and the other team isn't going to step aside and allow you to tap-dance to loose pucks then gently push them in the general direction of "anywhere I won't get hit."
THE WAAAAAHHHHHHHH: As sure as the days get longer, the trees start to bloom, and co-workers lament their allergies during awkward elevator rides, Sidney Crosby is the subject of springtime controversy, having drawn the penalty that led to the game winning goal. This is a good place to be if you're a Pens fan because any shift of the conversation away from how terrible the team played to the psychological comfort food that is defending Sid against allegations of diving is a welcome distraction.
Was it a dive? No. Was it a soft call, as the estimable panel of Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury suggested during the post-game show? No.
There may be some truth to the notion that Crosby gets the benefit of the doubt, as have so many superstars over time. But there's more truth to the notion that superstars are superstars for a reason: they are better than guys like Brian Strait. Would hockey be a better sport if Strait was allowed to offset his cavernous talent disadvantage by reaching out with both arms to impede the best player in the world from doing the very thing that makes him the best player in the world? Of course not. I agree with the argument that that play would not have been a penalty against any other player, but not because the "rules of nature" don't apply to Crosby as Jesse Spector suggests. It's because if Crosby was any other player, Brian Strait wouldn't have had to use both arms to haul him to the ice after getting worked over on the boards.
 |
| Not a penalty? Get real. |
THE NOT WORKING: Sutter and Morrow together isn't really working. Advanced stats will tell you that both players are bad with puck possession; your eyes will tell you that they routinely get pinned deep in their own zone and Morrow, for as much as he came on late in the season, looks like a guy who would be a lot more effective playing with guys who can actually get the puck so that he can do what he's good at: stand in front of the net and be tough to play against. You know when Brenden Morrow is not tough to play against? When he's sucking wind at the end of a 75 second shift spent entirely in his own zone.
THE STATUS QUO: The Pens defense gave Marc-Andre Fleury even less help in Game 3 than in a terrible Game 2, but four goals is four goals, and at some point if you want to be taken seriously as a goalie who can win another Stanley Cup you have to give up four goals a lot less frequently. The Pens defense was so bad, however, that the status quo holds: Fleury starts game 4, but remains on a very short leash.
THE REPUGNANT: It's hard to imagine that a hockey player could have a worse game than the game Mark Eaton played today. Matt Niskanen and Kris Letang certainly gave it their best shot, but Eaton reached such historic levels of terribleness during this game that he would have been better off spending his shifts laying across the goal line and hoping that he saved a goal by accident. And the thing is, we love Mark Eaton.
THE HANDSY: Chris Kunitz. Where would we be without him.
THE OUTLOOK: Despite our general malaise, the Pens are in a great position to win this series. The past two games have served to narrow our focus from the big picture to the little things like GETTING THE PUCK OUT OF YOUR OWN ZONE. Wooooosahhh. Anyway, the biggest reason to remain optimistic, other than leading the series, reclaiming home-ice advantage, and having the best player in the world back, is the if. If the Pens can just get by this self-imposed psychological hurdle of the first round of the playoffs, maybe they return to being the team that won fifteen straight and looked damn good doing it. It's just not going to be as easy as we hoped.
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