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.

Finally - Penguins 4, Panthers 1

So what happened?

Things looked bleak after the first period for the Pens.  The score was still tied, but the Pens had hit four (!!) posts / crossbars and had two failed breakaways.  It was like the Hockey Gods were conspiring against the Pens.

The great part about this team is that they don't quit.  They kept working, and when Scott Clemmensen misplayed the puck behind the net (and then slipped when trying to come back around), Steve Sullivan buried the puck into an open net.  It was exactly what the team needed, when they needed it most.

Geno scored in the last minute of the second period to make it 2-0 and the Pens were rolling (or, as least ambling - they haven't been rolling in quite some time).

Who scored?

Sullivan (8), Malkin (18), Kennedy (6), Neal (22)

The Good?

• Flower held the fort and kept the Pens in the lead.  He made several really nice saves.
• The Pens played their game for most of the first two periods, out shooting the Panthers 32-17.
• Neal had another goal on a nasty wrist shot to ice the game.

The Bad?

• The Panthers were able to set up shop for extended shifts in the offensive zone against the Pens on at least two occasions.  Nothing bad came of this (much to the Pens credit), but they need to find a way to get the puck out in those circumstances.  They were a bad bounce away from this game being much closer.

The Ugly?

• Nothing ugly.

Any Surprises?

• Sullivan's goal would have to qualify - the way things have been going lately, it should have been shanked off to the side or stopped by a miraculous sliding play.

What's their record now?

The Pens are 22-17-4.

Who's next?

Tampa Bay - Sunday afternoon

Losing Focus - Panthers 3, Penguins 2

So what happened?

I'm a bit late on this recap, so I'll keep this brief.  It all boiled down to one bad line change late in the third period.  The Pens took a Too Many Men penalty and for the second time in the game, couldn't get the kill converted.  Florida took a late lead and Theodore made it stand up.

Who scored?

Kunitz (7), Staal (10)

Game #20 - at Florida Panthers

2011-12 Game 20

Pittsburgh Penguins (11-5-3, 25 points) at Florida Panthers (9-6-3, 21 points)

These retro cards have a nice look.  Garrison might be the best defenseman you've never heard of.

Why does it matter?

The Panthers are surprisingly good this season - they're currently tied with the Caps for the lead in the Southeast division.  This will be a challenge for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Too many games getting behind the eight ball early.  It cost them on Thursday in Tampa.
• Panthers - It was feast or famine on their two game road trip with an impressive 6-0 shutout of the Stars followed up with a 4-1 loss to the Blues.

Questions to be answered

• Why has Florida lost five of its seven home games?  They're just 2-2-3 at home this year.
• Can the Pens avoid the slow start and score first?  They're playing with fire by getting down by multiple goals on a regular basis.
• We'll probably see Richard Park tonight, and that means Steve MacIntyre will sit, but who do you pull if you want to put Dustin Jeffrey into the lineup?  My money is on Aaron Asham, or maybe TK if they want to bring him back slowly.

Keys to the game

• Special teams rebound.  The power play is going through a minor power outage the last few games, and looking tentative while doing so.  Get things back on track on both ends.
• Watch out for Jason Garrison.  Seriously.  He's a defenseman who averages about 24 minutes per game and he has seven goals in seventeen games.
• Score for Paul Martin.  He's had a few shaky moments recently, but he doesn't deserve his -10 rating.  Get some goals with him on the ice and turn his season around - defense is the strength of this team right now, and he's a key part of that.

A Great Start - Penguins 4, Panthers 2

So what happened?

This was an excellent home opener that featured some nice work by Marc-Andre Fleury, a shorty and a coming-out party for Joe Vitale.  It was a classic trap game (first game back home after a road trip, with a big match-up coming on Thursday), but the Pens took care of business in the home opener.

Who scored?

Dupuis (1), Cooke (3), Park (1), Neal (2)

The Good?

• Cooke and Neal are both on a tear (I say that somewhat sarcastically - it is only four games).
• Another doughnut hole for the PK.
• Deryk Engelland had what could be his best game as a Penguin.  He played nearly 20 minutes and was a +3.  Honorary mention goes to Matt Niskanen.

The Bad?

• Another doughnut hole for the PP.
• Letestu and Lovejoy don't seem to have it going right now.

The Ugly?

• Nothing, really.

Any Surprises?

• Out of Lovejoy, Engelland and Niskanen, who did you think would be having the least success right now?  I sure wouldn't have picked Lovejoy.

What's their record now?

