Alex Kovalev and Chris Kunitz Strike in the Shootout: Pens Beat Flyers 2-1
by FrankD on Mar 24, 2011 10:03 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
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I hate to sound cliche, but every time these two teams play it's a playoff atmosphere. Both the Flyers and Pens had intense scoring chances throughout the night, fueled by an up-tempo rhythm that ultimately ended with a shootout. You couldn't have asked for a better game.
Between Alex Kovalev and James Neal, it's hard to say who Sergei Bobrovsky had pinned more. Each of those guys made strong moves to the net all night long but just couldn't tally a point in regulation. At times Kovalev looked like he time warped back to his earlier playing days in Pittsburgh. But despite some slick passing in front of the net and unreal chances, Kovy just couldn't bury it within the 65 minutes.
That's not to say his work in overtime should go unappreciated. You could almost sense that Kovalev had "goal" on his mind from the second he took to the center circle. He charged in on net, pulled a nifty deke and slipped one right past Bob for the Pens' chance to win it in the shootout. Even though it took one more attempt from Chris Kunitz to officially seal the deal, if it wasn't for Kovy he may not have had that chance. Especially when you consider Danny Briere scored on his opportunity.
Tyler Kennedy once again came up big, scoring his 18th of the year ON THE POWER PLAY in the second period. While he no doubt had time to situate the puck and place it right where he wanted to, a later second period opportunity from the top of the slot could have produced another goal if only he could get that shot off sooner. While I do enjoy a nice Kennedy-like slapper from the side boards and of course a slick wrister similar to the one he scored against the Flyers, I can't help but imagine good things if only he could get that shot off quicker at times.
Another prime scoring chance that stands out to be was Max Talbot's shorthanded attempt in the third period. Granted it was what many would dub a "broken play," but he had way more time to situate himself for a better shot than the one he ultimately wound up taking. Steigy and Errey suggested he may have tried to beat Bobrovsky with a surprise shot, but I tend to think he felt like he had way less time than he actually did. Give him that chance again with him knowing what he knows now, and odds are he's taking that one in on Bob and doing his best Sid impression.
Good to see Kris Letang on the board as well, picking up his 40th assist and second straight point on Kennedy's goal. He was even sporting a strong defensive game and really skated like a beast in the overtime period. Props as well to Zbynek Michalek for his improvisational diving play that may have very well saved the game for the Pens.
Now for the downside: Dustin Jeffrey went down with an apparent knee injury in the second period. For all the talk of Ray Shero being high on Jeffrey this season, he may now be faced with the challenge of replacing DJ. Obviously any sort of official word on the injury is still pending, but the fact he required two trainers to more or less lift him back to the dressing room was not the greatest of sights. With Brooks Orpik, Mike Comrie and Eric Tangradi slowly but surely on the mend, it's at least reassuring to know that reinforcements are on the way.
More on that tomorrow I'm sure, but if I had to guess we can expect Jeffrey out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Devils.
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Well.
Maybe Shero can replace DJ with Sid.
i might be an idiot.
by PopRocks on Mar 24, 2011 10:07 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Dustin Jeffrey went down with an apparent knee injury…
Welcome to the Pens DJ.
A Matt Cooke Defender 'Til Death!
Now, now, nobody has said that it was his knee. According to the ministry of truth it is a mysterious “lower body injury” — could be the little toe for all we know
I believe in Geno.
I re-wound it and watched more times than I liked….The way Jeffrey went down (plus his reaction) almost guarantees a knee.
We all hope and pray it’s not as serious as the pain first showed, but if I was a betting man (and I am) I’d put money on a significant knee injury.
And that really sucks.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh I know, I was just kidding. It’s always kind of funny / sad to me how when everyone sees the injury happen, and the body part involved is obvious, they still go with “lower body injury” in the official statement.
I believe in Geno.
Oh, gotcha. The Pens will most certainly classify it as the classic “lower body injury”. In fact if they come out and say it’s a knee and Jeffrey needs surgery, than he’s for sure out for a long time.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Sucks that we gave them a point,
But 1 is better than 2 so I’ll take it.
"Carrie, I can't go in there, I'm claustrophobic."
"Well, It's gonna' be a rough half hour for ya then."
