Locking it Down: Pens' Defense Helps Secure a 2-1 Win Over Capitals

by FrankD on Dec 1, 2011 9:42 PM EST in Game Recaps

It's been more than three years since the Penguins registered a regulation win at the Verizon Center but they snapped that streak with a solid 2-1 win tonight.

Even after Chris Kunitz slipped one past (or is it through?) Tomas Vokoun in the third period, I couldn't help but think the Caps would find a way to tie it up. It's not like you can rule anything out after the Penguins' loss to the Rangers the other night. But the defense tightened up (only two Capitals shots in the third period), Marc-Andre Fleury continued to play a strong game and the clock did its part as it ticked down to triple zeros.

It was undoubtedly a strong game all around, but any time Craig Adams can find the net you have to clap it up for him. Stick tap also goes to Richard Park and Arron Asham for the assists (extra thumbs up to Asham for the first period fight).

In comparing to Tuesday's game against the Rangers, there were noticeable improvements in this one. Brooks Orpik was back to his reliant defensive play, the defense didn't allow many wide-open looks in front of Fleury and the team just did a great job of limiting Washington's attempts to break into the Pens' zone. The Versus announcers joked that it was like watching a Devils game, which I guess is somewhat relevant considering the outcome. Even though it wasn't a high-scoring affair, I still feel it was a pretty good game.

Hard to think Washington won't be getting better from this point on. After the Bruce Boudreau fallout there's bound to be some growing pains while adjusting to a new boss man. That would easily apply to any of the 30 NHL teams. I expect to see a different Capitals team in January but hopefully the same dominant Penguins team as November/December.

Back at it Saturday against the Hurricanes at 7pm.

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By the way, meant to add that Fleury’s bizarre stick save might be a top play candidate, if only because it was a lucky redirect off the butt of the stick. Prime example that bounces were going Pittsburgh’s way tonight

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by FrankD on Dec 1, 2011 9:46 PM EST reply actions

great save. flower was so good tonight.

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by Mark_Hanna on Dec 1, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

If it did, it was a fantastic save. Multiple replays I saw in slow mo definitely appeared that it just went off the crossbar though. Thought I heard the iron live too.

That being said, he made all the saves he had to, which wasn’t enough you guys really shut down everything for the most part. Here’s hoping we can give you a little more next month. I don’t think you could say you guys were getting bounces, Neal rang one off the inside of the post as well in the first that easily could have been in.

Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.

by Davethecapsfan on Dec 1, 2011 11:13 PM EST up reply actions

An assist and +2 for Simon Despres. They didn’t ask him to do much (12 minutes) but he played very well. The organization wanted to see where he was and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.

Once Letang and Michalek are back, it’s probably best to give Despres a ton of minutes in Wilkes-Barre for his growth…But yeah, he’s gonna be a stud for years to come.

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 1, 2011 9:52 PM EST reply actions

And 3 hits to boot!

Thought Despres played great in his debut, strong first step and outlet pass, and pretty cool and collected, especially considering the circumstances. Great to see, I’m excited to see him play in the coming seasons…

by LastSonOfKrypton on Dec 2, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

Much better than Niskenen, who is directly to blame for the Caps only goal. All he had to do was touch the puck and it would have been icing. He just stood there looking at a Cap player, and eventually had his pocket picked.

The Hockey Dr.

by Outcast on Dec 2, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Thought Despres looked a bit lost out there in his own end, but I think that’s to be expected in his first game. Liked his skating ability, dare I say it was Letang-like?

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Dec 2, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

I thought both he and Bortuzzo both looked a bit below par in terms of the athletic/physical side of the game. There were times where both of them looked a step slow and frankly not as strong as the man they were trying to defend.

Neither one played poorly, and for prospects they definitely looked pretty good (particularly in this intense of a game). However, I think the reasons the organization decided Despres wasn’t ready to be a regular NHL D-man were apparent. That said, I can’t wait to see him in a Pittsburgh sweater on a regular basis in the near future.

by SidgeniMalsby on Dec 2, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions

Knuble didn't score!?