The Pens are 3-0-1.  It's too early to start saying things like "the Pens lead the league in goal scoring", because they've played more games than anyone (though that's just one of the wonderful stats that Root Sports decided to show us after the game).

Who's next?

The Caps come to Consol for a big game on Thursday.

Game #4 - vs Florida Panthers (Home Opener)

2011-12 Game 4

Florida Panthers (1-0-0, 2 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0-1, 5 points)

Why does it matter?
It's the home opener!  Do you need any further explanation?

This is the first time this season where I've had to look up the other team's record.  

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A successful road trip with a slightly bitter aftertaste due to the ending in Edmonton.
• Panthers - A solid road win against the Isles on Long Island.

Questions to be answered

• Will the dumb contracts handed out by Dale Tallon somehow make the Panthers more successful?  Brian Campbell is the poster boy for irresponsible spending.
• Will Geno play?  If the injury wasn't that serious, you'd think he would play in the home opener.
• The Panthers rolled the lines on Saturday against the Isles.  Are the Pens fresh enough to keep up with them after a busy weekend?

Keys to the game

• Save some gas for later - the Pens will be geared up early on, but they need to pace themselves tomorrow, especially after returning from Western Canada and being on western time.
• Keep things simple on the power play.  If carrying the puck up the ice isn't working, dump it and go to work.  The Pens will have a speed advantage
• Make the third period a shutdown period.  Each game has seen the other team get back into it in the third..

Penguins 4, Panthers 2

So what happened?

The Pens survived an inconsistent first period, highlighted by allowing two goals in 22 seconds, and came back to win with some solid hockey (and goaltending) in the second and third.

Brent Johnson was excellent, though I have to say I had my doubts after the two that went in during the later part of the first period.

The Pens even scored a de-facto power play goal (meaning, they scored on the delayed penalty with Johnson out of the net).

Overall, it was an excellent road game.

Who scored?

Dupuis (14), Kennedy (20), Michalek (4), Adams (4)

The Good?

• Chris Conner, Max Talbot and Pascal Dupuis were excellent all night long. Conner in particular used his speed to great effect.
• The team was able to turn the tide after the shock of allowing two quick goals.
• More solid effort in getting to the front of the net. If Sid ever returns, that's going to pay huge dividends, because he can find the guys that are open for shots.
• This was a true team effort. Everyone played at least 11 minutes and no one played more than 23. That has to be the first time that has happened all year.

The Bad?

• Allowing the second goal so soon after the first was almost a knockout punch. Better teams will really do damage if the Pens don't bear down after allowing a goal.

The Ugly?

• Nothing really - this was a solid effort.

Any Surprises?

• I was surprised by the effectiveness of the Dupuis, Talbot, Conner line. Hopefully they can keep it up.

What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?

The Pens are now 46-25-8. The Lightning are three points behind the Pens for the fourth seed.

Who's next?

The final home game of the regular season on Tuesday against New Jersey.

Game #79 - at Florida Panthers

Game 79

Penguins (45-25-8, 98 points) at Panthers (29-37-12, 70 points)

Why does it matter?
A win is worth two points, no matter who the opponent is. That's what the Pens need to focus on tonight. The Panthers aren't very good, especially lately. It doesn't matter - the Pens need two points badly to keep them solidly in the fourth spot in the East and to give Philly something to think about.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A nice effort with nothing to show for it on Thursday against the Lightning.
• Panthers - Seven straight losses with all kinds of offensive struggles.

Questions to be answered

• Now that things are getting tight in terms of seeding for the playoffs, can the Pens win when they need to? Losing home ice for the first round would be, in my mind, a big problem.
• Can someone find a way to bury the puck? This has to be as frustrating to participate in as it is to watch. I think the hard work will pay off eventually.
• Will the Pens be ready this weekend? Last Sunday, the Panthers were very good - the Pens were lucky to escape with two points.

Keys to the game

• Pick your spots. The Panthers top line is really bad in terms of +/-, and then their gritty guys are mostly in the positive. That's remarkable for a last place team. It makes match ups all the more important.
• Get the power play into good shape. Scoring would be ideal, but at this point, sustained pressure would be a step forward.
• Earn two points. It doesn't matter how - just get it done.

Penguins 2, Panthers 1 (OT - SO - 2-0)

So what happened?

I missed this game entirely. Looks like the Pens were lucky to escape with two points given that they were out shot by the Panthers 24-13 over the first two periods.

Nice to see the two points going into the HUGE game with the Flyers on Tuesday.

What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?

The Pens are now 45-23-8. The Flyers come to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and the Pens will have a chance to tie them atop the division with a win in regulation.