-Doug Heffernan coming to grips with the cold reality of an MRI machine
Yeah and the fact we didn’t put one in the ROW column hurts even worse should we be able to catch them.
by StripesForLife on Mar 24, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I hope the Flyers are proud of the way they turtled and held on for that extra special point.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 24, 2011 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
They got slaughtered at even strength by an almost AHL team. Great win for our boys, and I’m scared if I’m the Flyers right now.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
For them though holding on to the extra point is just like a win. That only allows the Pens to gain one point at most on them.
by StripesForLife on Mar 24, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes. It was very evident tonight though. That team doesn’t look like a playoff powerhouse to me.
by StripesForLife on Mar 25, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m guessing you didn’t watch us play the Stars and Caps. Yes against the Pens they gave a lazy effort. They have been playing some strong hockey over the past couple of weeks though.
Simon Gagne may move between towns, wear new jerseys and call different arenas home, but at the end of the day, he will always be a Philadelphia Flyer.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Mar 25, 2011 3:47 AM EDT up reply actions
No I did not watch the Stars game, and I only caught parts of the Caps game. College sucks
by StripesForLife on Mar 25, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Jeffrey looked like he got put on the Malkin train to the 2011-12 season
It’s both the quantity and quality of the injuries that make it difficult watch this season. It’s tuff when to see players get 3-6 month rehab injuries every three or four weeks. But that’s about what the Pens have had since January.
s.zielinski
This is the second time we’ve had 4 centers out! It’s ridiculous.
by illbottleya on Mar 24, 2011 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
It is ridiculous. But it’s enabled the Pens to see what they had down on the farm. In an odd way, this season has been very successful. It’s shown us that the Pens have a lot of players with the will and the skill to succeed in the NHL for a Cup contender.
Silver lining, I suppose.
s.zielinski
Yeah and even though Letestu probably isn’t back tomorrow, he’ll be back soon, thanfully.
Comrie can play center too and he might be back sooner than later.
And of course, that 87 guy is lurking too…
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
And of course, that 87 guy is lurking too…
Who?
Mario Lemieux is better than you.
My Thoughts on the Pens & Twitter
by AllieLXXXVII on Mar 25, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
oh please oh please
would love to see 87 in a Pens uniform
There's an 87% chance this post is sarcasm...
We out shot them in every period. We had some great possessions and unreal scoring chances. Their one goal was notably flukey. We nearly had that regulation/overtime win a couple times over.
Kovalev did make some really nice plays happen, and managed to pick up the pace a few times when he needed to.
James Neal continues to play like a beast all the time but really just cannot hit the back of that net.
I don’t like the Neal-Kovalev dynamic.
But there’s no way that the Pens will (or should) break up Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy, so there’s no way around Neal and Kovy together for a while.
The long-term hope, as all the Dallas fans have said is that Neal need a playmaking center to hit paydirt. If Crosby comes back, game changer. In a lot more ways than one.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
But Neal has actually done a good job of creating space and shot for himself. His issue is he’s been snakebit — either right on the goalie or missing just wide. He is channeling his inner Dupuis and Letang. Obviously having a placymake like Sid will open up lanes or create more movement so those shots have a higher chance of getting in. But he’s had quality chances, just not going in.
I agree.
Mario Lemieux is better than you.
My Thoughts on the Pens & Twitter
by AllieLXXXVII on Mar 25, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I am highly anticipating Neal and Crosby together. Those two should be able to put tons of pressure on the opposing D.
Kovy, he is having some ups and downs as expected. We’ll see. Sid might make him better as well.
Getting Sid back would be huge
For Kovy and Neal especially. Kovalev at this point is kind of similar to Guerin, but more skilled / less gritty. And I think a lot of Guerin’s success with the Pens came from playing with Sid, so hopefully Kovy can kick it up a notch if el capitan returns.
"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra
Much deserved two points
The Pens played such a solid game tonight. Once again I can’t recall a Penguin team with more heart than this one. Philly was lucky to pick up a point. The Pens are STILL fourth overall in the standings despite what has occurred to them this season. That is such an accomplishment.
Stinks to see yet another injury to a center. It didn’t look good at all what happened to DJ. He has been a good contributor when called upon and it’s tough to see him go off the ice like that. TK once again with an important goal which seems to be common for him lately in the second half of the year. They were strong on defense tonight limiting the Flyers with a low number of shots on goal and the one that got by MAF was the definition of a fluke.