I can’t believe it! . . . very impressed with Engelland the last few weeks — skating and shooting better than expected.

by Goldeneye77 on Dec 1, 2011 10:05 PM EST reply actions

I couldn’t believe it either! Ha!
But, yeah, Pens WIN!! :D

The March of the Penguins is on. Don't be too scared.

by Audrey8733 on Dec 2, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions

Agreed

I’ve been really impressed with Engo’s play.

by LastSonOfKrypton on Dec 2, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve been noticing this all season as well. It looks like he has a ton more confidence this season, especially with the puck on his stick. He’s putting good shots on net and joining the rush effectively.

by SidgeniMalsby on Dec 2, 2011 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

Really thought Orpik had an outstanding game.

He spent a lot of time out there against Ovechkin, and was the only Penguin to really have any success playing physically against him.

Didn’t think a whole lot of Despres’ performance, but it’s his first NHL game, and he wasn’t expected to be ready at this point anyway. And there was some good stuff to build off of, as well (though he badly needs to work on shoring up his physical game, especially below his own goal line). Ultimately, I think Hooks put it pretty well; it’s hard to be disappointed with his showing today.

As a final note, I hope something gets done to improve the faceoff numbers we’ve been putting up recently. 17 out of 54 (31%) as a team today, and not one guy cracked 50% – and that’s after the 30% on Tuesday.

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by wg1of5 on Dec 1, 2011 10:29 PM EST reply actions

And you gotta love the hit on Carlson!

by LastSonOfKrypton on Dec 2, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah Orpik was giving out some serious FREE CANDY out there last night

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Dec 2, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions

orpik

was probably the biggest reason for Alex The Average only getting 1 shot on goal (yet he still got the third star…what a joke)…great game top to bottom from our D corps

by NoVAPensFan on Dec 2, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

Only in DC a forward with 1 shot on goal gets a star. That’s OK if Leonsisi wants to pay him for hits. Pretty expensive hits. I’m glad the Pens are not paying that kind of money to a forwrad just to hit. Agree with you a joke. But the joke is on the Caps.

The Hockey Dr.

by Outcast on Dec 2, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

I’m hoping the Pens can string some wins together now and start building some positive momentum.

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by GoPens! on Dec 1, 2011 11:01 PM EST reply actions

You ain't going to get any bigger positive momentum

Than beating a rival you have beaten in regulation in 3-4 years.

Anyways you stay classy DC

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by Bradley James McEachern on Dec 1, 2011 11:05 PM EST reply actions

This rivalry seems like its dying fast!

In previous recent seasons, the Caps were on a mission to destroy us!

Maybe they’re throwing in the towel on trying to win a cup? Maybe the pressure of being like us got to them?

Who knows…

Good game,though.

Yay for Despres!

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by GiuseppeD on Dec 1, 2011 11:30 PM EST reply actions

Asham fight

According to Japers’ Rink, Erskine beat the crap out of Asham.

If you were wondering whether there’d be any retribution for Aaron Asham’s shenanigans after his fight with Jay Beagle the last time these teams met, John Erskine answered that question in a big way right after that Penguins’ goal. Mike Vogel put it best: “Erskine schooled Asham, dropped him. Then went to box sans histrionics, schooling him again.”

by Dark Lord of the Sith on Dec 2, 2011 12:27 AM EST reply actions

The fight was basically even until Asham slipped. Good brawl.

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by PensAreYourDaddy on Dec 2, 2011 5:47 AM EST up reply actions

I agree, I’d give the nod to Erskine in the end, but not a bad showing by Asham. Got some good shots in before he went down. That was a fun fight to watch!

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Dec 2, 2011 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Yep

Nice fight, decision to Erskine, but good showing by Ash.

by LastSonOfKrypton on Dec 2, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

All the commentators were gloating over this “retribution” and how Erskine settled the score, LOL… What can I say, I’m perfectly OK with that if they are. :)

BTW, get well soon, Beagle.
(No, NOT you, Di Pietro.)

by -CEZ- on Dec 2, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

PS – I’d like to remind that Asham immediately apologized for his “histrionics” after the game, saying that he hadn’t realized he had hurt Beagle so badly.

by -CEZ- on Dec 2, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions

yea, definitely not an “ass kicking”, but ya, erskine gets the nod on that fight. In more important news, PENS WIN!!!

by NoVAPensFan on Dec 2, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

side note: I’m very pleased I don’t have to listen to Boudreau’s incessant whining after a loss to Pittsburgh. Dale Hunter’s comments after the game were classy and respectful even if the fans of his team certainly didn’t fail to make asses of themselves

by NoVAPensFan on Dec 2, 2011 2:20 PM EST reply actions