Game 3 recap: Crosby, Malkin power Pens past Sens 4-2
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:15 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
Email
PrintPenguins vs Senators coverage - Penguins vs Senators recap - Penguins vs Senators boxscore - Silver Seven
Game 3 of a series of course brings a change in venue, energy and a chance to turn things around. But for the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was more of the same from Game 2: good forecheck, a lot of hitting, enough scoring, shot-blocking and getting the goalie play to make the saves.
The game's scoring was started just 1:17 in when Alexei Ponikarovsky pulled up from behind the circle, hesitated and then threw an innocent enough looking shot at Brian Elliott. But the shot beat Elliott 5-hole, getting Ponikarovsky out of an extended scoring and playoff scoring slump.
Ottawa would appear to even the score at 1 late in the first period when Peter Regin put the puck by Marc-Andre Fleury from right in front. Upon further review, however, the puck was clearly kicked by Regin and he was unable to touch it with his stick before it disappeared under Fleury. It took a while, but the officials got the call on the play correct.
The Senators would even up the score on a good goal by Mike Fisher on the power play when he took a pass from Regin (who's been the Sens most dangerous forward these playoffs) and beat Fleury 1:53 into the second. This goal seemed to wake the Pens up, who got back to pushing the play in the Ottawa zone and about four minutes later Evgeni Malkin slammed an easy open net after a nice drive right to the goal.
Right before the end of the period Sidney Crosby scored the eventual game winner on the PP when he collected the puck, held it as he skated to his left and rifled a shot home.
Early in the 3rd Bill Guerin put the game out of reach when he took a nice stretch pass from Chris Kunitz and beat a tenative Elliott on a breakaway. Matt Cullen blasted a shot by Fleury on the PP to bring the Senators back within two, but that's as close as they'd come on the scoreboard.
Game 3 Pens, series lead 2-1. For one night, mission accomplished.
- Playoff hockey means hits and thanks to the Ottawa scorer, everyone was in on the act. The Senators registered 46 hits (led by Jarkko Ruutu's 7, with every skater recording at least one) and Pittsburgh had 36 hits (led by Craig Adams' 5 and every players except Malkin and Alex Goligoski getting in on the physical stuff).
- The difference in the series is starting to show in net: Fleury looks steady and comfortable, only bang-bang plays and perfectly placed pucks are eluding him. Elliott is a rookie in untested water and that's starting to show too, with a couple of pucks getting by him that he'd like back.
- Up front the skill mis-match is coming to light as well. Daniel Alfredsson is getting frustrated with physical play: he even left the game for a while when Crosby hit him cleanly in open ice. Alfredsson kneed Brooks Orpik, piled ontop of him with a couple of uncharacteristic cross-checks to the head. Jason Spezza has been basically invisible too, though he did have 3 shots on goal.
- For the Pens, Malkin and Crosby are flying around and though Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips are playing well, they aren't keeping the two-headed monster off the scoreboard. Malkin + Crosby have 5 goals, 6 assists in the three games, Spezza + Alfredsson are a combined 0g, 6a (all coming on the same three goals).
- Jay McKee only played 13:28 in his first taste of playoff action this season, but he was a +2 and blocked two shots. The Pens are going to lean on guys like Sergei Gonchar (a game high 25:00 played) and Brooks Orpik (21:17 with 3 hits, 6 blocked shots) but McKee might be able to carry a little more weight, if they give it to him.
- Just as sure as the temperature is rising, Max Talbot is starting to get back on track. Only six forwards played more at even strength than the Superstar, who's gettin time on Malkin's line again and justifying it with production.
- Faceoff circle: Crosby 11 wins, 5 losses (69%); rest of team 10 win, 25 losses (29%). Not good, a guy like Jordan Staal (22% on 18 draws) has to step it up there.
- Malkin blows by Andy Sutton for the second goal, Crosby leaves Sutton in his dust for the third goal....Hmm, maybe the NHL did the Pens a favor by NOT suspending Sutton..
With that, another game is in the books. It was physical, chippy and certainly not easy, but the Penguins prevail and seem to have a stranglehold on the series. Before anyone gets too confident, we need to remember it's still just a 2-1 series lead and only going to take one strong Ottawa game on Tuesday before it's a best of 3 with them having all the momentum.
2 down, 2 to go this series. Now for a team that knows how to win, they must be thinking exactly like I'm thinking: time to step on the throats of the Ottawa Senators, come out next time and look to push them to the brink of elimination.
59 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Great recap, Hooks
And nice job by the Pens. Looks like they are finding their game, which is bad news for the rest of the East.
