Powerless play
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 12:32 PM EST
30 comments
Last season the Pittsburgh Penguins struggled without Sergei Gonchar. The power-play didn't click and the Pens floated down to the pack of the Eastern Conference standings. So far this season, in six games the Penguins have done a decent job pulling out wins (4-2 sans Sarge) but the power-play has struggled.
Let's take a look at just how brutal it's been. If you have a weak stomach you might want to skip this out, especially at the part when Evgeni Malkin went down. It's not for the feint of heart. Consider yourself warned.
| Game | PP | Notes |
| vs. Florida (Oct 23) | 1 for 6 | Sidney Crosby scored the goal (assists to Alex Goligoski and Malkin). Crosby would also score a short-handed goal in this contest. |
| vs. NJ Devils (Oct 24) | 0 for 3 | Five shots on goal, but Martin Brodeur was up to the task and shut the power-play down. |
| vs. Montreal (Oct 28) | 2 for 5 | PP started out 0 for 3, but then scored two 3rd period goals (one by Evgeni Malkin, one from Chris Kunitz on that breakaway) once the Pens already had a 4-1 lead in the game. So even though they did score two goals, they weren't very important goals. |
| at Columbus (Oct 30) | 0 for 5 | Four shots on goal. Believe it or not the Penguins registered five shots on goal while killing penalties. Kunitz also scored a SHG. |
| vs Minnesota (Oct 31) | 0 for 3 | Just three shots on goal in this game. Goalie Nicklas Backstrom was tremendous in this contest and Pittsburgh wasn't able to beat him. |
| at Anaheim (Nov 3) | 0 for 6 | Only registered five shots on goal, despite having four complete power-plays in the first period, the Pens couldn't strike pay dirt. |
Alert readers will note that the PIttsburgh power-play has narrowly outscored Pittsburgh's penalty-killing unit by a mark of 3 to 2. Also, though it hasn't been pretty, at least the Pens haven't given up any goals while they have the man advantage. Sure, it may be a little much to say "at least the opponents aren't scoring when we have the power-play" but given how disjointed and frustrating the PP has been, perhaps it's important to remember that it could be worse.
Kudos to The Pensblog who pointed out that Evgeni Malkin has missed the past three games and then Pens have laid an 0 for 14 egg without Geno. Malkin and Gonchar combine to lead roughly 90% of Pittsburgh's rushes in the crucial early stages of getting the puck in the zone and getting personnel setup. Lose one and you can cover with the other, but when both are gone obviously it's going to be tough.
Dan Bylsma has so far been loyal to keeping Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin on the first power-play unit with Crosby and defensemen Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang. That five-man unit probably has more turnovers and mis-plays than shots on goal and certainly scoring chances.
Worth switching up? Tyler Kennedy's shown his customary jump in his return to injury, and he's never afraid to shoot the puck. Jordan Staal could use his size and frame down low to work the puck more effectively. Heck, even a guy like Mike Rupp has shown his noted goal scoring ability and could stand in front of the net to help the defense's shots.
With Malkin on the shelf for at least 1-2 more weeks and Gonchar's return further out than that, Pittsburgh is going to have to find a way to convert on the power-play if they want to keep leading the league in points.
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The Pens powerplay just looks the same every single time. There is no movement without Gonchar and Geno. It cant be that hard to defend when everyone is stationary. You can make all the passes you want, if your not moving your not going to get the PKers out of position. I think the best chance they had last night was when Sid skated the puck into the slot and all 4 guys collapsed on him with left Guerin wide open. If Sid is stationary on the halfwall hes probably not going to hurt you from there. At this point I think you put a big body in front, and approch it like playoff hockey, put the puck on net then crash the net. I think TK could help entering the zone on the powerplay too, if you cant skate it in then dump it in and set TK loose, hes going to get to the puck first more times than not. They waste so much PP time just trying to get into the zone, thats where they miss Geno and Gonch the most.
by genomachine-O on Nov 4, 2009 12:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it’s a struggle to get it set up, and once it is it’s too much inactivity. Letang skates around a little but it’s pretty much just Crosby and Goligoski playing catch on the outside.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I really think they have to sort of use Sid as a decoy. You saw how Anaheim collapsed when Sid took the drive to the net. It left Guerin with a solid shot, but of course with that many bodies in front of the net it’s going to take a sniper with a few extra seconds to really find that open spot of the net. I think it’s the idea though. Maybe they can improve on it and start to really put it to good use while Geno and Gonch are out. Otherwise we’re looking at a very painful looking PP for the next two weeks, at the least.
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by FrankD on Nov 4, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was underwhelmed when both of those guys were healthy. Sure they scored some goals, but they didn’t look good doing it.
