Let's take a look at the Anaheim Ducks

by FrankD on Nov 16, 2009 11:45 AM EST in 2009-10 game previews

[SBN Anaheim Ducks blog - Anaheim Calling]

[SBN Cali blog - Battle of California]

Tonight the Pens and Ducks meet up once again for the second of two regular season meetings. Earlier in the month Pittsburgh shot out to the west coast for a series of games some of us (and I'm sure the Pens are included in this) would like to forget. However it did kickoff on the right track, and that was with a 4-3 win over the Ducks.

This home-ice rematch for Pittsburgh gives them a chance to tally up another 'W' to the record and perhaps launch a new streak of sorts. Of course, it would seem every game this season is met with a new set of challenges.

Since the November 3 meeting in Anaheim, the Pens have posted a 1-4 record that still gives them a spot at the top of the division and conference. However, with New Jersey well on its way to a hot eight-game win streak and three division games against the Islanders and Rangers pending at the end of the month, now's the time for the Pens to really pick up some points.

For Anaheim, the stretch between the last meeting has been only slightly better at 2-2-1. Former Penguin Erik Christensen is back in the Ducks' lineup after filling an injured Saiku Koivu's spot. Nothing special really going on for him since getting sent to waivers earlier in the month, but I always feel obligated to mention when a former Pen is set to go up against the current roster. If you wonder why, consider Mark Recchi's recent milestone of 900 points and who he recorded the assist against. In that respect I guess I should also mention Ryan Whitney while I'm at it.

There, I mentioned him.

Corey Perry still leads all Ducks in points with 23 (13g, 10a), followed closely behind by Ryan Getzlaf with 22 (2g, 20a). In the last meeting, Perry picked up two goals, while Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan tallied an assist each. Koivu, who notched the third goal, will be out of the lineup with an obligatory "lower-body injury."

Puck and thread drop at 7:30. Come on by and join in.

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Comments

We thought the power play was bad before…no goose 2-3wks. Eaton and Lovjoy on the points I would imagine. We are about to see what a bad power play looks like. I wonder if they make Geno play the point again tonight. I know he does not like playing there at all, but they are running out of options.

by genomachine-O on Nov 16, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions

might need to take a page fom the blues book from last year on the PP and put out 5 forwards. Malkin and Feds on the point with Guerin, Crosby, and Stall up front. It couldn’t make the PP worse. Just gotta worry about SH goals against.

by 66871 on Nov 16, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions

To be honest, i kinda like that idea. There are risks of course with that though, as you pointed out. Some forwards just aren’t made to handle passes back to the blue line. Malkin did a good enough job last season with Gonch out but even then you could sometimes see him fumble a pass or two. It’s not a knock against his talent, just the realization that you really can’t put one skilled player another skilled player’s skates that easily.

I’m almost reserved to think that if the Pens can make it happen at even strength then the PP shouldn’t be a concern. Of course, the Pens really need to up the discipline too and not take penalties. While the PK has been getting the job done, it’s going to come down to a 5-on-5 game for the Pens to really utilize their strengths.

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by FrankD on Nov 16, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions

I like your thinking....

The power play can’t get much worse, can it? I would vote for having at least one D-man out there, though. Maybe have Geno at one point and Eaton at another. Then on the 2nd unit have Tenk and Lovejoy…

Even if they give up some SH goals, they might score enough to make up for it…

go pens!

by cyroose on Nov 16, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

yea they need to figure out something, SH goal would definetly be a worry with two forwards on the point, both of whom are relitively inexpirienced playing there. To bad they can’t decline to take a PP for the next two or three weeks. I’m sure we’ll see them try a few different things. 5 forwards on the point wouldn’t seem likely to me considering Bylsma always talks about the PP atleast building momentum if they dont score. And after a PP with those 5 forwards your basically sending out your 4th line on the next shift. Then again the pens don’t have many options at this point.

by genomachine-O on Nov 16, 2009 12:56 PM EST reply actions

I’m hoping having Engellend out there tonight will help deter the Ducks from taking runs at Fleury. That got ridiculous the last time they played. If it doesn’t Fleury might have to plow Perry in the face with that blocker a time or two.

by genomachine-O on Nov 16, 2009 1:00 PM EST reply actions

we can only hope…gotta protect Fleury

by 66871 on Nov 16, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

I just can wait til everyone is back and healthy ready to roll

by 66871 on Nov 16, 2009 1:04 PM EST reply actions

Gogo is a big loss. Man that’s bad. At least we got that hot start before all this went down.

by Phantaskippy on Nov 16, 2009 1:29 PM EST reply actions

Devastating… We need GoGo more than ever right now.

Now that Geno is back, their only hope is to keep scoring a lot of goals. As we saw on Saturday, when your defense struggles it can take 6 goals to win.

by Cari on Nov 16, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions