Game #75 - vs New Jersey Devils

2011-12 Game 75

New Jersey Devils (42-27-6, 90 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (46-22-6, 98 points)

Matt Cooke - goal scoring machine!?!

Why does it matter?

It was only one loss, but if the Pens fall into a small skid here, they could find themselves facing Philadelphia without home ice advantage in the first round.  I think that's a situation that the team might rather avoid.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Last night was the first regulation loss in over a month.
• Devils - The only time they're winning in the past six games is when Brodeur throws a shutout.

Questions to be answered

• Whose pain will be more motivating?  The Pens had a painful loss last night to the Sens, but the Devils have lost four out of six, including an embarrassing loss to the Pens where they were out shot 44-14.
• What is wrong with the power play?  Not only did they look disjointed last night, they allowed a key short-handed goal.
• How will the Pens respond?  It has been so long since their last loss in regulation - can they bounce back or will we see lots of guys making an individual effort to try to run the gauntlet?  That would be playing right into the Devils' hands, in my opinion.

Keys to the game

• Team defense.  Focus on keeping the puck out of the danger areas.
• Clean play in the neutral zone.  Last time, the Pens had no trouble shredding the trap.  Let's hope they can do it again.
• Don't lose confidence.  Even if Brodeur is standing on his head, keep pushing.

Game #73 - vs Nashville Predators

2011-12 Game 73

Nashville Predators (42-23-8, 92 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (45-21-6, 96 points)

Will Radulov propel the Preds deep into the playoffs?

Why does it matter?

The Pens didn't waste much time getting things turned around again in destroying the Jets on Tuesday.  Now they face a much stronger opponent who are getting back a potential game-changer in Alexander Radulov from the KHL.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Going back to the middle of February, 13 games, 25 points earned.  It doesn't get much better than that.
• Predators - Three losses in their past four, including a bad home loss to the lowly Oilers on Tuesday.

Questions to be answered

• How much impact will Radulov have?  He will play tonight, for sure, probably with Hornqvist and Legwand.  That makes a pretty tough top line.
• Can the Pens stay out of the box?  The Preds power play is deadly (#1 in the NHL), and the PK for the Pens is suddenly leaky over the last two games.
• Will Sid ever score a goal?  I'm joking, of course, but it would be nice to see him rip one past Rinne on the rush tonight, wouldn't it?

Keys to the game

• Play even-strength.  The Preds haven't been involved in too many special teams situations lately, but then they get a power play chance, they're very good.  Don't give them extra chances.
• Match up.  The Preds are deep, with good scoring depth.  They won't blow you away with their talent, but they will keep coming at you.
• Traffic.  Create chaos around Rinne, who is another big goaltender (6'5")

Game #71 - at Philadelphia Flyers

2011-12 Game 71

Pittsburgh Penguins (44-21-5, 93 points) at Philadelphia Flyers (41-22-8, 90 points)

I think this card says it all.  Cup foursomes, indeed.  Go Pens.

Why does it matter?

You figure the Pens have to come down to Earth sometime, but man, I sure hope it isn't against the Flyers.  After the Ranger's loss to the Avs tonight, the Pens can tie the Rangers for the #1 spot in the East by earning two points in Philadelphia tomorrow.  It will be Sid's first trip back to Philly (where he usually gets fired up), as well as a key divisional game.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - If they can keep playing this way, I'm not sure anyone can beat them right now.  Eleven wins in a row.  Wow.
• Flyers - After losing to Boston in a shootout, the Flyers are 7-1-1 in their past 9 games.

Questions to be answered

• Do the Flyers finally have a goalie?  Over his past 9 games, Bryzgalov has allowed just 10 goals.  Pretty sharp.
• Will the Flyers be dumb enough to get Sid and Geno fired up?  If I'm the Flyers, I let sleeping dogs lie and stay away from the dumb stuff.  I can't see the Flyers being that smart.
• Can the Pens simplify things and adjust to play a defensive style against the Flyers?  It will be needed, as the Flyers are the top scoring team in the NHL (the Pens are #2).

