The Upset of the Century

Okay, so maybe not quite that big...

Igloo Dreams advanced past the first round of the 2010 Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament, knocking off the #2 seed Pitt Blather.

Thanks to everyone who voted!

The Sweet 16 is running currently, and I'm up against One For The Other Thumb. I'll let you guess which team is the subject of that blog. Cotter has made a um... "special" promise to each and every one of you that vote. He made it for the first round, but I'm sure he'll offer an extension (or maybe it's the other way around...)

The voting for the Sweet 16 round will end on Wednesday at 7:00 PM EST.

You can vote here. Go vote!

Predators 4, Penguins 3 (OT - SO - 2-0)

So what happened?

Nashville is a good team and the Pens, while they played better, did not play a complete hockey game. They seemed to let up in the second period, and it cost them two points. Nice to come out with one, but there was another chance to get the lead in the division that was blown.

Who scored?
Crosby (42), Cooke (12), Orpik (1)

Any surprises?
Orpik scored a goal! The best part was that the shot was from the blue line and it was wide. It was only because Dan Ellis tried to stop it that it went in at all.

Any change in the standings?

One point is better than none.

Division: 2nd (one point behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (one point behind New Jersey)

League: 7th (tied with Colorado, Vancouver and Ottawa)

Who's next?
The Olympic break is here. No game for a few weeks.

Notes:

• As The Wife likes to say, Gonchar is The Man. He led the team in power play minutes, short-handed minutes and was second (to Orpik) in even-strength minutes.
• Dan Ellis was very good for most of the game.

Game #62 - vs Nashville Predators

Game 62

Predators (32-23-5, 69 points) at Penguins (36-22-3, 75 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens again can catch the Devils and tie for the division lead with a win. They can also go into the Olympic break secure in the top half of the playoff bracket (Ottawa is just one point behind the Pens). A win would make these next few weeks much nicer when thinking about hockey.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Too many holes in the D have led to losses in three of the past four.
  
• Predators - They're on one of their bad streaks, going 3-7-2 over the past month.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens take advantage of the Preds run of poor hockey? On October 24th, they were 3-6-1. Over the next several months, up until January 15th, they were 26-10-2. Since then, as noted above, just 3-7-2.
  
• Can the Pens win the special teams battle? The Preds have both scored and allowed a power play goal in 5 straight games.
  
• 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

• Use the forecheck. The Pens are up against a similar style in Nashville, built using a similar methodology. The game is going to the team that is more successful in establishing offensive zone time.
  
• Give the goalie some support. The Pens have allowed more than 30 shots for three four five straight.

Rangers 3, Penguins 2 (OT)

So what happened?

Yeah, I'm a bit late putting this up. That's what happens when you rely on a cable company for Internet service. If you have the option, go with Fios (wish I could).

What happened with the game?
Olli Frickin Jokinen. Again. This time he won the game in OT for the Rangers.

Prior to that, the Pens came out roaring in the first period and had several golden chances. Lundqvist was able to hold them to just one goal, and the Pens were out played (badly) for the rest of the game. It's like they fell into a comfort zone and were never able to get out of it.

They allowed a ton of shots... again (39) and the game would not have gone to OT had it not been for good goaltending.

Who scored?
Crosby (40,41)

Any surprises?
Sid was dominated in the faceoff circle, winning just 7 out of 20.

Any change in the standings?

Through Sunday morning:

Division: 2nd (two points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (two points behind New Jersey)

League: 9th (tied with Buffalo)

Who's next?
The finale before the Olympic break against Nashville on Sunday (later today).

Game #61 - vs New York Rangers

Game 61

Rangers (26-27-6, 59 points) at Penguins (36-22-2, 74 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens can take the lead in the division with a win and a New Jersey loss. They haven't had the lead (or a share of it) since December 27th.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Beating the Isles too some of the sting off of the prior weekend.
• Rangers - Losing 8 out of 10 games is bad. Having it take you out of the playoffs is worse.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens win as a team? The defense is still allowing too many shots, and the offense isn't registering enough time in the offensive zone to give the D a break. Fleury carried them through the Isles game. It would be nice not to have to rely on the goalie to be en fuego.
  
• Bylsma's system is built around being aggressive. What happens if the aggression just isn't there?
  
• 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

• Stay within yourselves. The Rangers last four losses were by one goal, which says they were in the game but found a way to lose. Exploit that by playing simple positional hockey.
  
• Give the goalie some support. The Pens have allowed more than 30 shots for three four straight.

