Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers
Pittsburgh - 12-30-10 - 34 pts - Last in East
New York - 29-15-9 - 66 pts - 5th in East
So the Pens are happy to be facing the Rangers again so soon. It's a character game for them. It would be nice to see them bounce back from the beating they took on Saturday. The players at this point are trying to establish some consistency. They're also playing for jobs next year. Players like Ouellet and Surovy have a great opportunity to play on top lines and show that they belong in the NHL. Veterans like Leclair and... um... who else do the Pens have that would be available and tradable (Odelein is the only one I can think of)? Anyway, whoever else there is would be trying to show their worth either to bring back next year or to a contending team down the stretch.
The Rangers are looking to solidify their playoff position. They're not in much danger of falling out of the playoffs (okay, it is the Rangers - I guess they're ALWAYS in danger of falling out of the playoffs), but they would probably like to move up a few notches and have home ice for at least one round of the playoffs. They'll be coming strong against the Pens.
Look for Fleury in net. Also look for lots of chippiness if the Pens get down early by a goal or two.
Let's go Pens!
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Pens lose Rico Fata
Rico Fata was claimed off of re-entry waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers. He was recalled by the Pens, presumably to replace the demoted Maxime Talbot, but had to clear waivers upon his re-entry into the NHL.
Fata is another fast player that hasn't had much success in the NHL. He's still relatively young (he'll be 26 in February), but he's a very similar player to Talbot or Koltsov. The Pens gave him his first big chance in 03-04 when he played in 72 games. He was a first round draft choice of the Calgary Flames in 1998 (sixth overall) and played in 20 games that year. Good luck to him.
Fata is another fast player that hasn't had much success in the NHL. He's still relatively young (he'll be 26 in February), but he's a very similar player to Talbot or Koltsov. The Pens gave him his first big chance in 03-04 when he played in 72 games. He was a first round draft choice of the Calgary Flames in 1998 (sixth overall) and played in 20 games that year. Good luck to him.
Ric Jackman wants to be traded
According to this article, Ric Jackman has asked to be traded if the Pens are going to keep scratching him. He's been scratched for 12 out of 52 games this year, including 8 straight around the time that Edzo was fired and replaced by Therrien and four of the last five games.
Jackman has said that the team isn't happy with his defensive skills, and would like him to improve in that area. I think it would be a shame to see him go. He has a great right-handed shot with good offensive skills in general. Plus, if he follows Tarnstrom out of town, that will leave Gonchar and Whitney as the only "offensive" defensemen.
That said, maybe the Rangers would take him for Poti...
Jackman has said that the team isn't happy with his defensive skills, and would like him to improve in that area. I think it would be a shame to see him go. He has a great right-handed shot with good offensive skills in general. Plus, if he follows Tarnstrom out of town, that will leave Gonchar and Whitney as the only "offensive" defensemen.
That said, maybe the Rangers would take him for Poti...
Maxime Talbot sent down
The Pens sent Maxime Talbot back down to Wilkes-Barre last night. Personally, I'd rather see Talbot here. He'll mix it up with anyone, has good speed, and kills penalties. Unfortunately for him, he's only 5'8" and the Pens penalty kill is either the worst in the league or close to it (sort of like the Pirates philosophy - we can finish last without you as well as with you).
I'm not sure if there's something missing about his game that is a glaring hole, or if he's just not that good. The effort certainly seems to be there. Let's hope he's back here soon.
Thanks to the anonymous commenter for reminding me about Talbot.
I'm not sure if there's something missing about his game that is a glaring hole, or if he's just not that good. The effort certainly seems to be there. Let's hope he's back here soon.
Thanks to the anonymous commenter for reminding me about Talbot.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Rangers 7, Penguins 1
Crunch!
Stomp!
Destroy!
You know, this was a game that was tied at 1-1 halfway through the second period. It was only 3-1 after two periods - certainly not out of the realm of experience or possibility for the Pens. They had been badly outshot during the first and second periods, but previously this season the Flightless Birds had shown a resiliancy and an ability to come back with a better showing.
Not tonight.
