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March Production: Who's Hot, Who's Not

The soon to be new tradition at the end of the month of “Who’s hot/Who’s not”. As you know, the Penguins rocked a 10-1-2 record, so obviously there was a lot more players trending up than down.  Still, the breakout of the past month’s performance is evident, so let’s take the jump and find out, as Frank the Tank might say…Who’s going streaking?

Star-divide

WHO’S HOT

 

Sidney Crosby: 11 games played; 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists)

--At least a point in every game he played, Crosby is leading the charge to the post-season.  That's what captains do, you know.

 

Evgeni Malkin: 13 gp; 18 points (5g, 13a),

--Team high 48 shots on goal, a game winner and 18 points.  All despite the fact his normal linemates are going to show up in the "Not" portion of this list.  Just another month for Geno.

 

Kris Letang: 13 gp; 10 points (4g, 6a)

--Two of his goals were game winners, Letang's previous best calendar month was six points (all assists) in November.

 

Sergei Gonchar: 12 gp; 8 points (4g, 4a)

--All 4 goals came on the power play for the Sarge.  He missed the one game due to the birth of a new daughter, so maybe the fact the new dad is ticking along despite the sleepless nights could be the most impressive part of his month.

 

Chris Kunitz: 13 gp; 11 points (5g, 6a)

--Pens were 7-0-1 when he got on the scoreboard and what Kunitz doesn't bring to the scoreboard (when he's playing physical and digging pucks out of corners) has made his teammates even better players.

 

Marc-Andre Fleury: 12 games (all starts), 9-1-2 record, 1.87 GAA, 93.0 save%, 1 shutout

--Didn’t give up more than 3 goals all month, seven times he yielded less than 2 goals.  The Penguins are putting the burden on Fleury and so far he's responded.  Last playoffs MAF's GAA was 1.97 and his save percentage was 93.3%.  Playoff form indeed.

 

 

WHO’S NOT

 

Ruslan Fedotenko: 13 gp, 5 points (1g, 4a)

--Take out the three point game against the Rangers and it looks worse…Rusty had a plus/minus of +2 so he wasn’t on the ice for many goals against, but considering he played mainly with Malkin, the production has to be there from his wingers

 

Petr Sykora: 10 gp, 2 points (1g, 1a)

--Hobbled by injury for a couple games, Sykora hasn’t bounced back, looking disorganized on his usual spot on Malkin’s right wing.  It’s sometimes streaky for goal scorers, so hopefully Sykora’s back in the swing of things soon.

 

Pascal Dupuis: 13 gp, 4 points (1g, 3a)

--Now that he’s not on Crosby’s line, not as big of a deal to lack the production now that he's a 4th liner and PK guy…Still Dupuis had just 15 shots on goal in the last 11 games, surely the team would benefit from him getting that big slapshot on goal more often.

 

Mathieu Garon: 1 game, 1-0-0 record, 4.00 GAA, 84.0 save%

--Thrown into the fire against the Bruins for his only start, Garon didn’t shine.  But he did get the victory that game.  It’s tough to be a backup goalie, but that’s the way it goes for a backup goalie.

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Sykora is playing for his next contract and this month plus a poor playoffs could spell the end for Syko as a Penguin. But, with no one in the system to fill the void what would be the Pens other options? Perhaps Gaborik at a reduced price? Only time will tell, but if Sykora doesn’t pick it up soon, hurt or not, #17 may be out the door. If he really struggles during the playoffs look for Satan to get the call.

Speaking of struggling Malkin line mates if Fedotenko doesn’t get his act together might we see a Baby Penguin surge of both Pesonen and Satan playing with Malkin. If they make Jeff Taffe look good, imagine them with Geno!

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

by Dr Tre on Apr 1, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions  

I’ve been saying Gaborik at a reduced price too since he went down with the injury. This was his chance at a contract year and he blew it. Of course he’s back to scoring with the Wild right now so hopefully he’s not too big a factor whereby his asking price will be too high.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Apr 1, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

With all the good things that have been happening to the Pens as of late, Sykora has definitely been the one spot I am troubled with. Everyone goes through slumps, but two points in 10 games from a sharpshooter on a solid line is not good. I truly like Sykora, and I like having him here in Pittsburgh, but I think it’s a good time for him to put the flame under his @$$

by shafnutz05 on Apr 1, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions  

There’s always a chance he’s not playing at 100% and may still be hampered by whatever injury took him out of the lineup in early March. In which case I find it hard to blame him, per se, but wish he’d rather heal up and let a healthy player take his spot until the playoffs.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Apr 1, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sykora’s still got 10 GWGs. Goal scorers run hot and cold…As he’s proved, when the Penguins need a goal, he’ll get it (see triple OT last June).

I’m not too concerned about his slump, especially considering he’s been injured. I just hope he can get back on track before round 1.

by Hooks Orpik on Apr 1, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions  

That’s a good point Hooks…I didn’t even think about the game winners. We will definitely need him on his game regardless of what team we play in Round 1. Although my money is on Washington…

by shafnutz05 on Apr 1, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions  

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