Two lengthy 5-3s a few games ago and nothing to show for it. With all of that talent, a 5-3 should almost be automatic for the Pens.
by DigitalGypsy66 on Nov 4, 2009 1:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, the power-play didn’t look great with Malkin and Gonchar.
But there’s no doubt it’s sunk to new lows lately.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It should also be noted, we really lack a good sniper on the PP/roster. This is where a guy like Sykora can really add value. With our existing personnel (when healthy), I think Gonch + Geno combined to provide our PP the sniping capabilities to be more successful. Unfortunately, we have a bunch of players with attributes that just aren’t suited for the PP. Guys (omitting 4th line guys) like Kunitz, Staal, Feds, and Cooke just don’t bring that aspect to the table. Kennedy has shown promise, however, I’m still tempted to lump him in with the others. I’m not bashing those guys either, because all of them bring an understood level of physicality that makes us really tough to play against. I’m often asking myself the question: If I were the coach, and I had to pick one player to set up for a great opportunity, what would it be? With the current rash of injuries, I guess it would be…Guerin? At times, it appears that the the hopeless ‘backdoor play’, which has been successful 3-4 times (with Whitney) but unsuccessfully tried at least 30-40 times, is the play of choice. We need to reevaluate the objectives of the PP (other than puck possession and getting it into the zone) and have a basic strategy. I recommend blocker side shots from the point with traffic. Deflections and rebounds from there. Is it that hard? I think the fancy puck movement to get guys out of position is slightly overrated (see backdoor play).
by Uncle Yorgi on Nov 4, 2009 1:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That’s a good point — Sykora struggled at times but he still scored a total of 28 goals in his two regular season with the Pens.
Since they don’t have that sniper, they need to get those big lugs (Staal, Kunitz, Rupp) to the front of the net and let Letang and Goligoski let ‘em rip. That’s pretty much how both defensemen scored last night (even if neither goal was on the PP).
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sniping certainly is not everything…just a dimension/weapon I think we need to have at our disposal.
Thinking back…Lemieux (a.k.a Buries It) always gave us that dimension….after him, Kovy did. We always had a guy that you just didn’t want to leave open. Not so much now. PKs should be advised to stay in the passive box and not get out of position…that’s the only it seems we can generate an opportunity.
by Uncle Yorgi on Nov 4, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
EDIT: the only "way" it seems we can generate an opportunity.
by Uncle Yorgi on Nov 4, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Malkin’s that guy. He may not be a pure sniper but there’s no doubt he shoots the puck very well.
Two years ago he scored 47 goals and he’s got 34 on the PP since that time. He’s the weapon I think you’re looking for. Problem is, it’s not available right now.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He also has that quick release that really is an asset on the PP. Move the puck, move the puck, quick shot is a nice combo for any sleek PP. But like you said, not an option right now.
Aside from Crosby and maybe Goligoski, who do you think can come close to that same twitch-like shot that the Pens are currently missing from Malkin?
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by FrankD on Nov 4, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the problem is the only two that can come close to Genos shot are playing thing point on the PP
by genomachine-O on Nov 4, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kennedy needs to replace Guerin on Line 1
Guerin looks like he’s been slowing that line down. Everyone complains about Kunitz not scoring but he still makes big plays without putting the puck in the net. Guerin has done nothing lately and Kennedy looked like a beast last night. Put him on that top line with Crosby. Who cares about catering to Staal’s needs. Crosby is more important.
by BDON911 on Nov 4, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree even with everyone healthy the PP wasn’t as good as it should be. Other teams should fear the PP of the Pens. When you can put the caliber of players the pens can out with a man advantage it should be lethal. Uncle Yorgi with players like Sid and Geno(when healthy) you wouldn’t think you’d even need a sniper on the powerplay. That said the best the PP has been in the last 2 years was when Sykora was out there. The backdoor play i agree is dead but the only other play they look for is the one timer to either sid or geno on the half boards. Thats why I think them being stationary is such a problem. If you look at the Caps or the Flames some of the better powerplays in the league theres a lot of movement. You lose track of where players are then hence the reason Ovechkin can come out of nowhere and score the same exact goal 20 times a year.
by genomachine-O on Nov 4, 2009 1:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. What makes the Caps lethal is that they have a great ratio of shooters to playmakers. Penguins have more playmaking talent than shooting talent on their PP. It’s pretty easy if you’re the Caps….Emphasis on Ovie shooting…if they are taking that way….Green from up high or Semin from down low. Backstrom makes the decisions….and it all clicks pretty well. I just don’t know what the Penguins PP boils down to in terms like that…Sid sets up….Geno….who sets up….Sid…who sets up…Letang…who sets up….someone tired of passing who eventually shoots. Again…not complaining here…it’s just what I see and what we need to improve on.