Of course, it doesn't help when you take four penalties in the third period. For the game, the team was outshot FIFTY-ONE to FOURTEEN. That's truly pathetic. Not only could the offense not get going, but the defense couldn't get the Rangers out of the Pens' end of the ice.
New additions Cross and Rita stepped right in and played fairly significant minutes. Cross was a -3, along with other big minus players Melichar, Surovy and Scuderi at -3. Recchi, Leclair and Talbot were at -4. Ugh.
Not much more can be said. Fortunately (or not), the Pens will get another shot at the Rangers sooner rather than later - back at the Garden on Wednesday. Let's hope it's not "second verse, same as the first!"
Stomp!
Destroy!
You know, this was a game that was tied at 1-1 halfway through the second period. It was only 3-1 after two periods - certainly not out of the realm of experience or possibility for the Pens. They had been badly outshot during the first and second periods, but previously this season the Flightless Birds had shown a resiliancy and an ability to come back with a better showing.
Not tonight.
Of course, it doesn't help when you take four penalties in the third period. For the game, the team was outshot FIFTY-ONE to FOURTEEN. That's truly pathetic. Not only could the offense not get going, but the defense couldn't get the Rangers out of the Pens' end of the ice.
New additions Cross and Rita stepped right in and played fairly significant minutes. Cross was a -3, along with other big minus players Melichar, Surovy and Scuderi at -3. Recchi, Leclair and Talbot were at -4. Ugh.
Not much more can be said. Fortunately (or not), the Pens will get another shot at the Rangers sooner rather than later - back at the Garden on Wednesday. Let's hope it's not "second verse, same as the first!"
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Dick Tarnstrom traded
The Pens traded Dick Tarnstrom today to the Edmonton Oilers, acquiring forward Jani Rita and defensemen Cory Cross.
Jani Rita is a 24 year old 1999 first round pick, 13th overall, who hasn't had much success in the NHL thus far. He wasn't receiving much ice time in Edmonton, even though he appeared in 21 games. He's been a decent goal scorer in the minors, and has some great numbers in the playoff series he's been involved in (most recently 7 G, 4 A in 10 games last season).
Cory Cross is a 35 year old veteran with 637 career games played. He's another big defensemen (6'5") to go with Eric Cairns on the blue line. He hasn't accumulated many points over his career, but has generally acquitted himself pretty well. His minutes are also down this year, which hopefully isn't any indication about his ability to play in the new NHL.
Jani Rita is a 24 year old 1999 first round pick, 13th overall, who hasn't had much success in the NHL thus far. He wasn't receiving much ice time in Edmonton, even though he appeared in 21 games. He's been a decent goal scorer in the minors, and has some great numbers in the playoff series he's been involved in (most recently 7 G, 4 A in 10 games last season).
Cory Cross is a 35 year old veteran with 637 career games played. He's another big defensemen (6'5") to go with Eric Cairns on the blue line. He hasn't accumulated many points over his career, but has generally acquitted himself pretty well. His minutes are also down this year, which hopefully isn't any indication about his ability to play in the new NHL.
Islanders 4, Penguins 3 (OT, SO 1-0)
This is a tale of the powers of light versus the powers of darkness.
It doesn't have a happy ending.
But that doesn't mean there weren't miracles along the way.
Satan, representing the powers of darkness (like anyone else would?), struck first, extending the Islanders lead to 2-0 on the power play.
Following that, one of the miracles of the game happened. Eric Cairns, who spent all of 3:37 on the ice, for some reason wanders down near the net in the offensive zone, puts his stick on the ice, and has Mark Recchi's beautiful pass deflect off of his stick, and into the net. You knew it was a miracle, because Cairns immediately looked to the heavens, as if to say "Thank you!"
Later in the second, the Lord of Darkness did his own dirty work, showing some of the power he possesses. He knocked over a man (Brooks Orpik) who is 30 pounds heavier than he is. Satan earned a trip to the sin bin (you could say he was going home for a short while) for boarding.
In the third, the Pens got a goal early from Recchi, who deflected a shot by Gonchar. The entire sequence was made possible by a great move on the part of Sidney Crosby, who almost scored. In the ensuing melee, the puck was sent back to the point, where Gonchar unleashed the shot that Recchi deflected.
After that, it was time for another miracle. Crosby takes a penalty with 2:26 left in the game. The Islanders go on the power play. Towards the end of the two minutes, the Pens get the puck into the Islanders zone and pull Caron to even the sides at 5 on 5 (with an empty net!) Leclair is the player on for the Pens. He immediately goes down the left boards, making a beeline for Satan himself, who has the puck, along with designs on getting it out of the zone. Leclair makes a great play to knock the puck away from Satan, and the Pens proceed to work their butts off. Why we can't see this kind of effort on a more regular basis, I'm not sure. Anyway, the hard work pays off, the angels sing, and Leclair nets the tying goal (officially a short-handed goal), sending the game to overtime.
The OT is scoreless and the teams go to a shootout. In the shootout, Satan establishes supremacy over the flightless birds, using his dark powers to score the only goal of the shootout, giving the Islanders the win.
It doesn't have a happy ending.
But that doesn't mean there weren't miracles along the way.
Satan, representing the powers of darkness (like anyone else would?), struck first, extending the Islanders lead to 2-0 on the power play.
Following that, one of the miracles of the game happened. Eric Cairns, who spent all of 3:37 on the ice, for some reason wanders down near the net in the offensive zone, puts his stick on the ice, and has Mark Recchi's beautiful pass deflect off of his stick, and into the net. You knew it was a miracle, because Cairns immediately looked to the heavens, as if to say "Thank you!"
Later in the second, the Lord of Darkness did his own dirty work, showing some of the power he possesses. He knocked over a man (Brooks Orpik) who is 30 pounds heavier than he is. Satan earned a trip to the sin bin (you could say he was going home for a short while) for boarding.
In the third, the Pens got a goal early from Recchi, who deflected a shot by Gonchar. The entire sequence was made possible by a great move on the part of Sidney Crosby, who almost scored. In the ensuing melee, the puck was sent back to the point, where Gonchar unleashed the shot that Recchi deflected.
After that, it was time for another miracle. Crosby takes a penalty with 2:26 left in the game. The Islanders go on the power play. Towards the end of the two minutes, the Pens get the puck into the Islanders zone and pull Caron to even the sides at 5 on 5 (with an empty net!) Leclair is the player on for the Pens. He immediately goes down the left boards, making a beeline for Satan himself, who has the puck, along with designs on getting it out of the zone. Leclair makes a great play to knock the puck away from Satan, and the Pens proceed to work their butts off. Why we can't see this kind of effort on a more regular basis, I'm not sure. Anyway, the hard work pays off, the angels sing, and Leclair nets the tying goal (officially a short-handed goal), sending the game to overtime.
The OT is scoreless and the teams go to a shootout. In the shootout, Satan establishes supremacy over the flightless birds, using his dark powers to score the only goal of the shootout, giving the Islanders the win.
Penguins 8, Capitals 1 + game #51 preview
Wow. Where has this output been? Of course, the Pens haven't been playing teams like the Capitals. This is going to be really short, since Blogger was down and I'm trying to write this on the tail end of my lunch break.
Last night, Sidney Crosby showed why he is a worthy successor to Mario Lemieux as the next player to be the face and heart of the franchise. He had an insipired performance. Marc Andre Fleury also played a great game, making some nice saves. For the most part, it's hard to criticize anyone for their play in this one.
Of course, the Blues also won last night, so the Pens are just four points out of the cellar in the NHL. They need to develop some consistency, especially on the offensive end. Tonight they play the Islanders. Should be a fun one to watch to see how much the team has left in the tank after the game last night. The Islanders aren't a very good team, and they've struggled lately (3-6-1 in their last 10).
Let's go Pens!
Last night, Sidney Crosby showed why he is a worthy successor to Mario Lemieux as the next player to be the face and heart of the franchise. He had an insipired performance. Marc Andre Fleury also played a great game, making some nice saves. For the most part, it's hard to criticize anyone for their play in this one.
Of course, the Blues also won last night, so the Pens are just four points out of the cellar in the NHL. They need to develop some consistency, especially on the offensive end. Tonight they play the Islanders. Should be a fun one to watch to see how much the team has left in the tank after the game last night. The Islanders aren't a very good team, and they've struggled lately (3-6-1 in their last 10).