Pens acquire D Steve Wagner

The Pens shipped Nate Guenin to the St Louis Blues today in exchange for defenseman Steve Wagner.

According to the Peoria Journal Star, Wagner is an offensive defenseman. He is 25 and has played 46 games in the NHL over four seasons. He was an undrafted free agent who surprisingly made the Blues roster in 2007. According to stltoday.com, Wagner has struggled to regain his form after being sent down to Peoria and breaking his leg in 2008. Hopefully a change of scenery can help him, because he seems to have the offensive skills to play in the NHL.

Wagner is a UFA after this season.

Guenin is 26 and definitely a stay-at-home kind of guy on the blue line. He's also a UFA after this season.

At least it's not a deranged mini pony...

Last year, Sean's Ramblings had the first "Best Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament". Sean was nice enough to select this blog for inclusion in the list. He also seeded me 8th against the really popular Pittsburgh Sports and Mini-Ponies.

This year I'm seeded 7th, and up against Pitt Blather in the first round.

If you like my blog, go and vote!

http://seanramblings.blogspot.com/2010/02/best-pittsburgh-sports-blog-tournament.html

Penguins 3, Islanders 1

So what happened?

Couldn't tell you - I missed this one. Nice to see the Pens get the two points, for sure.

Who scored?
Kunitz (7,8), Malkin (21)

Any surprises?
The Pens allowed 38 shots, evenly spread over all three periods (12, 12, 14). That's still too many.

Any change in the standings?

Getting closer to Jersey...

Division: 2nd (one point behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (one point behind New Jersey)

League: 7th (tied with Colorado)

Who's next?
A rare Friday night game with the Rangers. Why did the NHL schedule games on the same night as the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics?

Notes:

• So close to a shutout for Fleury... yet so far.
• Only one power play. Not enough.
• Seems like the Pens were lucky to win this game. The rest of the numbers are not in their favor.

Game #60 - vs New York Islanders

Game 60

Islanders (24-27-8, 56 points) at Penguins (35-22-2, 72 points)

Why does it matter?
The Pens need two points to tie New Jersey for first place in the division. The Isles need two points to get closer to the playoffs. Should be a good battle.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A disappointing weekend with losses to Montreal and Washington.
• Islanders - The Isles just snapped a 7 game losing streak with a home win over Nashville last night.

Questions to be answered

• Can the defense solidify? The Pens have allowed at least four goals in four of the past five games.
  
• Can the PK stone the Isles after allowing goals in three straight?
  
• 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

• Establish a quick pace. The Isles rolled their lines last night, but five of the six defense played 20 minutes or more.
  
• Give the goalie some support. The Pens have allowed more than 30 shots for three straight.

Capitals 5, Penguins 4 (OT)

So what happened?

Context is everything. If you asked prior to the game if getting a point out of Washington was a good outcome, I would have agreed, based on all of the things the Pens had going against them. After watching the game, however, it feels much less satisfying.

There is no way the Pens should lead 4-1 and lose this game.

Who scored?
Crosby (38,39), Staal (15,16)

Any surprises?
I thought the Pens could have done a better job of rolling the lines, especially while they had a lead for most of the first 50 minutes of the game.

Any change in the standings?

Two losses this weekend didn't help matters.

Division: 2nd (two points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 3rd (two points behind New Jersey)

League: 7th (tied with Vancouver)

Who's next?
A few days off, followed by a home date with the Isles on Wednesday.

Notes:

• This was a great game to watch - the intensity and effort were there.
• Fleury wasn't at his best, but the Pens have to start taking the man, not playing the puck, in the defensive end. Two Washington goals today were the direct result of the D trying to play the puck.

Game #59 - at Washington Capitals

Game 59

Penguins (35-22-1, 71 points) at Capitals (40-12-6, 86 points)

Why does it matter?
The Caps are the best team in the NHL right now. It matters because it's a measuring stick for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - After a bad game yesterday in Montreal, the team had to fight some brutal weather to get to Washington. They didn't arrive at the hotel until 2:15 AM.
• Capitals - This team has the longest winning streak since the Pens 17 game winning streak in 1993.

Questions to be answered

• Will the Pens have tired legs given their schedule and travel arrangements?
  
• Can the Pens exploit a Caps PK that has allowed 7 goals in the past 4 games?
  
• 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

• Get through the initial burst. You know the Caps are going to come out smoking - surviving the first 10 minutes will be key.
  
• Standout goaltending. If there was ever a game when an unbelievable performance was needed, this is it.
  

Canadiens 5, Penguins 3

So what happened?

To me, the story in this one was the complete lack of offensive execution. I know the Habs had something to do with that, but 21 shots against a team that allowed 47 in consecutive games (and allows an average of 35)? Not good. If that kind of performance happens again tomorrow in Washington, they'll get blown out of the building.

Who scored?
Dupuis (13), Guerin (17), Malkin (20)

Any surprises?
Six minutes on the power play. One shot on net. Another surprise and disappointment all rolled into one bitter pill.

Any change in the standings?

It remains to be seen - too much action left to go today. I'll update after the game tomorrow.

Who's next?
Off to Washington (maybe - the airport is currently closed) to play the Caps tomorrow at 12:00.

Notes:

• I think the Montreal goal horn is now the most annoying in the NHL.
• The missed call of goaltender interference on the first Canadiens goal was so bad it was laughable. Easily the worst non-call I've seen all year.

Game #58 - at Montreal Canadiens

Game 58

Penguins (35-21-1, 71 points) at Canadiens (27-25-6, 60 points)

Why does it matter?
The Canadiens badly need two points to stay in one of the playoff seeds, and most of the teams below them have games-in-hand over them. It will be a good test for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Since snapping their 5 game losing streak, the Pens are 9-5. Not too shabby.
• Canadiens - The Habs have won two in a row with Jaroslav Halak leading the way in net.

Questions to be answered

• The Habs defense has not been good. Can the Habs get away with allowing 47 shots to the Pens? When the Pens manage at least 40 shots this year, they are 7-1.
  
• Can the Pens take advantage of the Habs PK, which has been spotty of late?
  
• 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

• Get the rust out. The Pens haven't played since Monday.
  
• Roll the lines (again). Given that there will be another game tomorrow in DC, the Pens will need to try to keep legs fresh.
  

Penguins 5, Sabres 4

So what happened?

Sidney Crosby happened. He stepped up with about 17 scoring chances during the second period, finishing off three of them for another hat trick. The Pens allowed three straight goals in falling behind 3-1 and scored four straight to take a 5-3 lead. They then withstood one of the more memorable fire drills in recent months to earn two points (and keep the Sabres from earning any points).

Who scored?
Letestu (1), Crosby (35, 36, 37), Staal (14)

Any surprises?
They won! I know, it's bad to lose faith, but who didn't think they were screwed when the Sabres took a 3-1 lead? Maybe it was having to watch the game on Versus that clouded my judgement...

Any change in the standings?
Moving on up...

Division: 2nd (one point behind New Jersey)

Conference: 3rd (tied with Buffalo, one point behind New Jersey)

League: 5th (one point behind New Jersey, tied with Buffalo and Phoenix)

Who's next?
It's vacation time! Okay, not quite, but the Pens don't play until Saturday in Montreal.

Notes:

• Nice to see Letestu get his first NHL goal. I think he could be a good player in the NHL if he could get a little bit faster.

Game #57 - vs Buffalo Sabres

Game 57

Sabres (32-14-7, 71 points) at Penguins (34-21-1, 69 points)

Why does it matter?
It's a chance for the Pens to move up a notch in the conference and put themselves just one point behind New Jersey with a win.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A great effort against the Red Wings on Sunday afternoon at the Igloo.
• Sabres - Four straight losses on the road, followed by two wins in a row at home.

Questions to be answered

• Which Sabres team will show up? More importantly, which Ryan Miller will show up - the one with the four game losing streak or the one with the two game winning streak?
• The Sabres have struggled away from home recently. Can they overcome that?
  
• 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

• Win at even strength. There hasn't been much special teams play for the Sabres or their opponents lately.
  
• Roll the lines. The Sabres like to skate and haven't played since Friday. The Pens just played on Sunday.
• Hope we don't see Patrick Lalime.

Penguins 2, Red Wings 1 (OT - SO - 2-0)

So what happened?

A playoff game to close out the month of January and the intensity level picked up several notches today at the Igloo. The good news for the home crowd is that the Pens had the better chances and emerged with the two points. The Wings brought it in the third period, but the Pens stood up to the rally and were able to win in the shootout, where they've been unbeatable this year.

Who scored?
Crosby (34)

Any surprises?
The intensity and excellent puck possession were there, after being largely missing for several months.

Any change in the standings?
Jersey just lost, and they now have only two games-in-hand on the Pens.

Division: 2nd (three points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (two points behind Buffalo)

League: 7th (one point behind Vancouver, tied with Los Angeles and Phoenix)

Who's next?
What's with the Sunday / Monday games? The Pens play the team just ahead of them in the conference when the Sabres come calling tomorrow night.