by Uncle Yorgi on Nov 4, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Only thing is, the Caps PP isn’t so good this year either…
by ipenguin67 on Nov 4, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, cause AO blasting like 30 shots per game on net may not be the greatest idea… and teams get used to it more and more…
You have to see it for yourself...
by Bla Razor on Nov 5, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On goal…Over the goal…Left of goal, right of goal, blocked by defense, blocked by forwards. One of ’em.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 5, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, you’re right… I should’ve said “in the general direction of the goal”:)
You have to see it for yourself...
by Bla Razor on Nov 5, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BDON911 I agree that Guerin has been pretty invisible the last few games, but as long as they are winning I don’t think the top line will change. Madden pointed this out the one day too its seems like the coaching staff worries to much about the third line even if its at the expense of Sid and Geno lines
by genomachine-O on Nov 4, 2009 1:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t really see Guerin as a fit on the second line either. Kennedy one line one WOULD make it a much faster trio up front, but I don’t think a Guerin/Staal/Fedotenko? line would make an interesting second unit. You really have to at least provide some threat on the second line, otherwise the other team can just throw out the top defensive unit against line one and not worry so much about the 2nd PP. Obviously this is all subject to change when the big guns come back but for the time being the Pens really need to try and work with what healthy guys they have to pick from.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
by FrankD on Nov 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
may be if they consider some more line juggling for the PP… like putting TK on the right board and let Sid move around more. I think looking at games from this season alone Kennedy is the closest we get to a sniper… quick release, shoots a lot from the angle
You have to see it for yourself...
by Bla Razor on Nov 5, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
my take
I’ll be the first to say that I’m not at all concerned. For 3 reasons:
1. The PP has been brutal the past 3 games, but Geno and Gonch have such critical roles on the PP that you can’t really judge the other guys negatively. When a PP loses the two players who do all the QB-type duties (possession at the point, initial passes to draw the defenders to one side, etc.) it’s going to struggle. When Malkin and Gonchar come back I expect we’ll see an improvement.
2. It’s still early in the season, and certain aspects of a hockey player’s game take some time to come together. The pinpoint passing and anticipation that an effective PP needs are part of that. It’s sort of like baseball players who struggle at the plate in the first two months of the season; attackers on a PP sometimes need some games to get their timing right.
3. There is a silver lining to the PP struggles and the Malkin/Gonchar injuries: namely, that everyone else will hustle more and work harder on getting the little things right when they don’t think they can blow teams away with offensive skill. You want your players to get in the habit of playing fundamentally sound hockey; they’ll need it in the spring.
P is for Latrobe.
by holiday park on Nov 4, 2009 3:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the powerplay has underachieved, considering the amount of talent we have, for the last season and a half its not just this season.
by genomachine-O on Nov 4, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
While that may be true that it’s underachieved, if you have a PP hitting on 25% you’re among the league’s best (in a long season). That’s 1 in 4 attempts, hardly a sure fire conversion rate.
Recently it’s troubling and we know why (no Malkin or Gonchar). When those two come back, there’s too much pure talent for the puck not to end up in the net.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You want your players to get in the habit of playing fundamentally sound hockey; they’ll need it in the spring.
I think, for a large part that is what’s happening..Guys like Letang and Goligoski are getting the puck to the net. Complimentary players like Matt Cooke, Craig Adams, TK, Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp are playing well and putting up some points too.
Pensburgh.com -- it's like the Max Talbot of blogs*
*not just because we only work for 12 minutes a night
by Hooks Orpik on Nov 4, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Noted goal scorer Mike Rupp is what? 2 goals away from his career high for a season.
by PensFan024 on Nov 4, 2009 4:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
In all honesty, you are absolutely correct. At this rate, noted goal scorer Mike Rupp is on pace for a twenty goal season.
by Hatt the Moople on Nov 4, 2009 6:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
imagine what will be if they start using his big body in front of the net on the PP:)
You have to see it for yourself...
by Bla Razor on Nov 5, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with those who suggested getting Guerin off the top line. Never mind certain stats that would suggest it (Crosby with only 7 assists in 15 games?), if you just watch Guerin play, based on the last 3 games or so, every time he touches the puck it seems like he just fires out a blind pass, or bobbles it, or dribbles some lame pass that gets picked off by the other team, all the while barely moving his feet. His defensive efforts have been non-existent.
Gotta love the guy for what he did last year, and what he contributes in the locker room, but based on what I’ve seen lately, he should be sent down a line or two – maybe when Geno and Sarge get back. There’s slumps, but then there’s getting lazy and sloppy, and the latter has no place on the top line.
by mightypex on Nov 5, 2009 12:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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