Game 5 Recap: Triple your pleasure, triple your fun; Pens lose 4-3 to Sens
by Hooks Orpik on Apr 23, 2010 2:22 AM EDT
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Senators vs Penguins coverage - Senators vs Penguins recap - Senators vs Penguins boxscore - Silver Seven
Try and try and try, but the Ottawa Senators live to fight another game. The Pittsburgh Penguins showed up and gave them a run for their money, but in the end through the blood and the sweat, the Sens got a bounce and they got a win. See ya Saturday.
- Pascal Leclaire got thrown into the fire for his first start of this post-season and he came out unburned. 56 stops on 59 shots, Leclaire held the Sens in. For his part, Marc-Andre Fleury wasn't bad, but he wasn't as sharp.
- "Rest is a weapon" Pascal Dupuis said before Game 5, in reference to the Pens hopefully finishing the series off early. But it won't go like that. And this triple OT game hurts too: Sergei Gonchar played a game high 44:08, Kris Letang worked 39:02, Mark Eaton played 38:00 and 10 other Penguins played more than 22 minutes. Will this take it's toll over a long playoffs? Stay tuned.
- Three Penguins got 8 shots -- Bill Guerin, Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby -- but they only got one goal out of it (Crosby's). Putting shots to the net is never a bad idea come postseason time, but beating the goalie helps too.
- Staal, who's been poor on faceoffs this series won 65% of his 20 draws. Crosby, as he's ought to do, won 23 of his 39 (59%). Evgeni Malkin and Maxime Talbot were losers in the circle but Pittsburgh still took a slight 51% edge on the draws on the night.
- Matt Cooke is seen in Pittsburgh as the Jarkko Ruutu replacement, but on this night the original was better: Ruuts went 1g, 1a, 6 shots, 7 hits and 4 blocked shots, more than holding his own to keep his team in it. Cooke had 2 shots, 9 hits, no points and was a -2 on the night. Advantage: original pest.
- Anton Volchenkov is known as the King of the blocked shots amongst fans who like to track that stat and tonight he was in fine form, blocking 11 shots, more than any player on any team even attempted. For his part "Mr. Carrie Underwood", err Mike Fisher got a goal, an assist and 10 hits. He was great as well.
- Malkin had a game high 15 attempted shots on goal (6 on target) and while he had two assists, he wasn't able to raise his game up to the level to win the game for the Pens in the 3rd period. Or overtime. Or double overtime. Or triple overtime. But that's OK, like the Sens, Geno will live to skate another day.
And that's what it came down to. The Sens had to answer the bell, on the road, and they eventually did. There was disallowed goals, bodies flying everywhere, hits a plenty, and they had enough to live to fight another day.
Rest is a weapon, and the Penguins won't be fortunate enough to get much of it. Ottawa is a game opponent, and going back for Game 6, they're not going to go quiet into the night. With the receipe the Pens have used the past two years: a good forecheck, nice defense and timely saves, they can go a perfect 3 for 3 in Canada's capital. But it's going to take effort and hard work to put these guys away.
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Where were the hits?
Am I the only one that thought the Pens stopped hitting they way they had the past three games? The gave the Sens way too much space, especially on the winner. I realize they were probably tired, but Gonchar & Orpick basically gave the zone to Alfredsson before he found Carkner.
I know Jay McKee is solid at blocking shots, but he looked like he was stuck in cement tonight. He got worked on the Sens second goal and everytime he touched the puck I was worried.
That said, things aren’t too bad. The Pens closed out every series on the road last year, so why not keep that going this season? I don’t think Leclaire is going to keep this up for two more games, so I remain confident of a(n eventual) Pens victory.
by ajwilson55 on Apr 23, 2010 2:50 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
From the start of the game the Pens were not hitting Ottawa’s D at all. The Pens werent finishing their checks, and Ottawas defense were getting an easy breakout. This was the Pens team from game 1. I dont get it.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Disappointing Loss
but give the Sens credit
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 23, 2010 3:08 AM EDT reply actions
Very disappointing loss. But, other than the first 10 to 12 minutes, I thought the Pens played well, as did the Sens. Leclair was excellent and the difference in this game. Yes, the Pens made mistakes, but I thought they forced the play. McKee is certainly slower than the rest of the Pens defence, and gets caught more, but he made some excellent defensive plays, too. I would like to have seen Malkin a bit sharper. His puckhandling seemed off, though overall he was okay. Feds had some good plays, but that turnover on Ottawa’s tying goal in regulation was very frustrating. Ottawa pushed back and got the bounce that won the game. We need to get the next one. In terms of rest, as I said last night, I was very worried about the potential for 7 to 10 days off for the Pens. Anything more than a couple of days off during the season meant that the Pens came back rested but sluggish and then played a bad game. I want rest, but a shorter rest, like after winning on Saturday :) , seems better to me…..though incredibly more stressful of course. Go Pens. I can’t take more than game 6.
Malkin was dogging it last night, even before over time.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 7:18 AM EDT up reply actions
by the 3rd over time ill cut him some slack, he was coasting the first 3 periods too.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
He was significantly slower than the others on the ice. Conditioning has been an issue with him since he came to Pittsburgh.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
Especially this late in the season. That was the story two postseasons ago as well
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Well … two postseasons ago he was sick for the entire Finals run.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Tenks.
Managed to be a -2…
Avalanche fan stuck in Penguin territory.
by Richard R on Apr 23, 2010 7:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
thats why hes been in street clothes this series.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I was hoping that he’d have the healthier set of legs to take the Pens through 3 OTs. I was also hoping he’d lend some of that solid forechecking he was known for (in a past life?) to the Pens’ attack as well, but I was sorely mistaken.
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I thinks Feds’ playoff magic might have disappeared.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
He never had playoff magic in the first place. Everything he’s done in the postseason up to this point was well within his career norms. 14 points in 22 games in that TBL Cup year isn’t that far off from the 0.45 points per game in the regular season.
It’s largely hooey, basically.
They gave his overall playoff numbers on the radio before the game yesterday and they were over a point per game.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
31 points in 79 games? It’s actually worse than his regular season numbers. Going by his reputation, you’d never think that.
I think most people remember his two 14-point performances on the way to winning Cups.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, in 22 and 24 games, respectively, not that far off his career rates.
What I’m saying is that he’s never really been a top 6 quality guy, but he got his contracts based on scoring in the final game of a Stanley Cup run that gave him a reputation he doesn’t even come close to deserving. Seriously.
GPG regular season = 0.22
GPG playoffs total = 0.25
GPG SC runs = 0.41
PPG regular season = 0.45
PPG playoffs = 0.39
PPG SC runs = 0.61
So…he played better than he usually does on teams that played better than most teams do. Great. Who wouldn’t?
Agreed.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember an interview with him last year where someone was asking him about his ‘extra gear’ in the playoffs. He said something like “Of course I like playoff hockey better. It’s a lot easier to get excited about the games when they mean something. In the regular season it’s not as fun.”
That’s a total paraphrase, but the point is that he basically said that he doesn’t really try until the post-season. Lots of players kick it up a notch in the playoffs, but Feds seems to approach it differently by kicking it down a notch during the regular season.
Maybe I’m not being fair to him, and I certainly couldn’t play hockey as well as him, but it’s a little frustrating, to say the least.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I think 95% of the players would give you a similar answer. I don’t think it’s indicative that he doesn’t try during the season. Remember, he broke his hand on Colby Armstrong’s face during the regular season, and I don’t think that’s because he wasn’t trying.
I don’t know. There was something about the way he said it, and the turn of phrase that he used. It was all backwards and inside out.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
He’s not exactly a master of the english language so his inflection and meaning could very possibly be confused. I think I heard him say something similar yesterday on the radio and I forget what he said exactly but some of the words didn’t really fit with what he was saying.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
I know all of this, and I (do my best to) take it into account. But even with all of that, he left me with a bad impression. Or at least a disturbing one, that made me care less about having him on our team. I just have this “Okay, whatever” attitude toward him as a result.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I miss TK: patience in the offensive zone, busts his ass on backchecks, and takes no crap from anyone.
Fedotenko: “is Malkin on the ice with me?”
I noticed a few times last night when Staal would have the puck and driving for the net that Feds would get in his way, preventing Jordan from making any moves or giving him a chance to pass the puck. Not sure if that’s because he isn’t used to playing with Staal, but I sure hope Kennedy heals quickly.
He also screwed up a possibly wonderful, game-winning play when he charged the net with Staal, but was past the net by the time Staal was able to pass it to him. He was practically on top of Staal, which seems to me like an odd way to play hockey!
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
He was practically on top of Staal
Um, er, uh….maybe I shouldn’t say it.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m classier than THAT. i might not actually SAY it…but…
y’all are too wonderful to me. thanks for dealin’ with me and my inane j-staal/sidney lovin’.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on Apr 23, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Let your inner 12 year old out. It’s all the rage!
Besides, if you start there, then we can move right on to Orpik and whatsisname with their rough and tumble behind the cage … I don’t know who ended up on top, but …
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I’m not one to complain about the refs very much, but my god. Last night was some of the worst I’ve ever seen. If the Pens would have won that game the conspiracy theories would have increased 10 fold. Pens got some gift calls last night.
I’m glad to hear a Pens fan finally admit it. Wasn’t like 15 straight games that Was played Pit and had no advantage in PP was convincing anyone. Funny thing is that for some ODD reason the refs seem to be favoring WAS in their current series. Fear not Pens fan, the league will find someway to have us meet in the ECF this year. I think they are signing Tim Donaghy to a 10 day contract. :)
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 8:03 AM EDT up reply actions
i cant really speak for the calls during the Pens and Caps game cuz I dont remember any of them. I’m not saying that the refs were helping the Pens, but that was a first time I was watching a game and just said wow, that call is going to cause some drama.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Watching him stumble on ice trying to fix a game would be hilarious.
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Come on get over conspiracy. If you think every bad call is a conspiracy, better stop watching any game because all of them have them.
100 percent agree. And normally I don’t care. I think it’s fishy though when one team plays another 15 times and not 1 game does the team that has won the majority of the games have a PP advantage.(10-2-3) But i am never going to convince a Pen’s fan of that so I would not try and persist any further. I know that bad calls and missed calls go both ways. Statiscally , though, it’s a huge anomoly.