Let's go Pens!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Game #50 - vs Capitals
Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington - 17-25-5 - 39 pts - 14th in East
Pittsburgh - 11-29-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
Are we at game #50 already? Wow. Seems like the season is still young. It's really not.
I'm not sure if there's a better way to start the official post-Mario era than by having a game with Ovechkin playing against Crosby. These two guys, right now, are the future of the NHL. The way Malkin is playing, he may factor into that equation as well before everything is said and done. Pittsburgh seems to be on the verge of an era that could be really similar to when Lemieux and Jagr played together. Crosby and Malkin would seem to be on a path to develop into a wonderful duo.
Anyway, enough with the happy talk. The Capitals have been hot lately. They had won four in a row before their home loss to Boston on Monday night. They've been showing some signs of life, which is something that can't be said for the Penguins. Yes, the Pens have been playing better recently, but they haven't been able to score enough to give themselves a chance to win.
The main difference between the Pens and the Caps is the home record - Washington is 11-12-4 at home, while the Pens are 6-14-5. The Caps are equally bad on the road as the Pens are at home, so you know that something has to give.
The Pens fondness for allowing goals on the penalty kill has a decent chance to come to and end tonight, as the Caps are pretty bad on the power play. Of course, Columbus was bad too, and that didn't stop the Jackets from scorching the Pens.
After tonight, there are games against the Islanders and Rangers... then the real thrashing could take place - two out of three games against the Senators. I'm not looking forward to seeing that right now.
Look for more fights as Therrien continues to emphasize toughness, hustle and heart. Let's hope that someone actually knows how to fight one of these days... though you can't help but cheer for Max Talbot, no matter the outcome.
Let's go Pens!
Washington - 17-25-5 - 39 pts - 14th in East
Pittsburgh - 11-29-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
Are we at game #50 already? Wow. Seems like the season is still young. It's really not.
I'm not sure if there's a better way to start the official post-Mario era than by having a game with Ovechkin playing against Crosby. These two guys, right now, are the future of the NHL. The way Malkin is playing, he may factor into that equation as well before everything is said and done. Pittsburgh seems to be on the verge of an era that could be really similar to when Lemieux and Jagr played together. Crosby and Malkin would seem to be on a path to develop into a wonderful duo.
Anyway, enough with the happy talk. The Capitals have been hot lately. They had won four in a row before their home loss to Boston on Monday night. They've been showing some signs of life, which is something that can't be said for the Penguins. Yes, the Pens have been playing better recently, but they haven't been able to score enough to give themselves a chance to win.
The main difference between the Pens and the Caps is the home record - Washington is 11-12-4 at home, while the Pens are 6-14-5. The Caps are equally bad on the road as the Pens are at home, so you know that something has to give.
The Pens fondness for allowing goals on the penalty kill has a decent chance to come to and end tonight, as the Caps are pretty bad on the power play. Of course, Columbus was bad too, and that didn't stop the Jackets from scorching the Pens.
After tonight, there are games against the Islanders and Rangers... then the real thrashing could take place - two out of three games against the Senators. I'm not looking forward to seeing that right now.
Look for more fights as Therrien continues to emphasize toughness, hustle and heart. Let's hope that someone actually knows how to fight one of these days... though you can't help but cheer for Max Talbot, no matter the outcome.
Let's go Pens!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Retirement press conference recap
Just listened to the Mario Lemieux press conference. Basically, here are the points he made:
- This is largely due to the heart condidtion. He made a few statements about the game being for the young guys, but the biggest reason is that he can't play the way he wants to... largely due to the heart.
- He said he started thinking about this when the team played Buffalo and he had an episode in the third period.
- He said the game of hockey was far better off now than when he retired last time in 1997.
- The Station Square group has announced their plans for the slots license. When asked about it, Mario said that he thought the Pens plan was the best by far (no surprise there).
- When asked if he thought the distribution of the slots license would be handled fairly and honestly, Mario said "I hope so".
Press conference at 2:00
According to reports, the press conference to announce Mario Lemieux's retirement is at 2:00 - you may be able to listen to it on ESPN Radio 1250 - they have an internet feed.
