Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Game #55 - vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Game 55
Blue Jackets (25-22-5, 55 points) at Penguins (34-16-4, 72 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens need to figure out how to put some pucks in the net after getting shut out on Sunday. The Blue Jackets may be showing up at just the right time. Two points would get the Flightless Birds heading back in the right direction.

What has been happening lately?
  • Pens - Is the glass half-empty (shutout loss) or half-full (eight wins in ten games)?
  • Blue Jackets - Two nice wins over the weekend against Detroit and Edmonton.
Questions to be answered
  • Can the top lines generate offense on a consistent basis?
  • Will Matt Cooke calm down? He seems awfully agitated lately.
  • Score first, right?
Keys to the game
  • Win at even strength. The Jackets are really bad with the extra man, but the Pens power play isn't exactly playing well right now either.
  • Avoid the slow start. The Jackets record is okay, but their supporting numbers are mediocre. Jump on them early and don't let up.
  • Nothing cute - get the puck in deep and work from below the goal line. If Kennedy breaks a good cycle to bring the puck out high, someone shoot him.

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