Jockeying for playoff positioning
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 18, 2011 11:45 AM EDT
Email
Print
Christmas, all-star, a random week in February (Feb 18-19) and this weekend.
That's the only times all season that the Penguins don't play on either a Friday or a Saturday of the week.
So there isn't much going on. The team was off completely on Wednesday, practiced briefly yesterday (and then did military style team building) and had their Skates & Plates charity dinner last night. Today they're off all day and will practice tomorrow before Sunday's NBC matinee when the New York Rangers come to town.
It's a good time to keep an eye on the standings in the ever-changing race towards the playoffs:
-Philadelphia lost in a shootout last night, but with 4 points (and a game in hand) it's going to be difficult for the Pens to catch them with only eleven games to go in the season. Which probably means the Pens are looking at the 4/5 battle.
-But, if you're a glass-half full guy or gal, take hope in that 7 of the last 11 Penguins opponents find themselves out of the playoffs right now. And there are still 2 games remaining with the Flyers. The Flyers, conversely, have 7 of their last 12 games versus teams that would make the playoffs if they started today. So, on paper, Pittsburgh has a more favorable down the stretch schedule.
More for you, after the jump...
-Tampa has been slumping in the last 10, but the key could be the new ROW column. It stands for regulation + overtime wins (i.e. no shootouts) and is the first tie-breaker. So if Montreal manages to end up tied with Tampa (or if Tampa surges and catches the Pens) Tampa likely will lose the tie-breaker and be a lower seed based on their low ROW number.
-Big blow for Toronto and New Jersey, who both lost in regulation last night. Both those teams have been on fire of late, especially Jersey, but last night's losses almost take all the hope of making the playoffs away. They just have too many teams to catch and pass and are going to just run out of games before they could do it.
-The Rangers famously got their hearts broken in game 82 last year, when Philadelphia beat them in a shootout and clinched the final playoff spot. This year, ironically, the Rangers are a very solid 8-2 in shootouts, and those extra points gained have them above the fray for the 8/9 battle....For now, anyways.
-Also weird to see the two New York teams of note being dreadful at home, but still in the playoffs due to a solid road record. Might that mean they'd be a tough out for a higher seed? Tough to figure them out, but with Henrik Lundqvist and Ryan Miller manning the cages, you'd have to imagine a 6/7/8 seed upsetting a division winner is again a distinct possibility in the East given the caliber of goalies that will be low seeds (throw Cam Ward in the mix too, if Carolina makes it).
What's the thoughts for the Pens post-season position? To me, it looks like a 4/5 matchup, likely with Tampa or Montreal. Given styles and experiences with both teams, my initial reaction would be to rather play the Lightning rather than the Habs. Of course though, a few weeks ago it looked like Pittsburgh and Washington were on a first round collision course, but then the Caps went on a nine game winning streak. Which stands as a good reminder that the standings can and likely will look different in a few weeks than they do today.
44 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I agree, I think the 4-5 matchup is where we’ll be. I’d prefer Tampa Bay over Montreal any day.
I miss E.C.’s shootout magic.
In flipping through the channels I saw him score a wrister the other day from the top of the circles that was amazing. First the shot itself but also from so far out that it shouldn’t be a goal in the NHL. Very sick stuff.
A lot of people say Semin has the best wrister in the league, but when Christensen is “on” and is actually confident, I’d take his right up there with anyone.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 18, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Sid...
Hooks…any word on whether Sid might be skating again today? Living here in Calgary, it’s tough to get any information.
I agree that 4-5 is where we are going to probably be, but it sure would be nice to find a way to get past the Flyers.
No word at all. He didn’t skate because the team was off on Wednesday, my sense (and it’s only a guess) is that he won’t be on the ice today.
That said, I don’t think it’s all that important in the big scheme of things. So long as he continues to feel fine, he’s still on track.
If he sneaks on the ice, it’ll be reported I’m sure, but with nothing really going on today, we probably won’t hear much until tomorrow, where I suspect he will probably skate on his own again before the team practices, like he has been doing this week.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 18, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Tampa
Assuming Tampa stays in 5th, i’m all for the Pens staying 4 and playing them. Weak D, mediocre at best goaltending and the team hasn’t been in the playoffs for a while. Let NJ get 8th and play Philly/Wash.
Dang it, took the words right off my keyboard!
I will second this though. I hope they play Tampa. They are the only team in the playoffs right now, East or West, with a negative goal differential. Like you said, Weak D has a lot to do with that. Plus, something tells me the boys would have some extra motivation when it comes to the second hit being one of the hits that took out Sid.
by LightningCoach on Mar 18, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
How weird is it that Tampa’s group of skaters (combined with their effectiveness) is arguably the best in the East, yet they’re one of the least scary teams to match up against in a series?
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Mar 19, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Tampa would be an excellent first round opponent. I think we could beat them even without Sid and it would be a good confidence builder! 2nd round is bit scarier…
I’m still rooting for 1st place though, love to see the boys beat Philly twice in the next few weeks!! 1st place will mean a tougher first round opponent this year but I think the guys are up for any challenge. Go Pens!!!
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 18, 2011 1:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
If the Pens can beat Philly both times, I think they have a very real shot at 1st place (or maybe 2nd if Washington keeps playing like they are). The thing is they will likely have to surpass Philly in points, because Philly will have the tiebreaker over them.
by StripesForLife on Mar 19, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
How ridiculous would it be if we leapfrogged everyone and ended up 1st without Crosby and Malkin. I can dream can’t i?