Notes:

• Good game from Fleury. I really thought he might finally get the shut out, but this one played out like Game 7 did, with the long shot beating him.
• Nice to see the full compliment of blue-liners out there. It'll be even nicer to see the forwards get everyone back, hopefully after the Olympics.

Game #56 - vs Detroit Red Wings

Game 56

Red Wings (26-19-9, 61 points) at Penguins (33-21-1, 67 points)

Why does it matter?
The Red Wings have been a mess this year, but are starting to get healthy. They'll bring their best game in a rematch of the last two Cup Finals.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A limp effort at home against the Sens put a damper on the recent good play.
• Red Wings - While the injuries are starting to lessen, they're still just 3-4-3 in their past 10 games.

Questions to be answered

• Will Fleury play? He has struggled at home lately.
• If the Wings get a lead, can they afford to sit back and let the Pens bring it? The Wings have been out shot in their last 5 wins, including allowing 48 shots to Nashville in their win on Friday.
  
• 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

• Keep the Wings off of the power play. They haven't been drawing many chances, but they are capable of burning you if you give them the chance.
  
• Play a road game at home - the Wings will try to get the lead and suck the life out of you.

Senators 4, Penguins 1

So what happened?

Two steps forward, one step back.

Tonight we saw signs that all may not be right yet with Marc-Andre Fleury's injured finger.

We also saw the Pens unable to apply consistent pressure in the offensive zone and turn the puck over too much.

All told, you'd have to call it a disappointing effort in front of the home crowd.

Who scored?
Malkin (19)

Any surprises?
The Pens inability to match the speed of the Senators. Of course, it doesn't help when Kunitz, Kennedy and Goligoski are sitting on the injured list.

Any change in the standings?
Not much...

Division: 2nd (three points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 4th (two points behind Buffalo)

League: 7th (one point behind Vancouver)

Who's next?
Another two day break before the Red Wings come to town.

Notes:

• The schedule really favors the Pens, who play just twice in the next 9 days. Hopefully the injured guys can get better in that time.
• The face off results were unusual tonight in that Sid had an off night and the rest of the team did reasonably well.
• McKee and Skoula out there together certainly don't seem very fast, do they?.

Game #55 - vs Ottawa Senators

Game 55

Senators (29-21-4, 62 points) at Penguins (33-20-1, 67 points)

Why does it matter?
The Sens are a tough match-up right now, having won seven in a row. They'll also want to avenge their 8-2 loss to the Pens at the end of December.

The Pens need to keep their decent play going. It won't be easy.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - A very quiet solid streak of hockey, with five wins in seven games.
• Senators - After five straight losses, the Sens are getting healthy and have won seven straight.

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens keep the power play going? It will be key tonight, as the Sens haven't been taking many penalties. Making the chances you get count for something is key.
• Brian Elliot has been out of his mind lately. Can the Pens get to him?
  
• 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

• Control Spezza and Alfie - they always seem to burn the Pens.
  
• This is a team that rides emotion - get them down and see if they wilt. In other words, score first.

Penguins 4, Rangers 2

So what happened?

The Pens showed the same quick response to adversity as they flashed earlier in the season in the third period, and it led directly to two points. The Rangers took the lead 2-1 on Anisimov's second goal of the night about midway through the third period.

I have to admit, I started fearing the worst at that point.

I didn't worry long, as Geno drew a penalty with a strong move to the net and then blasted the puck past Lundqvist on the ensuing power play. Shortly after that, Chris Connor scored on a rebound of a Crosby shot to give the Pens the lead for good.

The entire sequence took about 90 seconds.

Great road win for the Pens, who look to be getting themselves back on track a little bit at a time.

Who scored?
Connor (1,2), Malkin (18), Dupuis (12)

Any surprises?
Chris Connor found a way to bury two pucks. That was a nice surprise and a huge boost to the Pens.

Any change in the standings?
Well, Buffalo has yet to play in Vancouver tonight, but as things stand right now...

Division: 2nd (two points behind New Jersey)

Conference: 3rd (tied with Buffalo, two points behind New Jersey)

League: 5th (tied with Buffalo)

Who's next?
A few nights off before starting the last 8 games prior to the Olympics at home against the Sens on Thursday night.

Notes:

• Geno seems to be feeling it again. He was responsible for the Pens tying the score and had a good game.
• Letang is showing some grit and not taking any crap right now. He seems to rise to the challenge physically when needed.
• The injury bug is slowly creeping back in - the missing regulars tonight were Kunitz, Guerin, Talbot and Goligoski.