Not quite enough juice: Sabres 3, Pens 2
by Hooks Orpik on Oct 15, 2011 9:31 PM EDT
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Entering tonight the Pittsburgh Penguins had played five games, and not lost any in regulation. Facing a Buffalo Sabres team on the back-end of their doubleheader combined with them starting backup Jhonas Enroth and it might have seemed the boys in black in gold (ehh, dark and light blue) may have been sitting pretty.
But again without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, this game looked like a lot of the games in the tail end of the 2010-11 Penguins season. They worked hard, played relatively well, but once a team without star power gets down on the scoreboard early, it's tough to pull out wins.
That's the story of game six for the Penguins, a 3-2 loss to the Sabres.
Some more thoughts on the game:
- Steve Sullivan sure is a joy to watch play hockey- he has the skill in his hands, skating ability in his legs and mind to think the game that opens up a lot of room in the offensive zone, even at even strength.
- Another game, another goal for James Neal. Too bad Dallas won that trade by poaching Alex Goligoski away, right?
- As pointed it out by Pensburgh friend Allie on twitter- this is the second game in a row for Mark Letestu that he started out centering the de facto top line and mid-game saw himself bumped down to a plugging line. Throw in the mix of healthy scratches and it's starting to look like one of last year's coach's pets is spending more and more time in the doghouse.
- Paul Martin plays a game you have to watch in person to be able to capture how he is a special player that deserves to make $5 million. Seriously, the next time you get a chance to watch a game with your own eyes and not on a camera, follow Martin for a shift. You'll be amazed at his positioning, stick use, passing ability and decision making.
- The Pens had 11 missed shots in the first period. Sort of the story of the game- not quite there.
- Great set play in the game's final minute that Dan Bylsma drew up during a Buffalo timeout. With the goalie pulled they stashed Sullivan all the way on the left side for a right side. Martin got a good chance but couldn't finish it.
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This game really did look a lot like the end of last year; though with a few more mistakes given the time of year. A few more of those shots on net and it’s a different game….yup, we all said that a few times last year. Overall, though, I really like the team. And, I agree on Paul Martin. I love watching him. I would prefer a faster release on his shot, definitely, but his poise with the puck and ability to read the play is fun to watch.
Tough game
But those type of games will happen. Just have to move to and think about Winnipeg (and yes that wasn’t a typo).
Agreed on Sully.It was a treat watching him hustle and try to make things happen. Shame on the Sabres fans sitting in back of me that kept saying that he’s not revelent in the league anymore. BS. They also said that Fleury is vastly overrated and that Miller can Enroth can wipe the floors with our tandem. Seriously what with Western New York that causes Sports fans up there to be totally out of touch with reality?
Pittsburgh Sports: Creating sports history and legends since 1887.
by Bradley James McEachern on Oct 16, 2011 2:40 AM EDT reply actions
Oh and Buffalo has won so many championships in all sports. So they know from experience.
WE ARE.......PENN STATE!
Malkin
What’s everyone hearing about 71? I’ve seen an AP report about knee soreness. Is he rushing back trying to play this soon after knee surgery or is this conjecture based on “lower body injury?”
If the knee isn’t healed, someone needs to take the initiative and shut him down completely before it ends in another season-ending surgery.
Hooks summed it up perfectly:
But again without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, this game looked like a lot of the games in the tail end of the 2010-11 Penguins season. They worked hard, played relatively well, but once a team without star power gets down on the scoreboard early, it’s tough to pull out wins.
These guys are all grit and give you everything they got, but there is simply no replacing skill. That’s why I’m so hopeful that these one goal loses will turn into victories when we get back Sid & Geno not just are two most skilled players but two of the leagues most skilled players. Which again, hopefully won’t be to much longer.
Is Sid ready yet?
Agree with you Linda. Grit doesn’t replace skill, just adds to it if you have it (the skills) Speaking of which some of the Pens players must have the lowest shooting percentage (just shooting it on the goal, let alone actual scoring). On another note Letestu unfortunately is continuing his descent towards the AHL. The tired excuse is not valid against Buffalo, since they were playing a back to back game, plus had a lot of traveling with the dreaded opening of the season in Europe. So at best both teams were equal in that respect. (The Tribune review, was questioning the fatigue factor)
The Hockey Dr.
Nice write-up, Hooks. Good call on Paul*Mart. His game is definitely not made for tv.
I’m sad about the Letestu situation. It’s too bad things aren’t working out for him to get a chance to ease into the third line center role that probably suits him best, but with the injuries and the way Vitale has played, it appears for now at least that isn’t going to happen for him.
I finally got around to posting some pics from the game.
http://www.pensburgh.com/2011/10/16/2494908/game-photos-pens-vs-sabres-10-15-2011
by PensAreYourDaddy on Oct 16, 2011 11:23 PM EDT reply actions
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