Stay thirsty my friends
As Crosby builds towards being able to skate (and eventually, being able to take a hit again), his mood will likely improve. He’ll get his mojo back. But for a while, it while like emerging from some deep dark cave, like a bear waking up from hibernating and realizing it might be time to get something to eat.
- Justin Bourne on Puck Daddy
by AronV on Mar 18, 2011 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Haha, that’s awesome!
Hometown Proud :)
"He loves hockey. He has soul." Mike Babcock about Sidney Crosby :)
Get better soon Sid...
by mummabear87 on Mar 18, 2011 3:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Playoff Position
If the Pens lose to playoff contenders, what are the chances of them dropping to 6th or 7th place? I certainly don’t want this to happen, but we have a pretty tough schedule ahead.
It’s definitely possible. Tampa (2 back) and Montreal (only 5 points behind) could easily leapfrog the Penguins if Pittsburgh drops a few in a row and the other teams win.
I don’t think Pittsburgh slides down past the 6 seed though. So, worst case it could be Boston/Washington (likely 3 seeds) in the first.
But I still think a 4/5 matchup against Tampa or Montreal is the most likely.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Would not right the Pens off first place just yet.
The Flyers, at this time are not playing all that well, possibly due to having Pronger out. In any case I watched there game last night, and they where like to tie the game in regulation. Even Flyer fans are upset, about how they are performing. Of course that can change, but also is not an unrealistic goal for the Pens to finish first. Having said that, I am a believr that the seeding doesn’t count too much, except to get home ice advantage. Even that at times was not that important for the Pens, who in past seasons, blew that right out. In my opinion, several possible opponents (Tampa, Caps, and Flyers) that have goaltending problems. The toughest opponent for anyone, might be the Devils,if they make it in.
The Hockey Dr.
any of the teams currently behind the Pens except for the Rangers
don’t Boston. something tells me (barring some wild cards coming thru for the Pens), the Bs will win the East.
so…just so long as they can hang on to 4 or 5, the Pens should be fine
I'd like to see the Pens pass the Flyers
It’s not just that I hate the Flyers, which I do, that I’d rather watch the Pens win instead of losing, which I do prefer, my reason is that finishing first and wining a round in the playoffs would be a great way to cap a season in which the team could have collapsed and finished out of the playoffs or nearly so. It would decisively prove the team could win without Crosby and Malkin. The 2011-12 season would then shape up to be a monster year for the team.
On the other hand, Flyers’ pain brings me joy. So there’s that too.
s.zielinski
I’m shooting for more than the first round.
The Hockey Dr.
by Outcast on Mar 18, 2011 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The great thing about this is...
it’s all in the Pens hands. We’re 2 wins back from the Flyers and we have 2 games against them… We match them against other teams(in which we have a more favorable schedule) and then go to town on them in the 2 games against them and we can overtake them.
Not saying it’s going to be easy, and obviously the Flyers are a good team… BUT, so are we, and it’s not like it would really surprise or shock anyone if the Pens beat the Flyers in these 2 games against them.
There's an 87% chance this post is sarcasm...
With the new tiebreaker though, the Pens are more like 5 points back. Philly will probably have the tiebreaker over everybody, barring a complete letdown which I don’t see.
by StripesForLife on Mar 19, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, I want Montreal in the first round. And I want them at their best!
We need to seriously lay these demons to rest. I know that Tampa Bay would be the easier opponent but do we want to win the cup going down an easy road OR would we rather like to beat a large nemesis in Montreal and have more satisfaction?? I am tired of hearing people say that the only way that Pittsburgh will make it out of the East is if they can avoid a team that plays the trap.
I want to us to beat our toughest adversaries.
Lastly, does anyone think that Sid and Kovy are MAYBE sneaking some on-ice workouts together?
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
It’s definitely not the old dirty steel town of the 70’s that was portrayed in the media.
Look at it – it’s a beautiful city.
I am "The STIG"!
I call it the City of Awesomeness
:P
Certified Grabbo lover. GET WELL SOON, SID
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
"I'm glad we've got the best fans in the league." - Tomas Kaberle on Leaf fans
Hey Leafer, I saw Sid today
he was looking pretty good.
.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 19, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you meet him?
Did you ask him how he’s doing?
Did you notice his beard?
Certified Grabbo lover. GET WELL SOON, SID
The universe moves depending on where Sidney Crosby is on the ice - IHeartPenguins
"I'm glad we've got the best fans in the league." - Tomas Kaberle on Leaf fans
i feel like new jersey was playing playoff hockey or a game 7 every game since january.. it takes its toll but man what an impressive run after the awful first half they had..
When he retires, all Evgeni Malkin interviews should go in a museum. - PD
Because the extra room at Mario's was already taken.
Shoot everybody.
GIRLS LOVE.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on PensBurgh
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Devils look to eliminate Rangers in Game 6; Hal Gill’s broken tibia (Playoff Puck Previews)
- Conan O’Brien joins long list of LA media that don’t really know what’s going on with the Kings
- For Los Angeles Kings, when does rest become rust for Stanley Cup Final?
- Dominik Hasek wants NHL return; Tortorella on Game 6; Nash to Boston? (Puck Headlines)
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Game Show Friday, Bobby Holik, Game 6 preview, NHL ratings debate
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Simon Gagne enjoying LA Kings' success, returns to practice after concussion absence
- Gagne back at practice, enjoying Kings' success
- First-place Knights go sight-seeing while awaiting Memorial Cup final
- NHL Network and NHL.com unveil comprehensive coverage plans for the 2012 Stanley Cup Final
- Canadiens hire Rick Dudley as assistant GM