Keys to the game

• Discipline, both around the stupid stuff you know the Flyers will try, and (more importantly) against the high-powered offense.  Nothing dumb in the gray areas (neutral zone and near the blue lines).
• Stick up for each other.  I don't think this will be a problem, but everyone needs to pay special attention tomorrow.
• Roll the lines.  The Pens may be working on some tired legs, especially after getting the Newark monkey off of their backs.  Keep everyone fresh as much as possible.

Game #70 - at New Jersey Devils

2011-12 Game 70

Pittsburgh Penguins (43-21-5, 91 points) at New Jersey Devils (41-25-5, 87 points)

Geno will need to remain assertive with Sid's return.  He got off to a good start against the Rangers.

Why does it matter?

A ten game winning streak, the return of Crosby and Letang, the overall health of the team... everything is coming up roses right now for the Pens.  It will all be for naught if the Pens lay a few goose eggs this weekend. They need to come out with at least three points, if not four, if they want to have a decent shot at staying in the #1 or #4 spots in the East.  Both the Devils and Flyers are breathing down their necks.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Ten straight wins.  How long can they keep this up?  Hopefully for another few games, at least.
• Devils - Five wins in six games, and Brodeur is hotter than ever.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens get themselves fired up?  They need to carry some emotion into the game with them, because you know Jersey will try to put them to sleep.
• Can the big guns score?  Newark has been a house of horrors in recent history for both Sid and Geno.  They'll need to find a way to break through.
• Can the defense stay disciplined enough?  With the way Kovalchuk can and will float in the neutral zone, the D will need to be extra-aware of where he is.  Kovalchuk has 9 points in 4 games against the Pens this year.

Keys to the game

• No screwing around in the neutral zone.  Get the puck and go north.  Keep it simple.
• Score first (and second).  The Devils have been keeping the chances against to a minimum, so getting the first goal will help to bring them out of their trap.
• Get traffic in front of Brodeur.  He's stopping everything right now.

Game #69 - at New York Rangers

2011-12 Game 69

Pittsburgh Penguins (42-21-5, 89 points) at New York Rangers (44-18-7, 95 points)

Now this is a cool card.  Not sure I'd pay $55 for it, but still pretty cool anyway.

Why does it matter?

After their last game, the Pens were just two points behind the Rangers.  The Blueshirts have won twice since then, to give themselves a six point cushion.  Worse yet, a Flyers win with a Penguins loss would put the Pens back into a tie with the Flyers for second place in the division (with Jersey just behind).

To put it mildly, these divisional games today and over the weekend are critical.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Nine wins in a row, and it feels like the team just might keep getting better with a few guys returning.
• Rangers - They've looked tough in beating two cupcakes (the Isles and Hurricanes).  They lost three in a row prior to that to playoff teams like the Devils, Senators and Blackhawks.

Questions to be answered

• Will Lundqvist play?  The Pens have faced him every time this year, winning two and losing two.  King Henrik has been very solid overall against the Pens this year.
• Can the Pens put up enough shots to win?  The Rangers like to limit the chances against, and they've been pretty successful in doing so.  Generating offense consistently will be tough.  Fortunately, the Pens now feature three lines with world-class centers.
• Will Letang play?  As nice as it is to have Sid back, I think Letang is the real key to the power play.  If he plays, it makes that unit a difference maker every shift they're out there.

Keys to the game

• Shake off the rust.  Having Sid back will help with that, but the Pens haven't played since Sunday, and they have a bad habit of falling behind in recent games.  That would be death against the Rangers.
• Roll the lines.  This will help to keep the minutes down for Sid, and will keep everyone more fresh heading into the two big games this weekend.
• Get shots on net.  The Pens need to play in the offensive zone, and the shots on net is the best indicator that they're successful in doing that.

Game #67 - vs Florida Panthers

2011-12 Game 67

Florida Panthers (31-23-12, 74 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (40-21-5, 85 points)

Campbell is a -5 in three games this season against the Penguins.  Get Malkin out there against him!

Why does it matter?