Who's next?

Tuesday night, Philadelphia visits Consol.

Penguins 5, Panthers 2

So what happened?

The Pens exploded in the first period for three goals and then held on for most of the rest of the game. They needed (and got) some sharp goaltending from Johnson and Fleury (Johnson left after two periods with some lower body issues).

The Pens were playing with fire as the Panthers really carried the play for much of the latter two periods. If the Panthers had been able to score one on the power play this may have ended differently.

Certainly the Pens will need a much more consistent effort tomorrow night against the Caps.

Who scored?

Letestu (7), Crosby (28), Cooke (7), Lovejoy (1)

The Good?

• Sid extended his point streak.
• Both Johnson and Fleury were sharp after shaky starts.
• Ben Lovejoy had his first fight and first goal in the NHL. He also took a puck off of the visor / cheek area late in the third period.
• 24/7 is on soon!!

The Bad?

• Vokoun wasn't very good - he was yanked in the first period.
• Asham was missing for the later part of the second and all of the third. Hopefully he isn't hurt - I'd far rather see him against the Caps than Godard.
• Getting out shot 29-17 over the second and third isn't good.

The Ugly?

• Nothing really ugly tonight, except for the shot Lovejoy took off of his head.

Any Surprises?

• Chasing Vokoun would have to be a surprise. He has been good against the Pens recently.

What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?

The Pens are now 23-10-2. They are one point behind the Flyers for the Atlantic and NHL lead.

Who's next?

The Caps in Washington tomorrow night. Big game.

Game #35 - vs Florida Panthers

Game 35

Panthers (15-16-0, 30 points) at Penguins (22-10-2, 46 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens got back to their winning ways on Monday and are facing the last place team from the Southeast division. No problem, right? Not so fast - the Panthers are better than they appear and the Pens could be caught looking ahead to their game tomorrow against the Caps.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A quick return to dominating hockey, complete with great goaltending and offensive firepower from the stars.
• Panthers - They're suddenly red-hot, following up a 6-2 win over Buffalo with a 5-0 shutout of the Flyers in Philadelphia.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens get to Vokoun? He has a great save % against them, if not a decent record.
• Will we see Brent Johnson tonight given the Caps game tomorrow?
• Can Florida be one of the few teams since the new overtime rules to get to the midpoint of the season without an overtime loss?

Keys to the game

• Score three goals. Almost everyone who has done that against Florida has earned at least a point (15-2-2), and the Panthers have lost just once when allowing fewer than three.
• Don't look ahead. Put the Caps game on the shelf in the back of the closet - you know, the dusty one that holds all the crap you don't remember or think about.
• Lots of shots for Sid (and Geno). The Pens have a great record when Sid is shooting the puck.

Penguins 3, Panthers 2

So what happened?

The Pens played an amazing first period and were only up by one coming out of it. They played an average second period and the game was tied after that.

It all came down to a great effort goal by the combination of Letestu and Conner (a great example of the mythical "secondary scoring") and a great PK effort with less than 4 minutes remaining.

The Pens pulled out the close one in Florida.

Who scored?

Letang (4), Crosby (15), Conner (1)

The Good?

• Flower was great again. He made some big saves when he needed to.
• The power play had two tonight, and they couldn't have been more different. Letang took an early shot from the point while Kunitz blocked the vision of Vokoun. Goligoski made a great pass to a cutting Crosby, who took the pass on his backhand, shifted it to the forehand, and deposited it past a sprawling Vokoun (who was going the wrong way).
• The PK was great all night long, especially when Kennedy took a bad penalty with 4:37 left in the third (dumb, dumb penalty). They killed it off for him and that essentially sealed the win.

The Bad?

• Max Talbot, on the second line ostensibly to take faceoffs, did his best Geno impression and won just one of eleven faceoffs. The team as a whole lost 34 out of 54 (Sid was 13-9).
• The play leveled off after a hot start. You'd like to see the Pens keep it a bit more consistent in the second. If the puck isn't following you, then make sure you're doing the little things right.

The Ugly?

• Booth slew-footed Sid as time expired in the third. It was an especially cheap move considering they were both heading towards the boards. Booth should know what it feels like to be the victim of a dangerous play.

Any Surprises?

• Rupp and Engelland scratched? In the middle of a winning streak? Maybe because they want to get everyone into a game while the Dads are in the building? Thank goodness they won...

What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?

The Pens are now 12-8-2. They are in second place in the Atlantic, four points behind the Flyers (who beat the Caps over the weekend and the Habs earlier tonight).