Midseason Review - Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux - 26 G - 7 G, 15 A, -16, 16 PIM
Grade: B
You know, I'm either going to hurry up and finish writing these, or stop althogether. I had Mario's review written, and then he retires! Last week was the same problem with Palffy. Ugh. Well, make sure you especially relish the numbers from 88-89 - we'll likely never see numbers like that again. Here's the review I wrote about a week ago, unedited.
Mario obviously has missed a large number of games recently, but when he was playing, he was averaging almost a point per game, most of those points coming on the power play. His presence is sorely missed right now on the Pens woeful power play. He may not be the best back-checking forward, but he also probably shouldn't be playing center at the point in his career either, in my opinion, unless you pair him with someone that can cover the defensive end from the wing postion. That probably wouldn't work too well in Michel Therrien's system. He certainly shouldn't play center at the expense of Sidney Crosby, as the team really needs Crosby to develop at the center position. With the hopeful arrival of Malkin next year, the transition of Lemieux to wing will be even more critical, as the Pens will be stacked up the middle.
The biggest disappointment for Mario has to be the -16 rating, along with the under 10% shooting percentage (he's currently at 9.1%). Taking a look back over his career, he was only in the minus column a few times, and it's more a function of the team he was on than anything else. I think it's the same way this year too. The shooting percentage is a different problem, though. I think he's just slowing down a bit. Prior to his comeback, he'd never shot lower than 15% for a season. The first year he came back, he shot 20%. Since then, he hasn't broken 12%. I'm guessing it's because his hands aren't quite as fast as they used to be.
Just to wax nostalgic, take a look at the stats from his immortal 88-89 season -
76 Games
85 Goals (31 on PP)
114 A (49 on PP)
+41
100 PIM
13 Short-handed goals
8 Game winning goals
Grade: B
You know, I'm either going to hurry up and finish writing these, or stop althogether. I had Mario's review written, and then he retires! Last week was the same problem with Palffy. Ugh. Well, make sure you especially relish the numbers from 88-89 - we'll likely never see numbers like that again. Here's the review I wrote about a week ago, unedited.
Mario obviously has missed a large number of games recently, but when he was playing, he was averaging almost a point per game, most of those points coming on the power play. His presence is sorely missed right now on the Pens woeful power play. He may not be the best back-checking forward, but he also probably shouldn't be playing center at the point in his career either, in my opinion, unless you pair him with someone that can cover the defensive end from the wing postion. That probably wouldn't work too well in Michel Therrien's system. He certainly shouldn't play center at the expense of Sidney Crosby, as the team really needs Crosby to develop at the center position. With the hopeful arrival of Malkin next year, the transition of Lemieux to wing will be even more critical, as the Pens will be stacked up the middle.
The biggest disappointment for Mario has to be the -16 rating, along with the under 10% shooting percentage (he's currently at 9.1%). Taking a look back over his career, he was only in the minus column a few times, and it's more a function of the team he was on than anything else. I think it's the same way this year too. The shooting percentage is a different problem, though. I think he's just slowing down a bit. Prior to his comeback, he'd never shot lower than 15% for a season. The first year he came back, he shot 20%. Since then, he hasn't broken 12%. I'm guessing it's because his hands aren't quite as fast as they used to be.
Just to wax nostalgic, take a look at the stats from his immortal 88-89 season -
76 Games
85 Goals (31 on PP)
114 A (49 on PP)
+41
100 PIM
13 Short-handed goals
8 Game winning goals
End of an era - Mario Lemieux retires... again
According to numerous sources, Mario Lemieux will announce his retirement from the NHL this afternoon at a press conference.
It is mildly surprising, considering that he had been working out with the team of late, and all reports were that he was going to play again soon. However, when you're dealing with issues around your irregular heartbeat, it just isn't worth the risk. Supposedly, the medication he's taking causes him to become fatigued.
Personally, I'm just glad I had the chance to see him play. He's one of the best.
It is mildly surprising, considering that he had been working out with the team of late, and all reports were that he was going to play again soon. However, when you're dealing with issues around your irregular heartbeat, it just isn't worth the risk. Supposedly, the medication he's taking causes him to become fatigued.