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
So Ovechkin and his head shots are legit? How about how he magically gets his leg out to get a nice knee on knee.
Oh wait he’s to busy spraying snow on little kids to worry about playing clean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEajRuKGm5Q
I retract my statement about the head shots because he actually hasn’t hit anybody in the head. He’s just tall and it seems like he checks high and very close to the head.
He’s just reckless at times. I admire the guy because it’s obvious how badly he wants to win. So badly that he just doesn’t think about the consequences sometimes. Not to bring up the whole 8-87 comparison, but Sid’s habit of taking stupid penalties when he’s frustrated is an example. I gotta give props to both players: Sid doesn’t get rattled nearly as often as he did in season past (almost never now) and Ovi seemed to really learn his lesson after his second suspension.
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
Something I’m sure Chara has to deal with on a regular basis as well. I’ve often wondered, without an interest in doing the research, how many elbowing calls Chara has received in his career compared to the average defenseman.
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He is very aggressive, but he plays lost if he does not play that way. His size and strength work against him when he hits people. I did not like the hit on Campbell, or Briere back in 06 i think. I always question the knee on knee stuff because have you ever tried to hit someone’s knee with your own knee?? That shit hurts really bad. Some things he takes heat for he would not take heat for if he were not who he was. I have to believe if Tyler Sloan sprayed water on a kid, no one would care. I do question if this stuff is just to stir up trouble a bit or he is just a bit aloof. I know that he always skates to the bench like that and comes out real fast like that. Kind of like Lebron throwing up the powder in the air, it’s his “thing”. I wonder if powder got in some kids eye, if Lebron would take this much heat, lol? He loves to stir the pot, but i think he is getting the message…
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
lifetime caps fan
Just my opinion, which probably isn’t worth much, but I find it in incredibly poor taste for you to come on here after a game like last night and use this forum to complain about officiating in past Pens-Caps games.
genomachine only said that if the Pens had won, then conspiracies theories may have increased. There was no mention that he actually believed these theories. Can’t you save this for a potential Pens-Caps series, which is at least two rounds away if it happens at all?
13 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I was not speaking as to the game or rubbing in the loss. I am sure the Pens will win tomorrow. I just noticed someone from Pit , which is rare, stating that the refs did favor them. You are taking it a little too hard. Somehow that evolved into discussion about head shots and Ovie spraying water. Pit deserved to win the series because they played better. I noticed last year in talking with some Pens fans that as soon as you lose a game, you think the season is over. Which is ironic because it is us who should always feel that way. Deep breath, was not criticizing pens or pens fans. Just making an observation to a comment i read, and i rarely comment on here if ever. The worst game though was the super bowl sunday game. And if you want to bring up knee on knee, how about the headshot by Kunitz in game 2 last year to Varly and then the headshot to Theo on SBS as well—both unpenalized. Ovie was boarded and when Knuble stuck up for him, the Pens got a pp and we got 17 min in penalty. Adams did not get in trouble. I am on the side that Ovie should calm down a bit and has and i think Sid is a better all around player. Sometimes he is treated unfairly, where Sid can do no wrong. I just call them like I see them, not with red white and blue colored glasses. And considering the antics of Cooke, I don’t think anyone in yellow and black should throw stones, if you know what I mean. Fedotenko was taking some runs at guys last night as well. It’s hockey, it happens. Just enjoying the games. Good luck. We will see you in 3 weeks. Book it.
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s just a sore day is all. I’m sure PensAreYourDaddy, much like myself, just wanted the series to end regardless of ref criticism/favors, as they may be. Disinterested in either team as I may be, I also watched some of the Devils/Flyers game last night and was really surprised and how much they were letting both teams get away with, but then what they deemed a penalty. But much like any regular season game, reffing will always be spotty. It happens in the playoffs too. The only thing is a penalty in the playoffs carries way more weight.
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Good points. Yeah, i was shocked Pit did not win. They have kicked it up a notch in the playoffs, and looked really good. A bounce here or there and series is over. Going to game 5 tonight in DC and hoping to avoid the same fate as you guys. I really really believe that both Pit and Was are the class of the east and it’s an inevitable collision, but , just like us, I am sure the last thing you wanted to do was head back to Canada, if for nothing else to get some rest. If Caps lose tonight, they have to sit for 3 days and wait till Monday. And then the blowing 2 game leads talk will really ramp up over the weekend. Playoff hockey is fun—but stressful as hell. Pens close it out tomorrow. Caps should tonight. Will prob require OT. Caps may have caught a break with Gagne and Carter out for the series, and I cannot see Pit losing to Boston.
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Just to clarify
I’m not concerned about the loss. I just thought it was an epic game, and it seemed like you saw an opening so you jumped on the opportunity to rehash Pens-Caps officiating. Maybe it’s because I spend enough time at the Rink that I feel like I’ve heard way too much about this already, or maybe it’s that I got home from Pittsburgh at 4am and had to be at work at 7, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. I just didn’t see the need for it, and now as a result I am seeing way too much discussion about Ovechkin when we should be discussing the aftermath of the 2nd longest game in Mellon Arena history. Whatever.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I get it. Wasn’t intentional. Caps don’t have much room to trash talk, at least not here. And the late nights—-been there done that…WAY TOO MUCH.. always with the sad puppy dog look on my face on the train home. You will be much happier tomorrow. Sid won’t let them lose .