15 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 18, 2010 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
Crap, forgot to update my sig line. This is better.
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 18, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Much better!
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Billy G’s goal was beautifully executed by him. Superb job.
Crosby’s goal just underlined how good he is. I thought he had lost his chance when he skated into the middle of two defenders, but he just made them fall over themselves.
It was a really good performance by the team today. I just wish they’d shoot more on the power plays, and stop trying to make clever little passers that eventually just get picked off.
I should have touched on the work the Ottawa’s doing on the PK. Even though Crosby’s goal was on the PP, it wasn’t a usual one being as penalties were ending for the Pens and they just happened to score.
Pittsburgh is passing a lot but Ottawa is doing good work and frustrating things. The Pens aren’t able to get their usual chances, they need to go to the well and figure some new strategies.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
The pp strategy has been mostly the same all season: standing still and trying to open lanes by passing. I truly believe this has caused them the most problems. The pp goals they’ve scored have mostly come when they’ve been moving around with the occasional goal from Gonchar on the big drive from far out. In fact, they seem to do better when they get matching penalties and go 4 on 4 than when they are on the pp (or is that just my imagination?).
I think sometimes they don’t play as hard when they have the man-advantage, like there’s a mental block knowing they have an extra guy and don’t have to work as hard as the penalty killers are.
Ottawa, especially their forwards are doing great on keeping the pass/shoot lanes full on Gonchar and they’re dictating that the Pens can’t get the puck away from the perimeter.
That’s got to change. Give Ottawa credit for doing their prep work in the video room, but it’s time to throw some new looks and ideas out there.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
It actually starts like their starting to move around a bit more. The problem now is that they all just want to pass to each other. We never put any shots on, and obviously it’s hard to get goals when you don’t do that. What do you think about playing Malkin in the spot Crosby usually is in? Crosby is a great passer from there but Malkin is more of a threat to rip a one-timer. Teams would have to respect that, and it could open things up more.
by packallday555 on Apr 19, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Oops
“It actually looks like their starting to move around a bit more.”
by packallday555 on Apr 19, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
with the occasional goal from Gonchar on the big drive from far out
And plan B, the big drive from Geno from far out.
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 18, 2010 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Whether they’re desperate or not, we have to play like we’re the ones who are desperate.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
He made Elliott look silly on that goal. Loved every second of it.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
Goalies these days are pretty aggressive in that situation. Elliott looked a little frozen. Maybe he was expecting Guerin to shoot and not deke, but jeez.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah he did seem like he was caught a bit off guard. I couldn’t see from any angle, but maybe with the puck way out in front of Guerin he was pondering whether or not to leave the crease and play the puck. Even that slight hesitation could leave him on his back foot or something. I don’t know. He didn’t look…right.
Not that I’m complaining or anything.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
btw I agree about Talbot. He’s been playing really well from the last couple of games of the season to now. Lets hope he can really continue to turn it on as his work rate has been very impressive. Adams has also been tremendous this series.
Adams is impressive and earning his keep. He plays smart, hard and physical. Not a lot of skill, but he’s good for 10-12 minutes a night of a simple, strong game.
Around here we’ve all been tough on him (myself included) but he does the little things right and the necessary dirty work especially come playoff time.
"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and there ain't no turnin' back. I mean, s---, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight."
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 18, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree about both Adams and Talbot. Adams is reliable and consistent, and makes good choices with the puck. He has earned his spot on the roster.
And Talbot has really stepped it up recently. As we saw from his blog, he loves the playoffs and it shows. He doesn’t look lost anymore. He’s fighting hard for his team and for his spot in the lineup. He really, really doesn’t want to be scratched — he wants to be on the ice playing his heart out for the Penguins.
Unfortunately (for him) I’m afraid Feds might not get back to the lineup soon, since Adams, Talbot, and Rupp have all had strong games. But things could change at any time, of course.
Lookout! Its Samson-Talbot!
Pensburgh.com
I like it. Bill Guerin’s uppercut is so awesome it wins fights he’s not even in.
- OlenWhitaker
"...as a matter of law, the house is haunted."
- Judge Rubin, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Stambovsky v. Ackley, 572 N.Y.S. 2d 672
by Hockey Beard in SLC on Apr 19, 2010 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I love Adams. He plays hard and he doesn’t get a lot of glory for it. Sure, it would be nice to see him score a little more often, but he generally does exactly what’s needed of him. He hits, he defends, and he’s smart with the puck. I expect him to continue to be an important player throughout the playoffs.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Finish them!
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 18, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Not yet.
the Sens still have a chance…we’ve still got two more games to win.
You just know we have to match their desperateness next game….