Personally, I'm just glad I had the chance to see him play. He's one of the best.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Flyers 4, Penguins 2
You know, I'm getting tired of typing scores with the Penguins second, especially where the Flyers or Rangers are concerned. At least they're staying in the hunt for the number one overall draft pick.
The losing streak is now at 10 games, the longest this season. This one doesn't have any games in overtime either.
Tonight, the Pens stayed out of the penalty box in the third period, though they still allowed a goal on the power play. They also tied the game in the third, but a late goal went in for the Flyers. The Pens are living proof of the phrase "you can't win for losing"...
Tarnstrom must have been hurt again, because he only played a little more than nine minutes. Other players on reduced playing time were Endicott, Lefebvre and Cairns. Cairns only played 9 shifts for 3:42, an average of about 25 seconds per shift. Hopefully he's just rounding into game shape, or we may have overpaid for him.
This week is a busy one for the Pens, with games on Wednesday and Thursday.
In case you're wondering, the Blues have the fewest points in the NHL, with 27. The Pens have 31, with Columbus next at 36. The Blues have also played three fewer games than the Pens.
The losing streak is now at 10 games, the longest this season. This one doesn't have any games in overtime either.
Tonight, the Pens stayed out of the penalty box in the third period, though they still allowed a goal on the power play. They also tied the game in the third, but a late goal went in for the Flyers. The Pens are living proof of the phrase "you can't win for losing"...
Tarnstrom must have been hurt again, because he only played a little more than nine minutes. Other players on reduced playing time were Endicott, Lefebvre and Cairns. Cairns only played 9 shifts for 3:42, an average of about 25 seconds per shift. Hopefully he's just rounding into game shape, or we may have overpaid for him.
This week is a busy one for the Pens, with games on Wednesday and Thursday.
In case you're wondering, the Blues have the fewest points in the NHL, with 27. The Pens have 31, with Columbus next at 36. The Blues have also played three fewer games than the Pens.
Game #49 - at Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh - 11-28-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
Philadelpha - 29-11-8 - 66 pts - 3rd in East
So the Pens played the Flyers tough on Saturday here in Pittsburgh. Tonight in Philadelphia, they'll need to not only duplicate that effort, but get some pucks in the net to have any chance.
They'll also have to be more aware of the rules - how can Lefebvre not know that clearing the puck over the glass is a penalty? More importantly, how bad had the officiating become, when a delay of game (as throwing the puck over the glass is) was a common defensive tactic that was generally accepted? It's no wonder the league has tried to take some of the decision making out of the hands of the referees on the ice.
Anyway, Fleury is expected in goal tonight. Esche should be back in there for the Flyers. For the Pens, the formula is simple - keep doing what you've been doing at even-strength, take advantage of your power play opportunities (especially since Philly isn't that great on the PK), and for heaven's sake, shut someone down on the penalty kill. How long has it been since we've given someone a goose-egg on their power play? The last time was in the team's last win - against Montreal. For nine straight games, the Pens have allowed a power play goal. They've also score more than two goals only three times in those nine games. That's not going to win many games.
Let's hope for a different performance tonight.
Let's go Pens!
Pittsburgh - 11-28-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
Philadelpha - 29-11-8 - 66 pts - 3rd in East
So the Pens played the Flyers tough on Saturday here in Pittsburgh. Tonight in Philadelphia, they'll need to not only duplicate that effort, but get some pucks in the net to have any chance.
They'll also have to be more aware of the rules - how can Lefebvre not know that clearing the puck over the glass is a penalty? More importantly, how bad had the officiating become, when a delay of game (as throwing the puck over the glass is) was a common defensive tactic that was generally accepted? It's no wonder the league has tried to take some of the decision making out of the hands of the referees on the ice.
Anyway, Fleury is expected in goal tonight. Esche should be back in there for the Flyers. For the Pens, the formula is simple - keep doing what you've been doing at even-strength, take advantage of your power play opportunities (especially since Philly isn't that great on the PK), and for heaven's sake, shut someone down on the penalty kill. How long has it been since we've given someone a goose-egg on their power play? The last time was in the team's last win - against Montreal. For nine straight games, the Pens have allowed a power play goal. They've also score more than two goals only three times in those nine games. That's not going to win many games.
Let's hope for a different performance tonight.
Let's go Pens!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Flyers 2, Penguins 1
I didn't get to see any of this game, but from what I can gather, it would seem to be more of the same stuff. The Pens got down early, played well enough, outshot the Flyers but couldn't put the puck into the net. Fleury played well, and the team did everything but score. The took too many penalties again and it cost them (especially in the third), as both Flyer goals were on the power play.
A few notes from the stats -
A few notes from the stats -
- Why not play Koltsov on the penalty kill? Give Recchi a break and let Koltsov have his minutes on the PK. Maybe Konstantin isn't physical enough... and we know his hands aren't that great, but I'd like to see some extra depth developed for the PK, and let Recchi save his legs for when it might matter (like next year).
- Brooks Orpik led all players with nine hits. Want to guess who was second? Tomas Surovy.
- Sidney Crosby had a great night on faceoffs, winning 13 out of 20.
- Eric Cairns had as many penalty minutes as he did minutes played (5).
Game #48 - vs Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia - 28-11-8 - 64 pts - Third in East
Pittsburgh - 11-27-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
No time today for an extended preview. The Pens will have to be at their best to beat the Flyers. There's been little evidence that they can be at their best for 60 minutes (as shown the other night when the played well for about 55 minutes). I'm not looking for a big win, but it would be nice. I'm with Will on this one - the only team I like less than the Rangers is the Flyers.
Brooks Orpik will return to the lineup today. Look for Fleury in goal. National broadcast on NBC - woo hoo!
Let's go Pens!
Philadelphia - 28-11-8 - 64 pts - Third in East
Pittsburgh - 11-27-9 - 31 pts - Last in East
No time today for an extended preview. The Pens will have to be at their best to beat the Flyers. There's been little evidence that they can be at their best for 60 minutes (as shown the other night when the played well for about 55 minutes). I'm not looking for a big win, but it would be nice. I'm with Will on this one - the only team I like less than the Rangers is the Flyers.
Brooks Orpik will return to the lineup today. Look for Fleury in goal. National broadcast on NBC - woo hoo!
Let's go Pens!
Midseason Review - Mark Recchi
Mark Recchi - 46 Games - 13 G, 23 A, -23, 32 PIM
Grade: B
I know this grade might seem high, but Recchi has been the workhorse for this team. He regularly leads the forwards in minutes played (he's over 1:30 above the nearest forward in Average Time On Ice - ATOI). He plays even-strength, short handed and on the power play. He plays tough, and with a high level of skill. His offensive numbers aren't that great, but they are in line with what he's averaged over the last three seasons. One area that is an abberation is his plus / minus rating. He's never finished a season below a -5 before in his career. Right now, he's at a -23. I would attribute that more to the team he's on than anything else.
He's one player that the Pens could deal, but likely will not, due to his close ties to Mario and the city. I think that's the right way to go - he's popular here and works hard. He'll be very valuable in the next few seasons when the Pens get things turned around.
Grade: B
I know this grade might seem high, but Recchi has been the workhorse for this team. He regularly leads the forwards in minutes played (he's over 1:30 above the nearest forward in Average Time On Ice - ATOI). He plays even-strength, short handed and on the power play. He plays tough, and with a high level of skill. His offensive numbers aren't that great, but they are in line with what he's averaged over the last three seasons. One area that is an abberation is his plus / minus rating. He's never finished a season below a -5 before in his career. Right now, he's at a -23. I would attribute that more to the team he's on than anything else.
He's one player that the Pens could deal, but likely will not, due to his close ties to Mario and the city. I think that's the right way to go - he's popular here and works hard. He'll be very valuable in the next few seasons when the Pens get things turned around.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Rangers 4, Penguins 2
I hate the Rangers.