With a win by the Penguins tonight (and a loss by the Rangers in Chicago), the Pens could pull within four points of the top spot in the Eastern Conference (and the top of the Atlantic division).  If they're not going to finish in the #6 spot, the #1 spot is as good as any since there's a big drop off between the #7 and #8 spot.  Games like these are critical to having a chance at the #1 seed, especially with Sid possibly returning on Sunday.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The second line carried the day as the Pens came from behind to beat the Maple Leafs.
• Panthers - Three losses in four games.  In their past two road games, they've been shut out by a combined score of 12-0.

Questions to be answered

• Will the power play for the Pittsburgh Penguins please report to Consol Energy Center?  Power play to the Consol Energy Center, please?
• Will it be a shooting gallery again?  The Pens fired 41 shots in each of the past two meetings with the Panthers.  That, combined with the recent road results for the Kitty Cats, doesn't bode well for them.
• Is this a trap game?  With Crosby due to return soon, the Panthers being crappy lately and the Pens reliance on playing from behind, this could be the game where things are topsy-turvy.

Keys to the game

• Get the top line going.  They were shut out against Toronto.
• Execute on special teams.  The PK for the Panthers has been pretty bad.
• Matchups - there are some good ones to be had against the Panthers.

Game #66 - vs Toronto Maple Leafs

2011-12 Game 66

Toronto Maple Leafs (30-29-7, 67 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (39-21-5, 83 points)

According to his sig, Clarke spells his name "Cl McAthu", which seems like something out of Lovecraft.

Why does it matter?

The Leafs think they still have a shot at the playoffs.  I sure hope they do, because if they make it, it will likely mean that the Southeast division (where the Caps play) will only get one team in the playoffs.  That would be all kinds of awesome.  Desperation has set in for Toronto, and the feel will be similar to the past three games for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The team keeps rolling, and now Sid is close to returning.
• Maple Leafs - What happened in February?  After starting the month with three straight wins, they finished the month with a 1-9-1 run.  Talk about choking... but they've changed their coach, so we'll see if that makes a difference.

Questions to be answered

• Kessel and Lupul?  Forget about them - it's Grabovski and MacArthur the Pens need to watch, as both have had great success against the Pens this year (6 and 5 points respectively).
• Can the Pens stop the trend of being out shot?  You know that has to be killing HCDB, who would rather control the game by keeping the puck in the offensive zone (shots are a decent indicator of that).
• Any chance we see Thiessen or Johnson?  You have to figure the team will want to get Flower some rest as we go down the stretch.

Keys to the game

• Play like it's a road game.  Keep things tight and don't give the playmakers from the Leafs any room to skate.
• Work for your chances.  The power play has been short on chances the past few games.  If the refs aren't blowing the whistles, work harder and force them to do it.
• Shut down their power play - the Leafs scored twice last night against the Bruins with the man-advantage.

Game #65 - vs Phoenix Coyotes

2011-12 Game 65

Phoenix Coyotes (33-23-9, 75 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (38-21-5, 81 points)

30 goals for this guy.  Also - Pinnacle has some really different photos in their set.  I like the different shots they get.

Why does it matter?

The Penguins have somehow found their way to the #2 spot in the points race in the East.  They can't enjoy it, however, with New Jersey and Philadelphia breathing down their necks.  Earning two points before moving on to some tougher Eastern Conference opponents is key.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Five in a row after kicking the stuffing out of the Avalanche on Saturday.
• Coyotes - After winning six in a row, the Coyotes have lost two in a row, both at home, including their most recent debacle against the Blue Jackets.

Questions to be answered

• Who are these guys?  Ray Whitney a +23 with 59 points?  Radim Vrbata has 30 goals and is a +21?
• Anyone call Cal O'Reilly?  He spent 23 games with the Coyotes this season and could probably lend some insight.
• Will the secondary guys keep scoring?  This could be the biggest factor in the Pens' chances for continues success.  Teams are going to focus on Geno more and more, so the other guys will need to get used to stepping up.

Keys to the game

• Thank the Blue Jackets.  Seriously - they softened up the Avs and we saw what happened in Colorado. Now they've worked their magic on the Coyotes.  Let's hope for a similar result (though I think this one will be tougher).
• Don't be afraid of the power play.  The Coyotes power play is woeful (though they have scored on the power play in each of the past two games).
• Kennedy.  Tyler Kennedy is a game-time decision.  He would add some more speed and shooting to the third line.

Game #64 - at Colorado Avalanche

2011-12 Game 64

Pittsburgh Penguins (37-21-5, 79 points) at Colorado Avalanche (33-28-4, 70 points)

Steve Sullivan is expected to play tonight.  No word on whether he'll finally disclose the location of the Fountain of Youth he's been sipping from.

Why does it matter?

The Avs are fighting for their playoff lives.  They're currently three points behind the Dallas Stars for the eighth spot in the West.  The Pens will have a battle on their hands.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Four wins in a row, and 16-4-1 in their past 21 games.  Simply amazing.
• Avalanche - They were doing better in February, but then they lost at home to Columbus on Thursday, 2-0.  Pretty poor.

Questions to be answered

• Who will quarterback the power play?  With Letang out, I guess you put Matt Niskanen on the point with Steve Sullivan.  That makes me a little bit nervous.
• Can the D absorb the minutes?  When Letang was out previously, things were a little bit choppy on the blue line.  Paul Martin, especially, saw his numbers suffer.
• Can Geno keep going?  He has a six game point streak on the line, and the Pens will need him to spur the offense tonight.

Keys to the game

• Dig in.  With Letang out, the remaining D will need to suck it up and step up their play, at least on the defensive side of things.  The forwards will need to do most of their own work and not count on having a guy like Letang joining the play.
• Different uniform, same dork.  Steve Downie now plays for he Avalanche.
• Special teams - the Avs PK has allowed a goal in three straight, and their power play simply doesn't get many chances.  The Pens have a clear advantage here - they need to exploit it.

Game #62 - vs Columbus Blue Jackets

2011-12 Game 62

Columbus Blue Jackets (18-36-7, 43 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (35-21-5, 75 points)

Brassard leads the Jackets in points in the month of February

Why does it matter?

The Blue Jackets are terrible.  They're the worst team in the NHL by nearly any standard.  They've just traded away much of their offense.  Why does this make them dangerous to the Pens?  Because they have a bunch of guys fighting for jobs, and money talks.  Also, they'll have Curtis Sanford back, and his numbers are pretty decent.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Some luck early led to a laugher against the Bolts.
• Blue Jackets - They're 4-4-1 in their last nine, including some impressive wins over Anaheim, Minnesota (twice) and San Jose.

Questions to be answered

• Will the Pens be able to get up for this game?  The Blue Jackets are going to steal some points if the Pens keep having a slow start and keep going to the box.
• Will we see Brad Thiessen make his NHL debut?  Might not be a bad idea to give Flower some rest.
• What is up with Dustin Jeffrey?  He didn't seem to be playing all that poorly, but clearly there's something up since he's a healthy scratch.

Keys to the game

• Jump on them early.  The Bolts Blue Jackets have been sellers with trades, sending out Downie, Moore and Kubina Carter and Vermette.  That has to affect the morale eventually.
• Generate your own emotions.  Without some of the chippy guys on the other side, the Pens have a tendency to become cold and emotionless.  They need to find a reason to be fired up. 
• Take them seriously.  I know facing the Bolts Blue Jackets is a long way from the Rangers, but these two points are just as valuable.

Wow - it's almost like they're the same as the game against Tampa Bay...

Game #61 - vs Tampa Bay Lightning

2011-12 Game 61

Tampa Bay Lightning (27-27-6, 60 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (34-21-5, 73 points)

Somebody asked for a decent backup goalie?  Roloson is a UFA after this year and he would be cheap.

Why does it matter?

This is the last weekend of the weird month of back-to-back weekend games, all but one during the daytime.  The Pens need to beat a non-playoff team like the Bolts to keep pace with the Devils and Flyers.  Unfortunately, recent history against bad teams isn't good (see last Sunday in Buffalo).

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The best overall performance of the season against the Rangers last Tuesday.
• Lightning - They had won three in a row at home against the likes of San Jose and Anaheim, and then they went to Winnipeg on Thursday and were down 4-0 after two periods.  They almost came back, but a terrible first few periods for them.