Who's next?

The Pens have the weekend off until they go to Florida on Monday to play the Panthers.

Game #22 - at Florida Panthers

Game 22

Penguins (11-8-2, 24 points) at Panthers (9-9-0, 18 points)

Why does it matter?
The Panthers have played pretty well at home recently, and Florida can be a tough state for the Pens historically.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - 5-1-1 in their past 7 games. Friday was ugly, but it was worth two points.
• Panthers - They're just returning from a four game road trip, but they've won three in a row at home and 5 out of 8 overall.

Questions to be answered

• Assuming he plays, will the Pens be able to solve Vokoun? He has a save percentage of 93% and 94% against them in the last two seasons respectively.
• Can the Pens stay consistent and sharp against a team that doesn't have a clear scoring threat? Booth and Weiss are good, but neither has set the world on fire so far this year.
• Will Geno react to Errey's comments on NHL Live by turning it up a notch?

Keys to the game

• Shots. Lots of shots. The Pens have peppered Vokoun over the past two seasons and managed to win several games as a direct result (including three in OT last year).
• Watch out for offense from the blue line. Wideman and McCabe are good offensively and can contribute.
• Score three and you'll probably win. When Vokoun plays, the Panthers have won just once when allowing more than two goals.

Panthers 6, Penguins 2

So what happened?

The Pens jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but letdowns late in the first and second had them down 3-2 going into the third. That's when Vokoun took over, stopping all 22 shots he faced in the third. The Panthers added on some opportunistic scoring and that's all there is to tell.

Who scored?
Kennedy (7), Crosby (24)

Any surprises?
Geno was a -4. Ouch. He and Sid combined for 19 shots.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - they're falling further back (still)

Division: 2nd (six points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (one point behind Washington)

League: 8th (tied with Nashville and Calgary)

Who's next?
Two games at home to get things sorted out before going back on the road for 5 straight. It starts with Atlanta on Tuesday.

Notes:

• Our best wishes go to Mike Yeo.
• That was a depressing game after the first period.
  

Game #43 - at Florida Panthers

Game 43

Penguins (26-15-1, 53 pts) at Panthers (16-18-7, 39 pts)

Why does it matter?
The Pens have won the last four three against Tampa Bay Florida, and they badly need two points to stop the bleeding. Sound familiar?

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Still losing... still not executing, especially on the power play.
• Panthers - After winning 5 out of 7, the Panthers have dropped three straight.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens turn it around? Will the intensity be there from the beginning today? It clearly wasn't yesterday.
  
• The battles in the corners are critical. The Pens were winning those battles earlier in the year - can they turn it around?
  
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)

Keys to the game

• Don't let Horton beat you - he's their best all-around threat.
• Get back to winning the zone time battle and out shooting Florida.
  
• Execute on the power play.

Penguins 3, Panthers 2 (OT)

So what happened?
For the (seemingly) 115th straight time, the Pens and Panthers went to OT. The entire game was tight, and while the Pens dominated the second period, the Panthers came out with purpose in the third and tied the game. This isn't a bad team from Florida. As soon as the power play started in OT, you just knew it was over.

Who scored?
Dupuis (9), Fedotenko (5), Malkin (9)

Any surprises?
Not really a surprise, but the game featured the absolute worst even-up call I've ever seen. After McCabe was penalized for interference (which absolutely was interference, even if we're not used to seeing it called late in the third), Gonchar breathed wrong on a drive to the net by Dvorak. He was called for holding. He never took his hands off of his own stick. Calls like this are why the NHL is still a garage league.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - with San Jose struggling, the Pens are up one spot in the league standings. Jersey is keeping pace.
Division: 1st (tied with New Jersey)

Conference: 2nd (1 point behind Washington, tied with New Jersey)

League: 2nd (1 point Washington, tied with New Jersey, San Jose and Los Angeles)

Who's next?
A big home and home series with the Flyers on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday night is in Pittsburgh and starts 30 minutes early.

Notes:

• Sid dominated on the faceoffs, with a record of 18-8.
• Whatever it is that the power play has in OT, they need to find it and bottle it for use in regulation. They're a monster when they get the man-advantage in OT. Maybe it's just a mental thing...
  
• For the first time in essentially forever, the Pens had two healthy scratches and had their full compliment of players. FINALLY!!