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re a champion in my eyes. Way to man up for the work day.
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Have you ever thought that the number of PPs that the Pens are drawing has to do with the way they play? DB’s agressive style (and I’m not talking about the Caps go down the wing, toe drag, and shoot style) of cycling in the puck in the offensive zone can’t lower the number of PPs the Pens draw. When the puck is cycled well, it basically wears down the opposition making them more likely to obstruct their opponents illegally.
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 23, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
80-90 percent of those PP’s Pit got were deserved. And they earned them. The statistical anomoly and blown obvious ones was more of what i was referring to. Like i said, the Pens really forechecked the hell out of the Caps in games 3-7. And we blew our chances early in game 7. Was a bit weird that not one penalty was called on Pit in game 7, 4 on us though. Even a gift call late in the 3rd would have been nice :)
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
A ‘gift call’ would be ridiculous — even more so in a game 7. Last year I heard a lot of complaints about the penalty biases for both the Pens and the Red Wings. But the truth is that both teams were good at drawing penalties, as well as good at avoiding them. On top of this, the number of penalties taken during the Finals was pretty low, which kind of supports the theory that the teams just didn’t take penalties — not that the officiating was biased. Disciplined hockey is a huge part of most Stanley Cup championship teams.
Generally, during the playoffs, I get annoyed with the officiating, but usually find it fairly consistent. There have been some bad/missed calls, but we can point to bad/missed calls on both sides. Part of the game is for the players to figure out how the refs are calling the game, and then to walk that line accordingly.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Specific examples?
13 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
One was when Letang took out Cullen (I think it was Cullen) on a partial break, which was identical to a penalty Chris Phillips took earlier in the game. Neither of them got the puck first, both of them tripped the opposing player, both should have gotten tripping penalties. But only Phillips did.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 23, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Being the same call does not make them identical. At first glance it looked like Letang got the puck. Not an easy call.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
Yeah and the Phillips one was obvious. Staal had the puck and his stick on his right side; Phillips came sliding in on his left side….guess what he hit first?
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
How do you guys feel about the net-off-its-posts goal?
I’m still not sold on it being turned over. My reason isn’t that the net was still off, it was certainly on, but the ref though it was off, so he blew the play dead. Shouldn’t have been reviewable, in my opinion, but I’m glad it became a non-issue.
Great game, all in all. Especially once we got to overtime, and they let the teams play.
by Peter Raaymakers on Apr 23, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Ive seen the RedWings get screwed on the “intent to blow” a ridiculous amount of times this year, I thought for sure thats what was going to happen. I’m glad it worked out, as far as whether it was right or not, I’m not sure what the rule is.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Me too. Then I realized that the ref hadn’t blown the whistle because the puck was covered, he blew the whistle because he thought the net was off and, therefore, the goal shouldn’t of counted.
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
Right – the puck was in before the whistle — this was pretty clear from the replay. So they weren’t reviewing the timing of the whistle.
The Penguins deserved the goal, since it was scored before the whistle with the net on — so I’m happy with the call because it was the right call.
Just think, though, if they had screwed it up we all could have gone to bed 2 hours earlier with the same outcome…
I know what they were reviewing. Before they reviewed it I thought it was going to be an intent to blow controversy. where it doesnt matter if the puck goes in before the whistle or not the ref could rule it no goal.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What about the Pens disallowed goal?
I haven’t been able to watch the game yet, but from what I saw on the jumbotron, and what was said on the Pens radio postgame show, it didn’t look like Kunitz deflected Gonchar’s shot but rather it went off an Ottawa player.
Were the replays on tv pretty conclusive that Kunitz deflected it?
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok, thanks for the info. It’s just strange because Grover seemed so certain.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah? Who hit it first?
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever Senator was standing there. Then Kunitz’s stick. Like RCheli, I’m not sure if it matters or not, though.
Gotcha, and to you RCheli. I thought maybe if it was high-sticked but then went off a Sen it might cancel it out.
Thanks!
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Net-off-its-moorings is reviewable. Intent-to-blow-whistle is not.
Since the ref was blowing the whistle as a result of the net being off its moorings, not because he deemed the puck covered/dead, it was a reviewable play. And the right call was made (imo).
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Bingo!
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the worst was when Brooks Orpik got cut by the helmet of the Sens player because Fleury shoved him into him with a cross check. The stick did hit Orpik prior so it should have been 2 for each guy, but talk about a gift pp. There was also another guy hauled down on a semi break in later and the puck was not touched first, which would be a penalty, and even the announcers got it wrong. Forgive me for not remembering the players name. Too many late nights watching hockey. Overall though they did call alot of things rather than pocket the whistle , which was good to see.
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 8:08 AM EDT reply actions
I think the worst in the series was when Cooke got a penalty for getting punched in the face and not dropping the gloves. Yeah, I guess the refs wanted to get Cooke off the ice so Sid could have more time, huh?
On the second call you mention, that was really close. I could see the refs honestly missing that one at full speed.