Questions to be answered

• Can someone slow down Steven Stamkos?  The man is on a tear, with 11 points in his last four games (6 goals, 5 assists).  He was held scoreless when he faced the Pens almost two weeks ago.
• Can the Pens take advantage of Stamkos?  He's only a +2 over those four games.  Four points came on the power play, so unless the Bolts allowed a shortie, the opposition has scored five times in four games while Stamkos is on the ice.
• Who will throw the sucker punch for the Bolts now that Downie is gone and Vinny is hurt?

Keys to the game

• Jump on them early.  The Bolts have been sellers with trades, sending out Downie, Moore and Kubina.  That has to affect the morale eventually.
• Generate your own emotions.  Without some of the chippy guys on the other side, the Pens have a tendency to become cold and emotionless.  They need to find a reason to be fired up. 
• Take them seriously.  I know facing the Bolts is a long way from the Rangers, but these two points are just as valuable.

Game #60 - vs New York Rangers

2011-12 Game 60

New York Rangers (38-14-5, 81 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (33-21-5, 71 points)

Richards has four points in three games against the Pens this year.

Why does it matter?

The Rangers are the top team in the East.  This is an important divisional game for the Pens.  They need to win more games in the Atlantic since 10 of their final 23 games are within the division.  This game is a good place to start.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Another split weekend, with a great Saturday followed by a nasty Sunday hangover.
• Rangers - Just rolling along with nine wins in their past 12 games.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens get back to their game?  The shot totals from the last three games (26,30,26) aren't looking good.  They need zone time to generate offense (and shots).
• Will Geno get things going again?  In his last three games, he has two points (both assists) and is a -3.
• How will Martin and Letang respond from their -4 performance on Sunday?  I think Letang will be flying.

Keys to the game

• Score three or more.  The Rangers have not won a game this year when their opponent scores 4, and their record when allowing three is also poor.
• Stay focused.  The Rangers don't score a ton of goals, and they count on converting on chances when they get them.  The forwards need to be especially aware in the defensive zone to help out.
• Initiate, don't retaliate.  Take it to them and be physical from the drop of the puck.

Game #59 - at Buffalo Sabres

2011-12 Game 59

Pittsburgh Penguins (33-20-5, 71 points) at Buffalo Sabres (24-27-7, 55 points)

Why does it matter?

No time for a proper preview - game time is 60 minutes away.  Let's just say the Pens need to avoid the letdown.  This is an excellent chance for the Pens to earn two points on the road against a poor opponent.

Game #58 - at Philadelphia Flyers

2011-12 Game 58

Pittsburgh Penguins (32-20-5, 69 points) at Philadelphia Flyers (32-18-7, 71 points)

Giroux is taking his place among the game's best players.

Why does it matter?

The Pens have a chance to take over second place in the division and the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a regulation win over the Flyers.  That would be a strong step towards earning home ice in the playoffs.  Oh, and winning in Philadelphia is always nice.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Ducks made road kill out of the Pens on Wednesday.
• Flyers - They've struggled lately, especially in the division, but they just blasted the Sabres on Thursday.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens start to win consistently in their own division?  They'll need to if they want home ice in the playoffs.
• Can any line other than the first one generate pressure?  That was non-existent on Wednesday against the Ducks.
• Will the Pens be able to shut down all of the scoring lines from the Flyers?  At least the top three lines are a consistent threat to score, and the Flyers are tops in the NHL in goals per game.

Keys to the game

• Use special teams to your advantage.  Buffalo game aside, the Flyers have been inept recently both on the power play and the penalty kill.  The Pens need to encourage them to return to those ways.
• Limit their chances.  The Flyers like to rack up the shots, but the Pens have had some success in keeping them in check.
• Make smart line change and match up well.  It will be important not to get the wrong line trapped out there against Giroux.

Game #57 - vs Anaheim Ducks

2011-12 Game 57

Anaheim Ducks (23-24-9, 55 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (32-19-5, 69 points)

Dan, we miss your twitter feed.

Why does it matter?