This was a strange game, as Bob Errey and Mike Lange said several times. It was a 1-0 game for two periods, and then the Pens rallied to tie the game in the third. In the third, the Pens had a power play. Crosby clearly gets pushed into the net, and Surovy scores with Crosby in there. The ref doesn't blow the whistle when Crosby goes in (even though he watched the whole thing), but rather once the puck goes in (a few seconds later), he called interference on Crosby. Bob Errey was particularly harsh on Don Marouelli, basically saying the call was total horsecrap, which I'd have to say that I agree with - not that I'm biased or anything... :)
Anyway, the Rangers score after the penalty to Crosby expires, while the Pens have two centers on the ice. Endicott doesn't cover Rozsival properly, and Michal scores. That was a save the Pens really needed Fleury to make.
Gonchar has started to play better, and the young guys continue to do well. Armstrong and Ouellet in particular were solid. Crosby was great too, but I guess I don't consider him one of the "young guys", since he's never played in the minors. I guess it just goes to show how much the team relies on him already to be a leader. He's filling the role quite nicely, if you ask me.
Next up is a game Saturday afternoon on national television against the Flyers. Forsberg has been hurt (he missed his game tonight), but is expected to play on Saturday. Joy.
This was a strange game, as Bob Errey and Mike Lange said several times. It was a 1-0 game for two periods, and then the Pens rallied to tie the game in the third. In the third, the Pens had a power play. Crosby clearly gets pushed into the net, and Surovy scores with Crosby in there. The ref doesn't blow the whistle when Crosby goes in (even though he watched the whole thing), but rather once the puck goes in (a few seconds later), he called interference on Crosby. Bob Errey was particularly harsh on Don Marouelli, basically saying the call was total horsecrap, which I'd have to say that I agree with - not that I'm biased or anything... :)
Anyway, the Rangers score after the penalty to Crosby expires, while the Pens have two centers on the ice. Endicott doesn't cover Rozsival properly, and Michal scores. That was a save the Pens really needed Fleury to make.
Gonchar has started to play better, and the young guys continue to do well. Armstrong and Ouellet in particular were solid. Crosby was great too, but I guess I don't consider him one of the "young guys", since he's never played in the minors. I guess it just goes to show how much the team relies on him already to be a leader. He's filling the role quite nicely, if you ask me.
Next up is a game Saturday afternoon on national television against the Flyers. Forsberg has been hurt (he missed his game tonight), but is expected to play on Saturday. Joy.
Midseason Review - Zigmund Palffy
Zigmund Palffy - 42 Games - 11 G, 31 A, +5, 12 PIM
Grade: B+
Okay - I wrote this before he retired. That doesn't change my assessment (though some of the comments are somewhat ironic), so here it is.
For a player on this team to be in the plus column in plus / minus rating is incredible. There are currently three of them, and the other two (Pirjeta and Christensen) aren't with the club right now. Palffy has produced while keeping up the defensive duties quite well. Before he arrived this year, I thought he had the reputation of being someone who would float out near the red line, waiting for one of his guys to get the puck out of his end. I may be mistaken, but either way, he's been a pleasent surprise in this regard.
Offensively, he's been weak in the goal scoring area, but I'd still say he's a good bet for 30 goals. He also hasn't been able to flourish on the power play like he should, with just 2 G, 9 A on the power play. I think once he hits a groove, he'll be hard to stop.
This is one guy with a bigger contract that the team should not even consider dealing. There will certainly be teams that would take him, but the Pens should make him a fixture here for years to come.
Grade: B+
Okay - I wrote this before he retired. That doesn't change my assessment (though some of the comments are somewhat ironic), so here it is.
For a player on this team to be in the plus column in plus / minus rating is incredible. There are currently three of them, and the other two (Pirjeta and Christensen) aren't with the club right now. Palffy has produced while keeping up the defensive duties quite well. Before he arrived this year, I thought he had the reputation of being someone who would float out near the red line, waiting for one of his guys to get the puck out of his end. I may be mistaken, but either way, he's been a pleasent surprise in this regard.
Offensively, he's been weak in the goal scoring area, but I'd still say he's a good bet for 30 goals. He also hasn't been able to flourish on the power play like he should, with just 2 G, 9 A on the power play. I think once he hits a groove, he'll be hard to stop.
This is one guy with a bigger contract that the team should not even consider dealing. There will certainly be teams that would take him, but the Pens should make him a fixture here for years to come.
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