They called a ton of penalties until the second overtime. Then they swallowed the whistles. Which is very frustrating to me. They should call the same game all the way through.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
I noticed that as well. It is maddening. They should just call by the book and live with it, and pay no attention to how many penalties or how many in a row were called before. But they won’t. It’s stupid because they will call holding or offsides or tripping late in an NFL game, but not so much in hockey.
by lifetime caps fan on Apr 23, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
First of all, people have got to get over this conspiracy crap.
The Orpik call was pretty bad, but they also called MAF on the same play for roughing. Then, about 4 seconds into the Pens abbreviated PP, the refs called Staal for goaltender inference. Yeah, he ran into the goaltender, but the snow shower he created trying to stop was pretty considerable; obviously a makeup call.
The Letang call was a good non-call. I thought he got to the puck first and even if he didn’t, it was close enough real speed for the ref to let it go. Besides, by that time the ref had already put their whistles away. Seems like both teams would only get called for trying to get away with murder after the first OT; the refs refused to affect the outcome of the game, which was a little upsetting for both sides considering the way they called it for 4 periods.
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
Poor PK again. Lousy first ten minutes of the game, good goaltending by Laclaire and good hustle by the Sens. That’s why the won the game. You have to give them credit, they took advantage of the chances they created. Ill advised penalties by some Pens (i.e. Poni)
Poor PK? Ottawa scored on their first power play chance, but were shut down after that, including some huge kills in overtime. I heard on the postgame show they went 1-for-6.
13 wins to gol
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
And I’m pretty sure Ottawa had two chances with the man advantage in OT as well.
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I think the lack of effort in the first 10 minutes killed the Pens. Leclair did stand on his head to make alot of saves, but the Pens got lucky in the first OT because they came out the same way they came out in the first period. They just need to stop talking in the paper and just do it, because the Sens did that and guess what they won the game.
Agree with the first part completely but, frankly, the Sens were out classed most of this game. If Leclaire didn’t have the game of his life, the Pens would’ve won this game in regulation. If anybody needs to stop talking, it’s the Sens. The way they have been making excuses about the calls being made (especially Clouston), instead of their bad play is unacceptable. The refs are human and can only do their best; sometimes their best isn’t as consistent as some would like (including me). That’s playoff hockey – get over it. Honestly, I think the Pens have been saying all the right things. The media had a freak out after we lost game one but, judging by the quotes coming out the the locker room, the Pens were calm and it showed in the following three games.
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
Digging a hole early doesn’t help one bit. And while rallying back to take the lead can definitely help, that tying goal from the other team is just deflating.
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Malkin needs to be better
Most of his production has come on the PP, which is great, but with Ottawa focusing ALL its best defensive talent (blueliners AND forwards) on Crosby and his line, when Malkin is out there against inferior defenders he needs to do more. MUCH more.
I thought Malkin played really well last night. His play on Sid’s goal last night was great. Just about every other player would’ve started hacking away at Leclaire with the puck laying uncovered in the crease like that, but Geno somehow sees Sid coming behind him (maybe Sid called for it) and made a great pass to him for the goal.
One thing I didn’t like was his shift length, he seemed to stay on too long at times. I’ve been critical of him doing that in the past but it’s different when you play nearly 50 extra minutes in the playoffs, compared to only five in the regular season. I thought his fatigue showed in the OT periods. I also didn’t like that he tried to carry the mail tonight; he’s a great player, so he can get away with it but the Sens just crowed him because he refused to pass it once he got it into their zone.
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 agree
malkin did take some really long shifts which may have cost us in the end but its too obligitory to tell. staal was an absolute beast as well. the pens just didnt get the bounces last night. great game by both teams really.
" Lord Stanley, scratch thier names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009
by oldtimehockey09 on Apr 23, 2010 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions
wow, long game. this is what I love about playoff hockey, the 2,3 4 OT games
I think it is the most exciting playoff game possible.
heh, like I said yesterday, I watched each period in a different location. The game spanned 4 hrs and 20 minutes, roughly 90 minutes longer than the NFL Draft.
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Crowd?
Where was the six man last night? The crowd was hardly into the game at all. It was kind of upsetting to see and hear because it made it seem like the fans just assumed we were coming out with the W.
Oh, and I’m still shocked that they have the first Pens goal as Tanger from Guerin and Geno…I thought it was obvious that Guerin whiffed on that shot.
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
guerin did whiff on the shot, but it partially went off his stick (he did touch it)….before Letang grabbed it and scored..
Just saw this on the NHL links at the side of the page.
Sid was awarded the assist…giving him 14 points. Wow.
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
The crowd
Is that the way it seemed on tv? The crowd was pretty awesome, I thought. Except for the jerk next to me who thought he could help the team by screaming at Bylsma and the team through the crack in the glass.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
The crowd sounded like it was the regular season, Pens going through the motions and the grind of the regular season….at least that’s the way it sounded on VS (don’t know how it sounded on FSN or in person). I guess it’s just because they weren’t playoff loud. Sid’s goal practically blew the roof off the place, but before and after Regin scored they just seemed a little disinterested. Maybe they were just matching the way the Pens played in the first.
I guess my point is that the crowd, in the playoffs, is supposed to provide that boost for the home team; in my opinion, the Mellon didn’t provide that last night.
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’ll stop defending them. There were definitely times in OT where the crowd kind of woke up and remembered oh yeah, we’re supposed to be cheering.
I think Mellon is hurt somewhat by the Igloo seats. They’re the most expensive and are, of course, in prime blue line to blue line locations, but the folks that sit there just aren’t as loud as the other fans, in my experience. So you get lots of noise coming from the ends, and sometimes this big silence in the middle.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
This happens in a lot of arenas. Leafs games are terrible because all the ‘Igloo’ seats are bought out by corporations. Three quarters of the people with those seats are doing business at the bar rather than watching the game.
Colour me unimpressed.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Col…what? What’s that word?
Did you mean “color?”
/think I do to all my Canadian friends
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/thing all my American friends do to me.
And it’s “zed”.
:)
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
Who is Zed?
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s a hoser in a toque, eh. You can find him oot and aboot most days, when he’s not busy repairing his snowshoes. The trouble is, with his monopoly-like queen-on-his-money bills, he has a hard time paying for the supplies he needs.
But we like him.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
The ACC just needs some playoff hockey and that place will rock once again. No one gives a shit because the team has been brutal
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Apr 23, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
How many tired, cranky people are here today? ;-)
All the “casket game” stuff yesterday morning made me a little sick and a lot superstitious. I figured the Sens would come in either really pumped to prove the legions of doubters or really stupid in ways that would injure yet another Penguin. I’m glad it was the former, given the choice.
I don’t think the Senators have another game like this in them. Desire and adrenaline can do a lot, as we saw late into last night, but it can’t do everything. I see problems with the Penguins, the same problems others here are seeing. But I see more with the Senators.
Let’s see the Pens finish this Saturday!
"Darling, you say Brooks Orpik 'checked' that guy. He did not 'get under him and put him into the wall'."--Beloved to me, Winter 2007
Cocktails With the Penguins, where Pens fans toast victories and drown defeats.
I’m always tired and cranky. Today is no exception.
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haha – I went to bed around 11:30. Figured if they won I would start the weekend off really happy and if they didn’t I wouldn’t be bone tired and bummed out. Just bummed
I crashed around 1ish. I’m not as tired as I thought I’d be right now. But I imagine it will sneak up in about another hour or so.
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Definitely tired and cranky
And I apologize in advance for anything that I may say on here today.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
bummer of a loss...but
we’ll bounce back.
Pens played good enough to win BUT…..you have to give Leclaire some credit
pens carried the play in regulation after the1st OTT goals but the OT sessions, the Sens were the better team…
and as far as the crowd…I don’t know how anyone can say they were not in it. my ears are still ringing….
the loss sucks, but it ain’t game seven. aside from that horrific first period, we played well. leclaire was on fire. period. but remember, he’s a backup. he’s not supposed to have nights like this. he probably used his “be the next great goalie” card last night. and you only get one of ‘em. we’ll get ottawa. not even worried. i got faith in all of ’em. even that marc-andre fleury guy. got a lot of faith in him. and yes, if you start saying how awful he is, i will fight you. not with words, but i will punch you in the jaw.
go pens.
(disclaimer: no idea if this makes sense. i haven’t had coffee yet. it’s been a long day.)
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
as much as I’d love to see it, I doubt that will happen. At this point it would seem like there are a few guys on the taxi squad already that would probably get to play before him.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure which forwards if any are up. I was just thinking a guy like Letestu or Johnson, having played some games this year, might get the call before Tangradi. You never know though. I’d sure love to see ET in the game.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
The Pens threw nearly 60 shots on net, had 40-some blocked, and another 30 missed the net. The outplayed the Sens for periods 2 and 3 and for long stretches in the overtimes.
I would not be worried about this team. The Senators had a really nice night from Leclaire and I don’t see it happening again.
I wouldnt worry about it either. With the depleted lineup the Sens have at this point, I would say that was probably their best game and one of the Pens worst.
by genomachine-O on Apr 23, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think it was one of the Pens’ worst. The Sens gave them a run for their money, and won. Yes, the Pens can ramp it up another notch or two, but the Sens certainly gave everyone a reason to respect them last night.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
No no no you’re looking at this all wrong. Ottawa didn’t block 40 shots. Pittsburgh shot 40 or so shots INTO Ottawa’s players. It’s a strategy, much like how Rocky Marciano would fight 14 rounds by punching his opponent as hard as he could in the arms so that my the 15th round his opponent couldn’t even raise his arms to block. Then, he’d destroy them.
Use that analogy for G6 and we’re golden.
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Being outside Pittsburgh, I have to watch the games on Versus, but they made a comment during the third period when they showed how many more shots were blocked by Ottawa compared with the Pens, but it’s a bit of a misnomer. I mean, at the time, the Pens had 32 shots on net compared with 16 for the Sens. Between double the shots and all those blocked shots, it just meant that the Penguins were overpowering and Ottawa was scrambling to block everything in sight.
Hey all, I’ve had some thoughts in my head that I’d like to use to get some discussion rolling…
-I thought MAF had his best game of the series. I really thought he was exceptionally sharp out there; he’s the sole reason we made it to the third overtime. On the other hand, I did not think Leclaire was amazing. I thought he was solid, but it would be a stretch (and incorrect, IMO) to say we challenged Leclaire at all. I thought we had little sustained pressure, and most of our shots were from bad angles.
-We pay Staal and Malkin 13 million dollars. That’s almost 25% of our entire salary for the team. Their combined stats for this postseason in five games: 5g, 3a, -3 (Staal is a -5), and 6 PIM. These two simply have to be better. They’re a big reason we haven’t closed out the series yet.
They were shooting right at Leclaire all game, right at his chest. I don’t get it.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Look, he played well. The majority of all hockey shots are right in the chest because the goalies tend to move to that position. It’s not easy to score goals.
by RCheli on Apr 23, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not taking away that he played well, he did. He shut us down. I was just saying there were a lot of times I saw that our boys shot directly at him instead of trying to get a corner or something. Maybe it was just my nerves getting the best of me though.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little concerned, and I’m certainly bummed out today, but I’m still confident the Pens will take the series. Why?
- The Pens have been here before. After going up 3-1 on Philly in the opening round last year, the Pens laid a 3-0 egg at home in game 5. They then faced a three goal deficit in game 6 in Philly before Max shhed the city. The Pens were also up 3-2 on Washington, and lost in overtime, at home, in game six to force a deciding game 7 on the road, which of course they won.
- The Pens have Sidney Crosby. Sid hasn’t lost anything of importance in nearly two years.
Go Pens!
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
- The Pens have Sidney Crosby. Sid hasn’t lost anything of importance in nearly two years.
The problem is hockey is a team game. Don’t get me wrong, Sid is amazing and all but the Pens pride is having three lines that give the opposition hell. Our depth is the sole reason we won the Cup last year.
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 agree
but I think it’d be foolish to bet against a team that has Sidney Crosby, especially when said team has a 3-2 series lead. And depth is great (and a big reason why the Pens aren’t winning right now – the third line is being outplayed), but I think winning the cup came down to Fleury last year. You trade him for Varlamov, or for Osgood, and the Pens don’t win either the Washington or the Detroit series.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Oh yeah…just about any team would pay $12 million a year for a guy to have 14 pts in 5 playoff games (you listening Kovalchuk?). Sid is the reason we have three chances (two more to go) to clinch a spot in the second round, his play in game 2 seemed to really motivate the guys.
Flower was amazing last playoffs but if we didn’t have all this scoring depth there’s no way we would’ve won. I don’t care how effing awesome you are, you’re going to let goals go by. That’s what makes the goaltender position so difficult – you’re destined to fail. But yes, Flower was huge for us…Secret Service Save anyone?
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
unfortunate
its not unfortunate that the pens lost, i mean it is just not the subject of my pending rant.
The officiating was so horrid that in an effort to not be the deciding factor in the game, they were in my opinion the talk of the game, as noted from some of the comments above. seriously those clowns couldn’t get a call right if thier life deppended on it. theres a lot of angles i could have gone with that, but in the intrest of deceny i will leave it at that.
between the quick whistle that was for “the net coming of its moorings”, to the senators samwhich that caused opriks cut, it was pathetic. then to top things off from the second ot on there wasnt a single whistle. not on blatant trips, not on clear cut obsturction calls, nothing.
seriously ref just pocket the whistle next game, if its not bleeding its not a penalty. lord knows that if you try and make a call you’ll screw that up
" Lord Stanley, scratch thier names on your fabled cup" Mike Lange june 12, 2009
by oldtimehockey09 on Apr 23, 2010 1:41 PM EDT reply actions
I’m still really pissed about this game, just for the fact on how the Senators won on such a weak goal. Whether it was deflected or one of those goals that hit Fleury and lost all it’s juice, but still was able to squeak by a bit, if I were a ref I would have called no goal and said you boy keep playing and beat the goalie right. But Fleury did have a good game I felt.
Other than that, it was an ok game. The D took a period to warm up I thought, and yes, the refs were up and down and didn’t know what they wanted to call. And I think this showed that Feds should not be in the lineup. Sure, he put on a couple of good hits, but especially now that the Baby Pens are done with their season, call up Tangradi or someone to put a little skill as well as a body on the ice.
And please, can Mike Rupp run over this Regin guy and break his leg or something?
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
One thing I forgot. . .
What is up with these fans at the Igloo? They’re so dead. If I were able to go to a playoff game, I wouldn’t be able to talk for the next week because I would not shut up one second. Those fans were complacent last night, and it’s shameful.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Interesting idea – overtime goals must pass a worthiness test! I love it.
I can’t argue with your perception if that’s the way it looked on tv, but I thought the fans were pretty awesome.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
There were a couple of times watching the game where the Pens were about to get something cooking and I started thinking, why is it that quiet in there? Plus, halfway through the OTs they kept showing the stands and people were leaning back yawning, acting like they were at an insurance conference or something. I know it was late, but still. If you’re at a playoff game, you should be as hopped up as possible.
Next game you’re at, I want to see you streak on the ice. Get that place a jumpin.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
I never drink that much at the game.
The guy sitting next to me, however, became fascinated with the Gatorade towels used by the players, and he tried to get the equipment guy to trade him one for his rally towel. When that was unsuccessful, I seriously had to help his buddies stop him from climbing over the glass. Thank God they cut off beer sales long before then!
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Game photos are posted
Sorry to keep you waiting. I know you’re dying to see ’em ;-)
Seriously, if you’re interested in checking out my pics from the game, click here.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:44 PM EDT reply actions
Go ahead, you know you want to
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
WE ARE SUCH WINNERS.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on Apr 23, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’m nutty like that. I thought it was better than reading “my text never gets up on the board” 100 times.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
But PensAreYourDaddy, that is both ironic AND hilarious.
Seriously though, awesome work as always.
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It was funny how things went as the game went on. Like no period recap highlights going into the 2nd and 3rd overtime, and the text2screen messages were all being recycled from earlier in the game.
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice!
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
Nice recap, Hooks
You’ve been getting some doozies lately, what with the 7-4 game and now triple overtime. Keeping you on your toes, eh?
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 3:32 PM EDT reply actions
G’Afternoon gentlemen. Die hard Leafs fan here wanting to say, Kill the fucking Senators, Step on their throat, and dont let off. I cant even put into words how much I want to see Alfie and his crew of dumb dumbs get their asses handed to them
Ive been cheering for pit for a couple years now in the post season (dating back to Pit/Ott round 1 in 2008) because my leafs have been shit and you guys keep drawing ottawa in the 1st round.
Anyways, cant wait for saturday, finish the job!
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Thanks. For that sort of support we’ll let the F-bomb slide, but just keep mind in the future.
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ooh, sorry guys. PPP seems to allow it, my bad.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Apr 23, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
we appreciate it. it’s been nice seeing support from toronto. =)
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on Apr 23, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha! Sometimes my non-hockey-fan-friends around these parts say things like “losing to Ottawa wouldn’t be so bad, would it? It’s not like they’re playing Philthadelphia or anything …”. Perhaps I should print out your comment and read it to them every time they start in on how “Ottawa’s not that bad”. They really don’t understand how intensely we Leafs fans hate the Sens!
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
They are like the red headed step child of canadian hockey. A wierd mutant offspring of leaf and hab fans for a fanbase with an inferiority complex. They claim that the cups from the 1920’s ottawa sens count with the current group (which is ridiculous, the ottawa sens have 0 cups) and some are already calling Pascal Leclaire a “legend” based on his game last night. Dont even get me started on Daniel “krusty the Clown” Alfredsson, if hes not running people from behind or shooting pucks at scott neidermayer after the whistle, hes making guarantees that they will win the cup.
They are a bunch of losers and heres hoping it stays that way!
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Apr 23, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
i like toronto people. y’all are fun. can you guys stick around?
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on Apr 23, 2010 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
only until the leafs are back in the playoffs kicking your butts!
….so i might be here for a while. lol
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
by Matt_Roberts on Apr 23, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate the Senators but I like Ottawa as a city. I don’t mind the Leafs but found nothing differentiating Toronto from NYC upon my last visit. Ottawa at least had a little more of a European feel to it.
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What to do about kellyn?
I think last night was the first full game following kellyn’s unofficial conversion to Penguins fanhood. The results were not so good. Do we need to meet to discuss the situation?
;-)
13 wins to go...still.
Let's go Pens!
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 23, 2010 4:09 PM EDT reply actions
Oh, one more thing I wanted to ask
What do you guys think of Ponikarovsky? Is he someone you guys would like to see in the lineup for a full year or two?
I always liked Poni, but felt he never used his size properly and was a very streaky scorer. Still, hes a solid 20g 50pt guy whos good in front of the net.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
Most people around here don’t seem to be big Poni fans, but I think it’s largely because he hasn’t found his groove with Malkin. I like him a lot because of all the little things he does well (making plays and passes, going to the net, etc.), but I think it will take more in the way of flashes of brilliance before people start talking about keeping him around after the playoffs.
Around the trade deadline I heard a lot of Leafs fans saying that about his size, etcetera, but it hasn’t seemed like much of a problem here. Although he lays some big hits, he’s not a hitter — and if you don’t expect that from his game, then you aren’t disappointed when he doesn’t do it. I think he does use his size well when he’s in front of the net. But I would like to see him set up office there a little more often.
Then again, that can be said for most of the Pens’ lines these days. And the fact that he an Malkin haven’t really hit their stride doesn’t help: there are fewer opportunities for him to get himself set up.
Leafs fan living large in the Pitt and pretending like the drought is over. Go Pens!
I liked Poni when he played for the Leafs. I wanted the Pens to go after him this season too, so I got all I could ask for. Until he got to Pittsburgh and started to slump. However, I still think the Pens should look into re-signing him this offseason. I think all he needs is a lil time to develop a good chemistry with Malkin. After that, the rest is history.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
I know he does a lot of the little stuff in games, but then again that’s what all of our wingers do if you think about it. Kunitz, Dupuis, Talbot, Cooke, those are all guys that are able to lay hits on, forecheck, create disruption around the net, and so on and so on. What we need(ed) is a scorer. If they sign Poni in the offseason, I wouldn’t be unhappy about it, but I still think another scorere should be sought after as well, unless Staal reaches into his tool chest and pulls out his scoring skills, or if Talbot or someone re-emerges as a crazy scorer.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
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