Game #33 - vs Florida Panthers

Game 33

Panthers (12-14-6, 30 pts) at Penguins (21-10-1, 43 pts)

Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
This is a chance for the Pens to show they've learned from the past. Twice earlier this year the Pens have lost to teams in what could be considered a trap game. The Panthers aren't very good so far this year, and this is a game the Pens should win.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Pulling out the victory in Montreal was key, especially after dominating most of that game. It also prevented the Pens from earning another losing streak.
• Panthers - The Panthers had lost four in a row before winning last night in New Jersey.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens get up for this game?
• The power play is the worst in the East. It certainly looked better against Montreal, but looks mean nothing. Can the Pens translate the effort into results?
• I'm still looking for a shut out from a Pens goalie. Can they get one? (this question is staying here until they do)
  

Keys to the game

• The Panthers are wildly inconsistent - one night they'll play a tight game and limit the chances of the opposition, and the next night they'll hand out 12 chances against on the power play (like they did against Washington). Don't give them time and space to succeed.
• Both of the prior meetings this season have gone to extra time. Roll four lines and keep the guys with good legs in OT.
• The Panthers played last night. Make them play the Pens up tempo game, spending lots of time in the Florida zone.

Penguins 3, Panthers 2

So what happened?
The Pens floundered through two periods, entering the third down 2-0. They finally managed to break through by sheer perseverance in the third. They tied the score after holding the puck in the offensive zone for what seemed like forever (it was probably about 2 minutes straight), resulting in a great feed from Malkin to Rupp right in front. After a penalty to Horton in OT, the Pens put the Panthers out of their misery when Sid banged home a rebound. It was a great, gutsy win.

Who scored?
Dupuis (6), Rupp (5), Crosby (11)

Any surprises?
My biggest surprise was feeling that it was inevitable that the Pens would score on the power play in OT. Given how their power play has performed lately, I can't say why that feeling was there.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - Washington lost in OT, so:
Division: 1st (three points ahead of New Jersey)
Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)
League: 2nd (tied with Chicago and Washington)

Who's next?
Those silly Frenchmen are back to the Igloo on Wednesday. The Habs come to town too.

Notes:

• Lovejoy continues to impress with his skating.
• Did Chris Borque play tonight? I checked the minutes - he played just over 9 of them - I can't remember seeing him on the ice.
  
• Vokoun is playing really well right now.
  

Game #24 - at Florida Panthers

Game 24
Penguins (15-8-0, 30 pts) at Panthers (10-9-2, 22 pts)

Why does it matter?
The Panthers are always a tough road game for the Pens. Florida is usually a tough place for them to play. Getting two points out of the Swamp would be nice.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens had a much better effort against Atlanta than they did against Ottawa.
• Panthers - The Cats are red hot after winning five of their past 6. They went on the road and beat three good teams (Buffalo, Detroit and the Rangers).

Questions to be answered

• Can anyone cool off the Panthers right now?
  
• Can the Panthers keep winning despite their relatively poor special teams? They do have a few power play goals lately, but they're not drawing many chances. Their PK isn't killing the chances against them very well either.
  
• Which Penguins team will show up - the one from the Ottawa game or the one from the Atlanta game?
  

Keys to the game

• The Panthers are strong down the middle and have a solid blue line. None of their top 4 D are a minus on the year. Finding a way to score at even strength and play the match ups will be key.
  
• Get on the power play - the Panthers PK is suspect, but that is mitigated by the fact that they haven't taken many penalties lately.
• Hope Vokoun has an off night - his save percentage is an amazing .923.
  

Penguins 3, Panthers 2 (OT - SO - 1-0)

It sure looked early like tonight was going to be a repeat of the Coyotes game. The Panthers were having success in frustrating the Pens. The Pens took two penalties and were down 2-0 coming out of the first period.

The Pens started to turn the tide during the second, but weren't able to make a change in the scoreboard. Fortunately, thanks to some great saves, Brent Johnson didn't let it get any worse.

Then the third period started and the Panthers handed the Pens FIVE power plays, including some extended time with a two-man advantage. The Pens capitalized to make it 2-1 at the very end of the two-man opportunity. They couldn't do anything else on the PP, however. To change things up, they took a penalty and put Florida on the power play. It worked, as Sid and Geno teamed up to tie the game short-handed. It was Sid's first short-handed goal in his 300th game.

Both teams had some chances late in the third and through the OT, but it came to the shootout. Sid made Vokoun look bad (which wasn't easy tonight) and Johnson stood tall, giving the Pens the win.

Sid and Brent were the MVPs for the home team, no doubt.

It was a nice debut for Skoula, who played just over 17 minutes. Borque chipped in with some solid ice time as well.

Next up: New Jersey visits the Igloo tomorrow night.