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Apr 19, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
we have to match their desperateness next game
Based on what I saw at the end of game 3, they have none. We’ll see how game 4 goes.
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 19, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Whether they’re desperate or not, we have to play like we’re the ones who are desperate.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
Yes, which is why I hope we do more than match their effort.
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 19, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow what a great game. The real heroes of this game were MAF and Talbot. MAF kept the game 1-1 when the Sens were swarming up until half way through the 2nd, the Pens just took over after that. Max made that great hustling play to poke the puck over to Geno for the easy goal.
Geno and Poni kind of went quiet after their goals, but the whole team played really well. Sid was stellar as he’s been all series (watching him blow up Alfie was awesome).
I’m not ready to say the switch has been flipped, but our D has been good and our best players have been our best players so far.
I’ve noticed a lot more comments on here lately, which is awesome but it kind of makes it a lot more cluttered! Can’t complain too much though.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
I guess I’m in the minority, but I’m still concerned about the defensive commitment on this team, especially among the defensemen. And we need to be throwing WAY more than only 24 shots on net if we want to end this in five games.
Kind of agree even though I didn't watch the game...
Watch Malkin just before his goal, when Ottawa had chances all over the place. Geno just skates in a lazy circle until the puck ends up right in front of him. Granted he made up for it on the other end
by Hansmoleman on Apr 19, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree that we need more shots. But it should also be noted that Ottawa has done a great job of taking away lanes.
As for defense: I’m in wait-and-see mode. If Flower keeps it up (#ibelieveinFleury!!!), we’ll be okay. But they need to kick it up a notch or two for a deep run.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I’m also concerned about the defense, especially now that we have lost Leopold — I wrote in the game thread that at times the D was just barely keeping up. However, I’m sort of grading on a curve because we’ve had so many bad defensive breakdowns this season. The defense has looked better recently, and that gives me hope. There haven’t been the egregious breakdowns, and they have been blocking a lot more shots.
Bahahahahahahahaha!
The Sharks send over 50 shots Craig Anderson’s way and can’t get the win, then put one in their own net in OT.
Never change San Jose.
I know…just saw that. SJ dominated this game only to see it end on an epic fail by boyle…
Anderson was dynamite though, he’s the only reason it was in OT in the first place.
I've told [a 9 months pregnant] Nathalie that she can't have the baby on a game night. I'm not missing a playoff game. -Mario Lemieux in 1993
by PensFan8725 on Apr 19, 2010 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I am incredibly thankful that it did not happen to the Penguins
But what a game… crazy. Anderson deserved the win.
Not to take anything away from such an epic goaltending performance by Anderson, but the Sharks do not understand the concept of screening the goaltender. It bit them last year against the Ducks, and it’s biting them again here.
by SlayerGhaleon on Apr 19, 2010 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
playoff tested is starting to show up finally, MAF looks much better, confidence is catching like wildfire thru the team, yes def need to work on faceoffs… God is it safe to root for montreal & flyers to pull the upsets… lol seriously though, sens are down, not out, gotta keep the stick to there throats, don’t let them get up ,,,,
Thanks for the recap :)
Tonight’s game made me feel a little more comfortable with the Pens: they looked like themselves again. It seems to me as though the first loss combined with the hit on Leopold and the road game experience has helped them to come out with a little more of the team game they need.
I’m still waiting for some magic from the third line, and there’s an awful lot more hockey to go, but it’s beginning to look a little more like Christmas.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Great Game From Fleury
Fleury looked like Fleury from last year. There were a few plays there that I thought were sure-thing goals … even watching the highlights I am confused about how Ottawa didn’t score …
Just a marvelous game from The Flower. I hope that he is truly returning to playoff form.
Also, it was great to see Billy G make Brian Elliot look silly. The cagey vet teaches a lesson to the playoff rookie.
Team Potential
the pens played well the last two games but they still haven’t played their game for a full sixty yet, which ought to scare the hell out of the rest of the eastern conference. they are playing successful, tough playoff hockey and getting results now and still have room to improve… crazy how good this team can be
my my, hey hey rock 'n roll is here to stay...
by Jordan O.T.eopold on Apr 19, 2010 2:57 AM EDT reply actions
Ya,but how's "Jaspers Rink" taking this?
Sorry,I just can’t help kicking kittens when they’re down…..Anyways,it was nice to see Poni-boy have a nice outing,hope for more of the same down the stretch. A word to the wise-Geno,it’s fine if you wanna mix it up in a scrum,but,when the dudes number is 25,skate away….
Nice Job Pens
it bears mentioning that other high-seeded teams, such as the Devils and Sharks are in 2-1 holes. Ottawa’s giving us a good run, but hopefully the Sens don’t tie things at 2 games apiece. Keep up the good work, Sid and Evgeni!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 19, 2010 3:32 AM EDT reply actions
Fluery
The flower played better in the last two games but still looks to me to be fighting the puck or something, but since I bashed him I will give him some praise but the whole team stepped it up. Remember it takes 4 so this next game is huge for this series. Sid just keeps amazing me every night and year after year getting better and stronger. We pens fans are truly lucky to have the talent we have and have had in the past.. What a treat to watch these guys night in and night out.
Go Pens !!
Best performance in .....
calendar 2010. You can read my take here: http://dt970sports.blogspot.com/ Great forechecking, big guys scored timely goals and able to go north-south. Tuesday we’ll find out if the “switch” is on.
Ya know, you can put your site in your signature. That way it doesn’t always look like you’re pimping your stuff. It’s a bit more subtle that way.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
by FrankD on Apr 19, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Great win for the Pens
Crosby and Malkin looked great as we expect them too but guys like Poni, Adams, Guerin, and McKee (to name a few) looked really good. Is this the same Craig Adams that was on the team during the regular season? I never really noticed him all that much but he really does do some of the little things really well.
How about Jay McKee? I was expecting a bit of a drop off but there really wasn’t one. It kind of makes me wonder why McKee doesn’t play over Eaton. Sure, he may not move the puck real well but he seems like a reliable defensive d-man which is what we need. He’s a good shot blocker, and he doesn’t seem to try and lay down at the completely wrong times (Eaton).
A really great all-around effort from the guys last night. If we keep up this level of play, we will go far. My favourite moment of last night’s game was Billy G’s breakaway goal. It was great to see him convert on a golden chance like that and silence the ’he’s too old’ crowd.
Why are there so many ostriches?
That’s what I love about the playoffs. You see these players who are oft-maligned in the regular season, and they step it up in the playoffs –
Letang with the game 2 winner
Poni starts the scoring in game 3
Guerin with a very important goal to build the lead to 3
McKee steps in and we don’t miss a beat
Craig F. Adams getting a goal and playing like a pk beast
The way it looks to me, the team is playing really well and our 3rd line will get their crap together and start being a force again. When that happens, we can beat anybody.
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 19, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
That was a good moment. My favourite moment had to be when Eaton stepped up and wouldn’t let Ruutuu go after Letang. That move where he wouldn’t let go of Ruutuu’s jersey made me smile :)
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
good game
The Pens looked really cool, calm and collected… a whole game they didn’t even make me scream in front of the monitor (okay, may be once or twice… but it’s nothing:)
Agree with most of the opinions shared, that it was one of the best games of the year (especially the calendar year). Talbot and Adams have really showed they’re clutch performers, way to go!
And I don’t know if there’s a switch to be flipped… but it seemed to me McKee was playing with an edge he lacked throughout the regular season. He definitely found the “physical play ON” button… surprised he got credited with only one hit.
You have to see it for yourself...
Right, maybe it's more like a dial than a switch
14 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 19, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I had predicted that the heroes would be MAF and Geno. But what is developing now is that they are “finding their playoff groove” if you will. The big guns do the great plays, and the other team guys are starting to relax and concentrate on what they do best with attention to detail. Max is bringing up his game, and I thought he played a great game last night. Staal also played a great game, but he needs to work on faceoffs to round up his great talent. Need to keep cool and keep playing like this. Kudos to Tanger took the beating to make the play and did not retaliate. One request for the Sens, as pointed out on Hooks excellent recap, KEEP SUTTON ON THE ICE>
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on PensBurgh
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Tuesday’s Three Stars: 4-spots for Kovalchuk, Spezza; who throws a strawberry on the ice?
- Henrik Lundqvist survives Zdeno Chara shot to back of head for save of year candidate (VIDEO)
- Red Wings set NHL record with 21 straight home wins; Steve Ott: ‘That’s a phenomenal feat’
- Puck Previews: Red Wings go for wins record; Brian Boyle hates Bruins; Ruutu out 3 weeks
- Blindside assault leads to brawl, suspensions in Austrian Hockey League (VIDEO)
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Thunderbirds end seven-game home losing streak with 4-3 SO win over Rockets
- Nabokov makes 37 saves, Parenteau scores winner as Islanders beat Jets 3-1
- Ellis' third-period goal for Predators sends Blackhawks to 9th straight loss
- Matt Needham scores in final minute as Blazers edge Oil KIngs 3-2
- Bruins-Habs on NBCSN highlights Wednesday's action
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