It's a rare visit from the resurgent Anaheim Ducks, and one of those all-bird games (Ducks vs Penguins).  Penguins can't fly, but ducks look absolutely comical trying to take off and land.  The Ducks also have a very familiar coach - Bruce Boudreau.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Jordan Staal returns and the Pens reel off two nice wins over the weekend.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.
• Ducks - In the middle of an eight game road trip.  They're 2-0-1 so far, and they almost ended Detroit's home winning streak.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens cool off the Ducks?  The boys from Anaheim were 10-22-6 after a loss on January 4th.  Since then they're a scorching 13-2-3.
• Will the Pens be able to get to their game?  The Ducks recent success has been built on defense, much like what Boudreau was trying to install with the Caps.  Limiting the chances against is key, and the Ducks have been doing a good job of that.
• Can the Pens take advantage of the big guns from the Ducks?  Getzlaf, Perry and Ryan have terrible numbers as far as +/- goes away from home this year.  Getzlaf has just two goals and is a -10 on the road.

Keys to the game

• Get Kunitz going.  He has been doing everything right for the Pens, and now it's time to show his former team they made a mistake in trading him.
• Special teams.  The Ducks are all over the place as far as the power play and penalty kill goes.  Convert your chances.
• Get traffic in front of Hiller, who is playing really well right now.  I guess we could see Dan Ellis, but I'd be surprised.

Game #56 - vs Tampa Bay Lightning

2011-12 Game 56

Tampa Bay Lightning (24-24-6, 52 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (31-19-5, 67 points)

Ryan hasn't played since January 21st at Phoenix.  He has an upper-body injury.

Why does it matter?

The Bolts are playing pretty well at the moment.  They just won yesterday in Buffalo, and they've improved slightly on their completely terrible record away from home.  The Pens need to beat these guys.  Any team that plays such a sleep-inducing trap deserves to lose every game.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A sloppy win over the Jets vaulted the Pens over New Jersey and within two points of Philly in the division.
• Lightning - 2-1-2 over their past five, which is a nice way of saying they've lose three of their past five games.

Questions to be answered

• Can the team improve on the defensive end?  They can't count on a team being a porous as the Jets were yesterday.
• Will we see Brent Johnson?  After Flower allowed five yesterday, it wouldn't surprise me.  HCDB has said it would be a game-time decision.
• Who will watch Stamkos?  He's heating up again.  He has 37 goals on the season, and 31 of those are at even-strength.

Keys to the game

• Slow down Vinny and Marty - they always seem to kill the Pens.
• Keep things tighter.  The Bolts will convert the glorious scoring chances that the Jets were unable to convert yesterday.

Game #55 - vs Winnipeg Jets

2011-12 Game 55

Winnipeg Jets (26-24-6, 58 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (30-19-5, 65 points)

Now that's a nice looking card.  It's not $250 nice, but still nice none the less.

Why does it matter?

Smoke and mirrors.  That's the only way I can come up with the fact that the Jets are anywhere near the playoffs.  Their road record is terrible and their offense is worse.  They are middling to average on just about everything else.

This, of course, means the Pens will have quite a game on their hands on Saturday afternoon.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - 1-2-1 over their past four games.  The Pens need to get things going again.
• Jets - Like the guy in pickup basketball that has the shooting motion that looks like a train wreck, the Jets pulled one our of you-know-where and made a shot won a game on the road against the Caps on Thursday.

Questions to be answered

• How will Staal do in his return to the lineup?  Even better, what does that do to the lineup?  Do the Pens have too many centers again?  In practice, Jeffrey was skating on the wing.
• Can the Pens keep the power play going?  The afternoon games last weekend resulted in a 3-6 performance on the power play and a shutout on the PK.
• Can someone slow down Alex Burmistrov?  He has three points in two games against the Pens.

Keys to the game

• Keep it close.  The Jets have won by more than one goal just twice since the start of 2012.
• Remember Christmas.  The Pens played the Jets on December 23rd, out shooting them 39-19 and winning 4-1.
• Stay healthy.  There isn't another injured forward who is ready to jump back into the lineup yet, so no one else can get hurt.

Game #54 - at Montreal Canadiens

2011-12 Game 54

Pittsburgh Penguins (30-19-4, 64 points) at Montreal Canadiens (20-24-9, 49 points)

Would he look good in black and gold?  Sure, but there's no way he's coming back - who would you sit?

Why does it matter?

The Pens need to bounce back from their disappointing performance against the Devils.  The Habs are backed into a corner - they have to win now if they want to have any chance at the post season.  To this point, other than their penalty kill, they've been resoundingly just below mediocre.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Remember that great feeling we all had for about 24 hours?  It was gone by the time the Pens finished their game against the Devils.
• Canadiens - They did just shut out Winnipeg, but they had lost three in a row prior to that.

Questions to be answered

• Who will step into the hole left by Tyler Kennedy?  Colin McDonald will likely take his spot in the lineup.  What does that do to the Shamrock Line?
• Can the Pens get themselves going for this one after a poor effort on Sunday?  At least the Habs will let them have a bit more room to skate through the neutral zone.
• Will anyone go after Subban after his cheap slew-foot last time?  I sure hope so.  Engelland needs to get a hold of him and not let him back down.

Keys to the game

• Ramp up the shots.  The Pens, after putting on an offensive clinic for the month of January, are suddenly struggling to crack 30 shots in a game.  The Habs have allowed 23 or fewer in their past three.  The Pens need to get to their game.
• Skate.  Dump the puck and pursue aggressively.  Make sure the high forward is back-checking hard.  Out work the Habs.
• Support Fleury.  No more passes to a wide open guy in front of the net, like they allowed in the first two minutes of the game against the Devils.

Game #53 - at New Jersey Devils

2011-12 Game 53

Pittsburgh Penguins (30-18-4, 64 points) at New Jersey Devils (29-19-3, 61 points)

Upper Deck has the best photography of any hockey cards by far.  Nothing else is close.

Why does it matter?

With a win today and a Flyers loss to the Rangers, the Pens can tie Philly for second place in the division and the #4 seed in the East.  Feels like it has been forever since the Pens were close to the top of the East, but they're almost back.

The Devils have been an offensive juggernaut over their last three games, averaging 5 goals per game.  They jumped out to a 6-0 lead over the Flyers yesterday.  The Pens will need to be ready.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A great win over the Bruins in Boston.
• Devils - Three wins in a row, with only average goalie play and excellent offensive play.  Who are these guys?

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens keep the Devils special teams in check?  The Devils have scored a power play goal in four straight, and four of their six goals came via either the power play (three) or the penalty kill (one).
• Will the Pens be ready for another early start after a tough win yesterday?
• Who will fight Kovalchuk?  I don't really expect him to fight, but he did pretty well against Schenn yesterday.

Keys to the game

• Stay out of the box.  The Devils power play is lethal right now.  The best thing to do is avoid it entirely - no dumb penalties.
• Stay patient.  The trap will frustrate most teams.  Dump the puck away from Brodeur and put in the hard work to go get it.
• Get traffic in front of Brodeur.  Martin has been really good the last few games against the Pens.  Create a mess in front of him to make it more difficult.

Game #52 - at Boston Bruins

2011-12 Game 52

Pittsburgh Penguins (29-18-4, 62 points) at Boston Bruins (32-15-2, 66 points)

Anybody want a peanut?

Why does it matter?

The Bruins are good... really good.  They haven't lost two in a row since early December.  They're the #1 team in goals scored per game and the #4 team in goals allowed per game.  Their special teams are both in the top ten as well.  This will be a tough challenge.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The winning streak is over following a shutout loss to the Leafs.
• Bruins - Their coach says they're going through the motions right now.  They've traded wins and losses over the past 10 games.

Questions to be answered

• After a game where there weren't that many good offensive chances, how will the Pens respond against the Bruins?
• Can the Pens break the Bruins pattern of trading wins and losses?  They're "due" for a win.
• Can the Pens get to the power play?  They earned just three trips in two games against the Leafs.

Keys to the game

• Get traffic in front of the goalie.  Both netminders for the Bruins have been excellent on the season.  They need traffic in front.
• Buckle up.  The Bruins bring a nasty brand of physical hockey.  The Pens can play that way, but they need to be smart about it.
• Initiate, don't retaliate.  The zebras always catch the second guy.  Taking dumb penalties against the Bruins can be death.