Look on the bright side: One point beats no point

by FrankD on Mar 13, 2009 11:47 AM EDT in News

Last night's shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets wasn't the ideal outcome but at least it was an effort that produced a point (and a strong one at that). Sure, you can say one point isn't two, but one point is still a point. In fact one point is all that separates Pitt, currently in sixth place, with the Rangers and Hurricanes, both at 78 and tied for eighth.

Once again Florida is right there in 10th place with 77. Had the Penguins lost those last two games against the Panthers then it would be Pitt on the outside looking in.

The Penguins are in the playoffs today and will be in the playoffs tomorrow, as no Eastern Conference teams are on the schedule tonight. But rest assured this weekend is going to be huge.

Ottawa will look to spoil Pittsburgh's playoff chances on Saturday at 3:00. The Pens are 1-2 against the Senators this year, a bit disappointing when you consider the Senators' place in the standings (12th).

The bigger of the two games is easily scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 as the Pens host the Boston Bruins. Pitt is 1-2 against Boston, with their only win coming in a 2-1 shootout back in October.

Ironically enough the Bruins beat the Senators 5-3 on Thursday, allowing them to maintain a six point lead over the Devils for the Conference. However this stands as only their second win in seven games, a slump that Pittsburgh can hopefully capitalize on.

It's not hard to imagine the Penguins can put together a four-game win streak before taking on the Flyers next Sunday. The Thrashers and Kings fill out the remainder of the week and with any luck will only increase the Pens' chances at making the playoffs.

Recently we discussed here on Pensburgh whether we'd know if the Penguins were playoff bound or not by the end of March. There's still a good chance we will, but unless the Penguins win six of their next eighth the race is carrying into April.

And hey, just because the win streak is over the point streak is not. Pitt has picked up 15 points over eight games. Who's to say they can't keep that alive?

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Comments

I agree, you take every point you can get. Especially when you were down 3-0 after two. That is a big reason why we’ve been out of the playoff race all year, we were’nt taking enough games to overtime.
I actually would’nt be surprised to see this team creep into 4th or 5th place now with all the confidence they have. I really think they think they can play with anyone. And the way flower is playing! If he would just stay in his net a little more or get better at coming out, he might not give up any goals. Most goals this year have been because of our own stupidity in our own zone.

by xXHatchetmanXx on Mar 13, 2009 12:39 PM EDT reply actions

Some of those saves he made last night were just unbelievable. Although Mason gave up three quick ones in the third he also made some tremendous saves. Especially that one on Letang in OT. Great goaltending duel, despite what the score might indicate.

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by FrankD on Mar 13, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm still fairly new...

to the NHL but I’ve enjoyed watching this team make progress recently. Confidence can carry a team a long way. Fingers crossed that happens here too and they bounce back straight away :)

C'mon over to Shady's world, MiamiDolphins.co.uk

by ShadyMDUK on Mar 13, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions

I have no problem with how this game worked out. Of course, I would have loved to see them win. In the long run though, I would prefer to take a loss to a western conference team than a team battling against us for a playoff spot. It is almost like getting anything out of the game is a bonus.

by PensFan024 on Mar 13, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Good point. In the old schedule this could’ve been an overtime loss to a team in the Atlantic.

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by FrankD on Mar 13, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Getting a point when down 3-0 going into the 3rd and surrendering that extra point to a Western team was the best case scenerio for the Pens, outside of a win of course.

Which game does Garon play? Boston or Ottawa for Fluery is going to need a rest with 3 games in 4 days.

Lastly, who sits with Sykora coming back?

Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying

by Dr Tre on Mar 13, 2009 6:18 PM EDT reply actions

when is sykora hitting the line-up? and garon’s a bum. but your right fluery does need a break.

by lambofgad on Mar 13, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I was looking all over today for some news on Sykora, but I’d imagine we’ll hear something more tomorrow morning. As for Garon – yeah, I think we’ll see him this weekend. Fleury picked up his 17th straight start against the Jackets and the guy needs a break. No doubt. I say give Garon Ottawa, if we really have to and let Fleury shine on Sunday against the Bruins.

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by FrankD on Mar 13, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: who sits

I think we’ll start seeing Godard take to the box a bit more over the next few weeks. The Flyers and Rangers games will be pretty intense, so he’s a definite for those. And maybe even the Calgary game with Phaneuf getting on Sid’s case, but outside of that there won’t be much work for Godard. I’d rather see another sniper on the roster anyways.

If not Godard, then perhaps a guy like Adams.

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by FrankD on Mar 13, 2009 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions