Game 6 Recap: Cammalleri, Habs stay alive; beat Pens 4-3
by Hooks Orpik on May 10, 2010 11:32 PM EDT
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Canadiens vs Penguins coverage - Habs Eyes On The Prize
As stated in the last recap, the old cliche "backs against the wall" doesn't mean much to the Montreal Canadiens. They faced it three times in the first round, and came out of the fire unburned all three times. The same would hold true tonight on the strength of the usual suspects: Mike Cammalleri scored 2 goals (giving him a playoff high 11), Jaroslav Halak stopping 34 of 37 (and getting some help from the posts along the way).
Set it up for Game 7 at the Igloo. Winner moves on, loser has all summer to think about it.
- With Hal Gill out, Jaroslav Spacek stepped in. And wouldn't you know his shot from the point in the second put the Habs ahead 3-2, a lead they'd never give back. That's how it goes in the playoffs, isn't it?
- Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the series to get the Pens back in the game, and found a little more room to operate without Gill hounding him down. Crosby was sub-50% in the faceoff circles again, and a lot of credit to Tomas Plekanec who won 16 of 21 draws (76%) to cement himself as the best faceoff guy in the series.
- And sure Crosby got a lot of PP time (6:45) but he also played 4+ minutes than any other forward on either team.
- 14 total shots on goal for Evgeni Malkin who was looking to throw everything on net. Unfortunately only 4 shots got to Halak and he got them all. One Halak didn't get was a point-blank chance that slid to Geno who rang it off the post. Tough break.
- Jordan Staal and Sergei Gonchar also put pucks on iron with authority too. What could have been.
- The emergence of P.K. Subban continues. He lead everyone with 29:11 time played and was a +2. Impressive stuff.
- Kris Letang was on ice for three goals against (ending a -2) but had a power play goal. Such positives can't really be found with the Alex Goligoski / Jordan Leopold unit that allowed Maxime Lapierre to skate into the zone, dance around and bury a puck by Marc-Andre Fleury.
- Speaking of Fleury, no softies tonight, pretty much all the goals came from breakdowns, traffic and/or just great shots from Cammalleri. Fleury also managed to make some quality stops, it's hrd to put too much fault in him, given the situations the team in front of him put him in.
The Pens and Habs have traded wins in each of the first six games. The last four games have all been one goal games (throwing out an empty netter). It's been close. It's been tight. It's been tightly contested. There's still one more to go to settle things. It'll be in Pittsburgh, for potentially the last game ever in Mellon Arena. Ironically the Canadiens were the first ever visitors to the Igloo back in '67 and now they'll try to close the place. As always in a Game 7, the team that digs deepest will be rewaded.
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Oh please. Please. Please beat the Habs.
Leaf fans have put up with so much heartbreak already this year.
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
Like trading Ponikarovsky for a budding star in Caputi, right?
Pirates, Vikings, Hokies. I'm used to heartbreak. At least I have the Penguins....
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-The Great One
by blackjackfishtaco on May 11, 2010 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions
“Budding star” is overshooting a bit there. Caputi’s likely to become a player with similar production to Poni. Last season he had 8 points in 23 games. OK, for a rookie stepping in on a new team, but not stellar. I guess it depends on what you think a ‘star’ is.
"Defense! Defense! Common! Do you call that blowing!?"
I had a slight crush on Caputi that might have clouded my judgment.
Pirates, Vikings, Hokies. I'm used to heartbreak. At least I have the Penguins....
"When I put on my uniform, I feel I am the proudest man on earth."
-The Great One
by blackjackfishtaco on May 11, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll second the begging, though for a different reason. First I want the Pens to win, of course. Second, I really do not want the Capitals to be able to look at this series and say “told you so…not our problem…they beat you too” Ugh! That would be so painful, especially after we all gloated a bit when they lost to the lowly Habs. Admit it…we did.
Malkin
Malkin may have got many shots on net, but he played ATROCIOUSLY tonight. Very disappointed in 71.
More of the same for Geno, for the season and the playoffs. He hasn’t been right all year. The magical steals in the neutral zone are particularly, glaringly missing from his game. His timing is off, he doesn’t seem as committed or as energetic.
Inconsistency, thy name is Pittsburgh Penguins.
Geno and Letang both.
Geno just doesn’t seem to care enough on some nights (like tonight).
And Letang has been up and down throughout this series. Yeah, he’s been putting up points, but his defense would put him back in the AHL. The first goal of the night was particularly bad.
grain of salt
i think Geno was the least of their problems last night.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately, I get a bit of a feeling that the Pens took the Habs a little too lightly, too, thinking it was all about the Caps lack of play rather than the Habs play. And, Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed with Malkin in the last 1/3 to 1/2 of the game that I was able to watch. He needs to pay more attention to everyone around him in every game. Focus Geno Focus
The Caps played the same way the entire series. The Caps coaching staff couldn’t put their egos and their pride aside and get their team to play ugly hockey. Go to the net, pay the price, but score a goal. Just as I said before the playoffs, “The Caps are going to try and highlight reel their way to the Stanley Cup.” It’s a shame they were knocked out, really. Great team. That epic failure was on the coaches though. How Boudreau still has a job just shows you that the guys upstairs watching are just as bullheaded as the guys watching from the bench.
The Pens have adjusted to the Habs, and I think they’ve adjusted quite well actually. Fact of the matter is, our D let us down tonight. It wasn’t anything to do with the offensive side, we just made one too many mistakes tonight.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
by PensFan8725 on May 10, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s because Bruce Boudreau and his staff were badly out-coached by Jacques Martin and his crew, and if the Penguins do not win this series, the same can be said of Dan Bylsma.
Hmm so one game makes the difference between being badly out-coached and not being badly out-coached? Safe to say that even if we win tomorrow, DB has been badly out-coached.
I dont think theres been a coaching advantage for either team this series. when I look back im no sure theres anything i would have done different. Maybe putting Leopold back in when mcKee was playing well. Thats about it. The pens have played well for the most part, they just need to finish their chances.
by genomachine-O on May 12, 2010 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Flower was just ok tonight, but our D (especially Gogo and Tanger) was just brutal.
If I was Geno, I wouldn’t be too happy with the VS commentators calling me “the wild card” because he’s much better than that. The problem is, that’s just what’s he’s been lately. After a great game 5, he didn’t have such a good game 6. He played a little better than the stat sheet will tell you, but he still had some mental lapses. At the same time he didn’t get very good bounces (or whistles, for that matter), so I won’t rag on him too much. We have to have at least one game where the two headed monster both come to dominate. It would be nice to see that in game 7.
The whole team didn’t get good bounces (3 posts?!). Ughh, thinking about what could’ve been makes me upset.
I thought Sid played very well, but 26 minutes is just too much. DB made the mistake of giving him over 9 minutes in the 1st and his minutes elevated because of that. Despite that, he didn’t look too gassed and was creating offense all over the ice tonight. Probably had his best game of the series.
Somehow, I’ve remained fairly calm about this whole game 7 thing. I trust this team. They’ve been in this situation before. The Habs are like ticks. They’re really small compared to us, but you can never kill those bastards. Big F you to Jacques Martin and his system, by the way.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Would have been nice to see Gogo care more about Lapierre getting to the net than breaking a nail on that fourth goal. Keep at it Gogo, your vag will grow big enough in due time.
by lostprophetRJX on May 11, 2010 12:04 AM EDT reply actions
Is anyone else really happy to see
the Flyers extend their series to at least 6 games? In the event that that Pens to get past the ticks (better known as the Habs), I’m glad that either team will be coming off a tough, hard fought series.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Sharks fan here
All the Pens have to do is win the next game, and they have a golden ticket stamped for the Cup Final. I’m talking enough gold to buy a harmonica plated in gold, encrusted with diamonds, dipped in more gold, and rolled in more diamonds! For obvious reasons though, pulling for the Habs here.
"Skillet, we just spent $64,000 in that bar. So we're gonna have to get jobs to cover up the fact that we rob banks" -Mouse Fitzgerald
Game 7 of last years final was a lot easier to watch because, after being behind 2-0 and 3-2, I thought the Wings would win, so the Pens has nothing to lose. Winning the last two games was one of the most exciting surprises I ever had. This series I fully expected the Pens to win quite easily, so losing this series would be one of the most disappointing. I just hope the team can remember the way they played in games 1 and 5, and most importantly, I hope Crosby can remember how to be the offensive force he was all season. We’ll need him to offset the defense.
Fleury also managed to make some quality stops, it’s hrd to put too much fault in him, given the situations the team in front of him put him in.
The theme of our season. Sure Flower lets some easy ones in occasionally, but imagine the numbers he would have if his defense didn’t leave him out to try 10+ times a game.
Montreal has been burying every single good scoring chance in the games they have won this series. The Canadiens would have scored like 13 goals tonight with the chances the Pens had. Dupuis was stoned on (essentially) 2 breakaways. Malkin missed a (relatively) open net like 357 times. They were just squeezing it too hard tonight. I just can’t (read: don’t want to)see Montreal closing down The Civic Arena on Wednesday…so, yeah, boys…let’s take care of some business, mmkay?
by pistil_stamen on May 11, 2010 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Correction , 1 player for Montreal has been burying all the scoring chances. His name is Cammalleri, but our defensive pairings do not seem to pay attention to him when he is on the ice. Watch video of his goals, all by himself being able to place the shot.He had 2 goals last night again. I know Blysma doesn’t “shadow” players, but at least somebody should be picking him up in the zone. This guy is not Mario or Sid but we are making him look like that by giving him time.
agreed. I’d like to see Bylsma try to get Staal out there against Cammalleri. Staal hasn’t had a very good playoff, but I mean they cant just let Cammalleri run wild like he is.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s the way he had it in game 5 at home, but since Martin has the last change at home, he’s gotten Cammalleri out against Geno/Sid.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
The good news is that the 3rd line will be out against them for sure in game 7.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Yes, this should be an advantage. The habs do not have scoring depth. The Pens cannot expect to win if they allow more than 3 goals. Also for a change lets try to get the first goal.
At this point, timely goals, more than scoring depth, is what the Canadiens have relied on to win in the playoffs. And it’s worked rather well up onto this point. All the Habs have to do to win is play well defensively, rely on Halak to be as good as he has been throughout the first and second series, and capitalize on the Penguins mistakes.
Blysma doesn’t "shadow" players
Which is part of the problem, I believe. Bylsma appears unwilling to change up his defensive strategy, no matter how minutely, despite the fact that the Penguins current defensive scheme is proving ineffective against the Canadiens’ version of the neutral zone trap. I have said before that the Habs may not be as good at running their system as the New Jersey Devils during their glory days, but it’s come up big when it’s had to and has kept Montreal in the playoffs against teams many believe are better than they are.
“Penguins current defensive scheme is proving ineffective against the Canadiens’ version of the neutral zone trap”- the series is tied at 3 games a piece. If the Pens defensive scheme was that bad I dont think they would have won any games. Besides that The pens “defensive scheme” has nothing to do with the Habs playing the trap. The Pens could make a adjustments to their breakout and their entry into the offensive zone. The way the Pens play defensively doesnt really relate to what the Habs do defensively.
If the Pens dont win tonight, its not going to be Bylsmas fault….no matter how much you want it to be. He hasnt lost a playoff series, kind of hard to criticize that success.
by genomachine-O on May 12, 2010 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions
besides that how do you shadow a player when hes playing the trap? They arent really even playing a 1-2-2 its more like idk a 0-3-2. How do you shadow Cammalleri when hes just standing between blue lines? Just about everyone of his goals have come off a turnover. If the Pens quit turning the puck over they wont need to worry about shadowing him.
by genomachine-O on May 12, 2010 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Im not trying to be mean to you, I just dont want to hear the coach get blamed for the players failing to execute to this point.
by genomachine-O on May 12, 2010 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow, the negative nancies are out on force tonight.
Suck it up guys and gals, it’s the playoffs! Just cause they are the lower seed doesn’t mean that they are gonna let us win. So some bounces didn’t go our way – I can point to the other times in other games where they DID go our way.
We are the defending cup champs. Our guys have had their season on the line before, and they know how to get it done.
Buck up kiddos, everything is gonna be all right.
by Hockey Beard in SLC on May 11, 2010 1:25 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
4th Line
Yes, I put this entire loss on our defense. I could be even more specific and put it on Kris Letang, Mark Eaton and Gogo…. with that in mind …
I did not like the play of the fourth line tonight. There were two or three times where they got trapped in their own zone for way too long.
I think I’d like to see Max Talbot back in the center of that line … not that I especially want to see Poni or Tenks again.
grain of salt
if you notice every time the 4th line got stuck in their own end, it was Gogo and Leopold who were at fault there.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions
good point
they should not be on the ice as an entire unit … but Adams and Rupp needed a few more shifts
Why not throw Staal out there with those two … let them bull their way to a goal.
by Petesburgher on May 11, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
The Penguins
had better watch themselves as we know Montreal excels in these situations. I hope my Pens pull through but the Canadiens obviously have all the confidence in the world to pull off a victory. Come on guys, let’s move on!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on May 11, 2010 3:28 AM EDT reply actions
The Habs excel in these situations? What because they beat the Caps this year in game 7? I’m sorry but that’s not the same as beating Washington on the road last year in our series, or beating the Red Wings in Game 7 of the STANLEY CUP FINALS in Detroit. Nowhere even close.
Thanks
mhuff, that makes me feel better. GO PENS!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on May 11, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
No softies?
You think the first goal was a perfectly placed shot,I’m sure….I disagree,but I haven’t bathed in the glorious light that call our starting goalie….
What about GUERIN ?
Am I the only one who thins that Guerin costs us 2 goals last night ? he lost 2 pucks in the neutral zone with poor passes or attempts to pass that ended up in MAF’s net !!!
he’s got to be more agressive when he’s not in front of Halak or otherwise they shouldn’t give him the puck until he gets there !
I thought Guerin was awful in the neutral zone and at the top of the offensive zone. He did well closer to the net, but I think I saw the 2 pucks you are talking about…In fact, I believe I yelled at the TV about them. Some poor concentration on his part, I think. And, I didn’t see him coming back very well to help cover in the defensive end. I love Guerin and know he brings a lot to the team, but I do agree he cost us a bit tonight. He wasn’t the only one, obviously, with Sid being the only Pens player in the plus column and a whole lot of them in the negative, but Guerin contributed to some sloppy work.
Time to bench GoGo for McKee. He’s not contributing anything offensively and continues to make weak weak defensive decisions.
Avalanche fan stuck in Penguin territory.
it should and probably will be Leopold that comes out for McKee. Leopold has not played well at all since the concussion. That D pairing has not looked good at any point together. When Gogo is with McKee he seems more comfortable. McKee is always going to be in good defensive position. That allows Gogo to step up on plays and rush the puck, without worrying about where his d partner is.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Negative. Leo had like 4 blocked shots last night in a span of one minute. He might be out there when goals happened, but he’s out there with Goligoski, which is the same as being out there by yourself as the lone defenceman.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
negative. Gogo played much better with McKee. Gogo struggled last night no doubt, but I can not see Goligoski coming out of the lineup. The games he played paired with McKee he played very well, I dont think thats a coincidence.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I will give you that, those two did play well together, but I still can’t stand watching GoGo on the PP and right when they have their passing down and you think a lane is about to open up, they pass it to GoGo and he fumbles the pass or doesn’t shoot or has a seizure and gives up a goal.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Yea I’m not a fan of him running the 2nd PP either, but they dont have many options.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
@ Richard R: Goligoski was a beast in game 5 … for what it’s worth.
Eaton and Letang are our worst defensemen right now. Don’t get me wrong, none of them are playing particularly well … but Eaton and Letang are giving away goals. They get caught flat-footed … just all the time.
If Letang weren’t producing points right now he would be worse than useless.
grain of salt
Letang had 2 bad games, or really 1 bad game and a couple bad bounces. Other than that hes been the Pens best defenseman. Maybe not most consistent , but when he’s playing well hes their best defenseman.
by genomachine-O on May 12, 2010 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Cooke is the fall guy?
Granted, the Pens got a few generous calls early on, but it seems like every time Cooke looks sideways at someone, the refs whistle him.
That obstruction on Moore? That happens on every rush against Sid when he doesn’t have the puck.
In the Ottawa series, during a 5 on 5 scrum, only Cooke got whistled for roughing. He is a MARKED man.
Letang was brutal on defense. Does he think he is Mike Green? As in, Only play Offense?
I thought Rupp/Adams/Letestu deserved more than 5 minutes.
a few thoughts about the game:
Leopold nees to sit for McKee. I know everyone here wants to sit Gogo, but you cant take that kind of talent out of the lineup right now. Goose was playing very well with McKee, go back to that.
Billy G just had a brutal game, Ill leave it at that.
Why does Letang continually step up at the pens blueline? If hes going to step up on a guy hes got to either get the puck or take the guy out of the play. MTL always has a late forward coming into the zone for when Tanger steps up. They know Tangers going to do it, and always giving the forward Tanger pinched on an easy out pass.
Theres no excuse for Sid and Geno at this point. Neither of them have been terrible, but not nearly good enough for 2 of the best in the game.
Fleury is going to have to be lights out and steal one in game 7. All the pressure is on the Pens now.
I was just going to post my three culprits of the game, but this one definitely stole my thunder. I totally agree with everything you said about Guerin and the Goligoski/Leopold combo.
My three culprits are:
1) Goligoski
2) Guerin
3) Bylsma
- Goligoski could not hold a check the entire night. It was embarrassing. I don’t care if Leopold or Goligoski is sat in favor of McKee, but it needs to happen
- “The Guerin Play” at center ice led to the Habs third goal (maybe second). Also, he didn’t move his feet once all night. He couldn’t break the puck out. It was awful.
- No reason for Bylsma not to put McKee back in there. That decision is on him. The Pens are, what, 4-1 with McKee in the lineup?
I’m impressed with the class everyone has shown thus far in the comments…I was furious last night at the atrocious officiating that gave the game to the Habs.
I am actually in the minority that feels that this entire series has been called well by the officials.
They let the players play, they didn’t call any ticky-tack penalties, and they didn’t fall for any dives (Subban, Lapierre, Talbot, etc.)
I just hope game 7 is consistent with what has already been established.
The last penalty on Cooke was a bad call, but overall I agree with you. Win or loose the Pens cannot blame it on the refs.
I thought the early whistle on Malkin last night was terrible, and it only looked worse once we scored the third goal.
And the thing that really gets me though is that the refs apply a different standard to MTL. If Kennedy can get 2 minutes for chasing a puck down and touching a guy in the process, how can you rationalize why Gill hasn’t been sent to the box at least six times a game?
Half the guys had already stopped playing (including Halak) after Guerin fished the puck out and passed it to Geno.
Who knows what would’ve happened if they hadn’t blown the whistle.
What the hell was up with the waived off icing call last night? They waived it off at the last second! If it wouldn’t of lead to a 40 second stay for Montreal in the Pens zone, no harm no foul. It lead to a momentum swing, though…a pretty big one at that.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
I think the official thought Goligoski could have played that puck. But if Gogo would have played it, it would have been a too many men penalty. Tough spot.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you maybe right. Of course, I’ll never know for sure because VS was too busy doing one their infamous “zoomed in” shots on Gogo and Lapierre.
That particular shot wasn’t too bad, but they pan away too late at least 5 times a game. Really annoying.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Yea i never saw the play again, but thats what I thought happend…
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s why you always play till you here the whistle. It was a terrible play by GoGo regardless, he should continued play till he hears a whistle and not stand still.
I’m sorry, but that was just ridiculous. While every player should play to the whistle, the linesman had signaled icing then decided to waive it off in an arena that was louder than a rock concert.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
They have to play good defensive hockey. The goals will come. Last night if one of the 3 goalpost goes in puts the score 3-1, the game takes an entirely new direction. The Habs are not a very good come from behind team , last night was an exception,which points to the lack of defensive discipline by the Pens. Please on shots from the blue line, do not put your damm sticks down to deflect them. Either block them or let the goalie handle them.
by Outcast on May 11, 2010 9:24 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yea for the Pens to win this for whatever reason it seems like its gonna have to be a 2-1 game and Fleury’s gonna have to play awsome. I’m not sure how or why the games have played out like that. Its seems like that the way the Pens are going to have to win this.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Jacques Martin’s system. Like it or not, he’s dictated the way this series has been played. That’s why so many people hate that system. It’s boring and it doesn’t seem fair because the Habs have basically just been hiding inside their shells just waiting to strike as soon as you make a mistake….
What’s made it work to perfection is the fact that they’ve got a goaltender that’s stopping just about everything he’s seeing.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
I know, but over a 7 game series I would have thought Sid and co.. could have figured out ways to beat them. It seems like we try to play even hockey and count on the PP to win, which I think is a dangerous recipe.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
You saw what Sid did with half of the top D pairing. With Gill in his way, he’s had trouble getting to the key area that we need to get to in order to win: the front of the net.
The whole team has struggled to get bodies in front at even strength. I think a shift last night with about 6 minutes left put it all into perspective. The two headed monster dominates in the Habs zone for nearly a minute. Geno finally passes it up to Gonch at the point, he shoots, but no one is within 10 feet of Halak. As a result, he makes the easy save.
If Sid can’t get to the front of the net because of Gill, then one or both of his line mates has to. That will force at least one D man to take the guy that’s in front of the net.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
I'm sorry
I was just surfing the net and wound up on one of the Caps blogs (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/si_says_crosby_is_alone_at_the.html) . It’s totally irrelevant, but I just thought one of the comments was great (don’t ask me why I even bothered reading some):
If I’m playing a pick-up game, I take Alex. If I am a GM and my goal is to build a championship winning hockey team, I take Cindy 10 times out of 10, this isn’t even a question.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Sorry about the link:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/si_says_crosby_is_alone_at_the.html
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
This feels like ‘93 all over again. I just don’t want there to be another David Volek moment in game 7.
I was like 7 years old at that time, and that loss still hurts today.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I was there and it will hurt as long as my mind works. I can still see the shot going by the half raised glove side of Tom B. Won’t mention his name either.
I was 5 when the Pens won their first Cup, and I barely have any memory of that.
I was 6 when the Pens won their second Cup, and I remember various games from the SCF, but they are spotty memories.
I was 7 when the Pens lost to the Islanders with the best Penguins team ever assembled, and I remember every F—-ing minute of it.
Now I am in a bad mood.
Go Pens
That happened right after my junior year of college ended. I was sitting on the couch, and I just couldn’t believe that it happened.
That whole game, though, was like a blur, especially after the Kevin Stevens injury. Stevens’ career was never the same. (He did have a pretty good 93-94, but nothing like the previous 3 seasons, and after that, he was a shadow of his former self. Pain medication and cocaine can do that to you.)
I live in the DC area.
Let me tell you what the most annoying thing is……ever.
Sitting in B-dubs (Buffalo Wild Wings) watching the game with a bunch of disgruntled caps fans! A smattering of pussy golf claps every time the habs scored. Grrrrrrrrrrr. I took a pretty good ribbing in my Pens jersey. Every time they made a comment my way, I simply asked them what night this week the caps were playing.
'All you bitches, take my shots.'
~Alleged Big Ben Quote
I don’t wanna hang the blame on anybody because I’m just so disappointed. The Habs were missing key defensemen and we still couldn’t beat them. Something wrong here. If Montreal is at full strength Wednesday…I dunno what to think. In all three losses, Pens had the lead at some point. It’s unacceptable.
Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/marcy8771
http://marcyhockey.blogspot.com/
GAME 7 @ Home
Does anybody else here struggle to think the Pens could win a series-clinching game on home ice? They could not do it the past few seasons (2010 included), so I am hoping they start now. Also, any eerie similarities to last years playoffs here? Think about this for a second…history has a strange way of repeating itself? Does it not? Tough to argue. Let’s compare Pens playoff woes of 2009 to 2010. Pens first round, can’t close out a team on home ice, go to opposing city and shut them down, win in 6 (2009 and 2010). Round 2 – Pens run into an insanely hot (rookie) goaltender (Varlamov 2009, Halak 2010). Struggle the entire round burying the puck, can’t close it in game 6. Game 7 rolls around and everybody wakes up and shuts the door on Washington’s dreams (and hopefully the Habs this year).
What do you think? Is it possible history is repeating here? Or are we just delaying the inevitable which is the fact the Pens won’t win the Stanley Cup (unfortunately) for 20 years in a row? Interesting thought and we will test this theory Wednesday at 7 PM @ the Igloo!
by Wags24 on May 11, 2010 11:31 AM EDT reply actions
We’ll the pressure is on the Pens at this point for sure. I just cant see the Pens losing this game. Not on home ice, not to a team with inferior talent, not to close out The Igloo. But I certainly dont have a good feeling heading into this game. When it comes down to it though, I cant bet against Sid and them.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel the same way. I think that if the Penguins take the Canadiens seriously, they’re going into the ECF. They damn sure should be taking the Habs seriously. The more I read/hear about them being the Cinderella story, being better than everyone thought, etc., the better I’m liking it. I think the Pens have been much too cocky and entitled much of the season. Game 7s are humbling, thought, and they wipe the slate clean.
One way I think history won’t repeat here is that the Habs will put up a fight—they are smelling that first Cup for the team in eons, that first Cup for most of the players. I think it really will be epic Wednesday night.
"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.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 11, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder where the Pens will be golfing this weekend
Because that’s exactly how they’re playing. Like they don’t care.
I could suit up for the game and do the exact same thing Malkin has been doing all year long, but especially this series: just skate around with the puck and not pass it like Ovechkin was doing (and is why they lost,) take horrible shots that go wide or go right into Halak’s chest, quit on a play when I turn it over, which I would do so many times. I’m glad I haven’t bought a Malkin sweater.
There better be some officiating going our way next game, because that’s the only way we’ll win, and plus the NHL doesn’t want both of their league faces out before the Conference finals.
And can someone please, please, PLEASE knock Mike Cammalleri out. He’s 5’9"! It’s not that hard! He’s so smug and looks like an ass clown.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
“Because that’s exactly how they’re playing. Like they don’t care.” You dont think they care? You dont think Sid, Staal, Fleury, Geno? These guys dont care? Come on, thats a ridiculous statement. Malkin has been better in this series than last, but I agree he could/needs to be better.
The Pens have been the better team for most the series. Turnovers have killed them. Just about every single MTL goal has been from a turnover. The Pens have made some careless mistakes with the puck, but they dont care? come on dude.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
When you relax either when you’re up and give up really easy and pathetic plays, or like last night when I didn’t see any urgency when they were losing, they don’t have their heads straight. Maybe they don’t care is the wrong phrase, but to me, they didn’t look too upset either, or too worried, which worries me. Has all year.
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
I agree, its very frustrating. You want to see some more emotion or something out of the guys last night. But really this is a veteran team now. There isnt a team left in the playoffs with more playoff experience. I think the Pens really take on the attitude of DB. They are always calm, which as a fan can driving you crazy watching the game, wishing you could reach into the tv and rip the team a new one.
Maybe a game 7 will wake them up a bit. They wont need to try to manufacture desperation, its win or go home. After what this teams been through the last few years, I think its hard for them to play desperate, cuz they have been in tougher spots than they are now.
Like greeneyedlilo said I think the Pens have been much too cocky and entitled much of the season. Game 7s are humbling, thought, and they wipe the slate clean."
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
In a huge situation like this, I’d rather have them calm than emotional. Because the game is so big, the chance of emotions getting out of hand is greater.
I’d much rather have DB calm behind the bench than a Bruce Boudreau, who went to the front of the bench and got red from yelling at the officials at every questionable call/non-call.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Yea I really think that helps the team. The Pens stay calm, and the Cap quite frankly take on the attitude of their coach. Boudreau is an embarrassment to the NHL.
by genomachine-O on May 11, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if you got to see what happened after the horn sounded at the end of the game, but a fairly large scrum developed; Sid and another Mtl player received penalties. They do care. Montreal was just desperate. You know that the Pens will be just as desperate Wednesday.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
Knock off little Cammalleri?! Why?? We're all winners!!
Why on earth would you want to "take out" little Cammalleri? It’s already too late. Game 7 obviously belongs to the Penns. Let the poor boy go golf intact and with pride.
This has been a great series so far and as far as I can see, EVERYONE is a WINNER. Allow me to explain with my 10 reasons.
1 – An 8th seed write-off that squeaked into the series by losing in OT to TO took out a 1st seed lean and mean hockey machine in a dramatic nail-biting 7th game with 3 consecutive wins to boot. Note: The comment I will always fondly remember was on a Washington Post site: "Montreal is a wounded animal that needs to be taken out of its misery." That was prior to game 5 J Can I love it more?!?! No way Jose!!!
2 – TSN blew its stats out of the ballpark during Game 7 Caps vs Habs. Almost 4 million viewers in Quebec alone watched. All fans of hockey were spoiled rotten. Congrats came in from bloggers from unlikely places all over the world after that upset. TSN outshined the boring CBC who decided to broadcast Bruins/Sabres instead. Sigh. I see yet another Habs commemoration DVD will be coming out at a Walmart near you.
3 – A goalie, at times (let’s be honest – MOST OF THE TIME) made a difference. Halak’s attempt to score on an open Pittsburgh net with 5 seconds left in front of the home crowd during Game 4 was cheeky to say the least.
4 – For many youngsters too young to have experienced either the Canadiens "Flying Frenchmen" or the Blitzkreig on ice of the 80s, this current run will be cited over and over again as a shining example of never quitting despite the odds. Many youngsters will be inspired to take on and challenge and frustrate and dare I even say, occasionally beat the giants.
5 – Washington is breathing a sigh of relief and the stigma that they alone were unable to deal with the lucky and upstart Habs has been lifted since Pittsburgh too was taken to a frustrating 7th game despite the odds. Call it cocky, self assured, lack of understanding or preparation or even complacency on the part of the Penns but (rub my eyes to confirm) here we stand moments from a decisive Game 7. The Penns were, by all accounts, an unlikely savior of the Capitals but it was they that have come to their rescue and unwittingly removed the Caps from this miserable solitary confinement.
6 – Pittsburgh can prevail in Game 7 and wipe the slate clean (aka: sweep this incident under the rug and minimize it to virtual non existence) and put to rest this so called "Drive for 25" – a ridiculous notion by all accounts (even if it has a cute ring to it) which is only alive and well in the minds of the most inveterate fanatical fans (us oldies are slightly more realistic) . Penns can even avenge history (having begun in the Mellon with a defeat to the Habs) by ending their days in the Mellon on a happy note having beaten the Habs in this crucial "fight for survival" Game 7
7 – Bylsma’s head will remain firmly around his neck. Tell me he or others are not slowly questioning his job security. He will keep it after Game 7. By the way, I find Bylsma to be a pretty sincere and eloquent human being and hope he does prevail. I was so happy to see Boudreau’s smile wiped clean off of his face especially after cursing out his own goalie on TV. Class act, indeed!
8 – Jacques Martin’s rope a dope style will be studied for years to come. His future is secured along with PK Subban (another son of Ontario) whose star is now on the ascent. PK can now look forward to a great career looking back at this pivotal moment when a desperate team called the youngster into action to fill its depleted ranks. He will surely recall with fondness his time with this storied franchise and crowd.
9 – The Boston Bruins will NOT have to face the Habs and suffer another potential humiliation and add to their deficit. Let’s face it, the Jacques Martin style has frustrated and even taken down exceptional teams. Bruins are a good team. However, I am not going on a limb by stating that they are far from exceptional. It is far less risky playing the more talented and exceptional Penns and losing with honor rather than playing and losing to their hated and lately rather unpredictable 80 year old (plus) rivals and succumbing to a style they do not profess to understand nor handle nor easily able to come to terms with long after their inevitable "untergang"
See, we’re all winners!! Oh wait, I forgot to mention……..last but certainly not least. In fact, my favorite chuckle
10 – Toronto Maple Leafs. With the last remaining Canadian team having fallen today, they and their fans, as of today, can proudly go back (even don their jerseys as an act of national bravado and devil may care attitudes) to reminding all of us that they are still and unquestionably "Canada’s Team"………….. (well, till the next playoff series of course…..although I must admit that I have a special feeling about these official spoilers dudes of the NHL for the next season having already watched a Discovery Channel episode of the Nostradamus prophecies about the impending global apocalypse and how one of the signs will be the Leafs in the series…etc…etc…etc…)
Toronto fans: Your LOLs and ROFLs and your "I told you so’s" are expected like clockwork not to mention reminding us of your (albeit consistently revised) Hab’s gloom and doom predictions. You’re all adorable smooch. Don’t change a bit. Greetings from Le Montreal!
I'm sorry but I'm not feeling the negative energy in here for game 7
Everyone stop, take a deep breath, and go check Flower’s stats after a playoff loss. He will steal a game for us.
by mhuff13 on May 11, 2010 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
+1
This is what I am praying for!
I am Laura Nichols and I like Bacon.
BSD is an addiction, and this is the first step.
by carolinaeasy on May 11, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If the Pens win this series, Flower should definitely be considered a Conn Smythe contender. He’s been good, even in the losses. He needs the defense to help him out. I have faith.
"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.
by GreenEyedLilo on May 11, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s how I feel. We’ll be at home, so we’ll get the match-ups which may help eliminate some of the mistakes.
Flower will need to be solid, but he won’t have to steal a game for us. I think they entire team should be more than ready to go.
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
1 team down, 3 to go.
I guess this is my first post on Pensburgh.
Or I might have posted once or twice last year (don’t remember).
Anyway, I echo some of the members sentiment, that being this has turned out to be a very frustrating series. Before every game my expectations and confidence are through the friggin roof. I believe that the Pens will win tonight’s game as they would have made adjustments after the last game.
Nothing. Zilch. Nada.
I am so frustrated that I want this series over with. If the Pens win on Wednesday I will wake up a happy man on Thursday. If not I will be depressed for maybe a week but at least the god damn series will be over.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
To some of the people posting that the players don’t care, golfing, not worried and so on. First how would you know. Looks don’t mean anything. This guys care, they have pride. That’s how they got where they are. In an elite group of professional hockey players. Do any of you have any idea how hard that is, just to make it there, let alone win anything. We have the champs here. And inside the locker room there’s the heart of a champ. The habs have made this a series, but give them credit. That didn’t happen because the Pens players don’t care. Believe me they rather be golfing with the Cup next to them, not now. Have faith , be a true fan, yes you can be critical, but be positive for the next game is a totally new episode, and it does not matter one bit what happened yesterday ,25 years ago or 50 years ago. The only thing that will matter is what they do in this upcoming game. So I say lets go Pens, le’s play 60 minutes, everyone do their job and we will prevail.
Hey all. Let’s try and keep calm, after all we aren’t eliminated yet and Montreal hasn’t accomplished anything unless it can get the job done one more time. That being said, you have to give them credit for playing this well for this long and taking the Pens to 7 games (which i NEVER thought would happen). That said, however, do you realise that the HABS are one or two bad bounces/breaks from being out in 4 or 5 against the Pens?
The Penguins have nothing to hang their heads about, they’ve played well enough to win this series and they most probably will win. If the Habs somehow manage to channel the Panthers and Islanders magic then we’ll simply get beaten by a team in full synergy, with a HOT goalie, incredibly opportunistic scoring, total team commitment to defense first, amazingly good luck, refs who are basically “letting them play” (which takes talent out of the equation and replaces it with determination) and BELIEF. Combine those elements and you have a pretty unbeatable team. Unless the hockey gods throw a bounce or two the Pens way i wouldn’t be shocked to see them lose (case in point; we hit three posts last night and puck stays out, Cammalleri second goal hits the post and it goes in totally changing the game).
PENS IN 7!!!
We have Sid
Anyone who watch the end of the game last night, knows that Sid had to be escorted out by one of the linesmen. He was p.o., given that, plus game 7, where would you put your money?
I would never put money against the Pens (and especially Sid) but you can play a great game and still lose on a bad bounce or break (which is why i don’t like game 7’s). And one thing i’ve learned is NEVER bet FOR or AGAINST the Habs; they’re like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get…
Agree with your opinion. What I was suggesting is that if I have to play a game 7 I rather have Sid on my team against anybody. No offense to Montreal, who has already demonstrated good coaching, grit and talent.
exactly
At some point, Sid will lose an elimination game in the playoffs/olympics. Hell, it might even be tomorrow. But it hasn’t happened in nearly two years, so while I would not be at all surprised to see montreal win tomorrow, I am completely comfortable saying that I think the Pens will win.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
Support from Toronto
Im sick of seeing habs fans in my city wear their jersey with pride and drive around with flags on their cars. Please do us a favour and stomp the shit out of these arrogant assholes so us torontonians can go back to being bitter about the leafs and not have to watch the habs in the playoffs. thanks! :)
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E"
i’m lovin’ the toronto support. seriously, y’all are great people.
STAAL FOR SELKE. SIDNEY FOR EVERY OTHER ONE.
by katielynn906 on May 11, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Also from Toronto….but what is most annoying is that I never see these so called “Habs supporters” during the regular season. They are major bandwagon jumpers. And they only bought the Habs flags once Wash. was eliminated.
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http://marcyhockey.blogspot.com/
What would Jordan Staal do?
He’ll eliminate Cammalleri from being a factor. (we have the last change). He’ll score a shorthanded goal. (like he did against the Wings). Let’s go Pens it doesn’t matter what happened in game six, what matters is what happens tomorrow.
What would Jordan Staal do?
Beat Gary Roberts in the face with unnecessary foot tendons. As far as I am concerned he is the new tough guy on the Penguins block.
Put on your dancin' shoes.
If we can beat Detroit in Game 7, at Joe Louis, with the Stanley Cup on the line...
We can beat the Canadiens at The Igloo.
They got some incredible momentum after we got SCREWED out of a 2 goal lead, that possibly could have been added onto with the other 2 goals. I have never seen a whistle blown so fast on a play. Literally as soon as Halak hit the ice the whistle came. ONE more second and we were 2 goals up, and I do not think they come back from that.
These guys have been in worse situations against better. They know whats at stake, and what to do about it. I have faith, at least for one more game.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
Excited to see Fleury
I am wondering how Fleury is gonna come back from that loss last night. He has a pretty good record coming off of bad games. He has 1 shut out and probably should have 2 if not more. I would love to see him have a great game and shut out the habs.
Hopefully, the defense comes threw.
MAF is like a Chemeleon
When his back is against the wall he simply turns into the wall. I expect Fleury to shut the door tonight.
LETS GO PENS!
Put on your dancin' shoes.
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