Lets get another two tomorrow and keep that grip on the fourth seed.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Mar 24, 2011 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
The Pens deserved to win it outright. The only thing that saved the Flyers, was a crazy bounce on Richards skate that went in. The Pens had them shutdown and dominated at times. It’s a shame that Tanger, Kovy and Neal can’t score. Although they played very well tonight. But not to worry we have the goal scorer TK. The Flyers played for the draw, just like they have done for the last 7 games. Bobrovsky saved them tonight and they got the lucky bounces. Great effort by the Pens. Of course, it couldn’t be a Pens game if somebody didn’t go down , it’s unreal, I hope DJ injury is not serious but it looked like Malkin II.
The Hockey Dr.
Ugh….I knew this game was going to overtime at least. I KNEW Philly would be getting an extra point because they have been getting a lot of them lately. In fact, when I wagered tonight in Proline, I boxed both teams because I KNEW it was going to overtime.
I am happy we won but I am fed up with these three point games. I sometimes miss the days where a single team won, was rewarded with two points and that was that. Too many teams are taking advantage of the extra point rule. (us included)
I think Philly is eliminated first round anyways. There is NO WAY that they can win against one of those bottom seeded teams that display so much hunger and grit. I do not know if Philly can pull off what they did last year. I doubt it actually….
I am not too worried about Jeffrey. He was only called up because of the injuries that we had. It is unfortunate that he wont get a chance in the post season(assuming his injury is long term) Our team is pretty good now,though with the exception of Malkin. However, he has been replaced with Neal and/or Kovalev. We should be ok, especially if Crosby comes back. We’d be back to normal in my estimation. I am so impressed,though with our guys- Detroit and Philly beaten in a week. Next is Jersey.
Our team is for real. Disco Dan for Jack Adams.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Bylsma is worthy of awards, but Fleury would be running away with things if not for that first month. Of course, guys like Martin, Michalek and Letang deserve a lot of credit for making it easier, but I think Fleury deserves to be up there with names like Price for the Vezina. (Even though it’s still probably Thomas’ to lose).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with you Hooks. MAF is also a very important reason the PK unit is number 1. Funny none of the media talks about him. It’s all Price and Thomas. Granted he had a bad start, but his numbers since then are much better than either one.
The Hockey Dr.
Hey, for the first time in his career, Fleury finally has great defense in front of him.
Just like Tim Thomas does. Just like Carey Price does. JUST like Martin Brodeur always did.
Things are finally fair for Marc-Andre.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Agreed. Love that Shero sat down and said last summer “2nd round exit isn’t acceptable, our goal scoring is fine, we need to improve the D”.
Martin and Michalek have been everything as advertised and more. Huge additions.
Not every team is bold enough to make decisive UFA splashes. And if they do, they often don’t sign the right guys long-term. I have total confidence that Shero did.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Kuni & Kovy
.
I don’t even know what this is supposed to be.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 24, 2011 11:29 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I don’t either…But I do know that I like it.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess you gotta give Bob credit for only going 1 GA in regular time, but he was dead to rights several times. The first round matchup looks like it could be Bobrovsky against Miller, Lundqvist or Ward….No matter what, whoever Philly faces probably has a huge edge in the crease for themselves.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
While I agree that any of those teams will have better netminding than the Flyers in the playoffs, we knew this already at the start of the season. What I’d hope is that the other 18 guys on the roster would be better than the Sabres, Rangers or Canes 18.
It’s strange that you guys thought the game was exciting, because we at BSH found it boring as hell.
Mourning Gagne forever.
I can understand that, at times the Pens totally put the Flyers out. Like no shots from them in the first 8 mins. or so of the 3rd period. (which included a PP for the Flyers)
The Hockey Dr.
For the most part, it was a boring game. But without Crosby, Malkin, Orpik and company, that’s how the Penguins are conditioned to play- especially on the road in the most hostile arena they play in.
I would agree with you that Philly’s 18 skaters will be more talented than any 1st round matchup, but hard work on defense can neutralize that to a large part, and a hot goalie in playoffs can trump it all.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, I don’t fault the Pens for playing as they did, because they have to. It’s fairly impressive too.
I don’t see any of the 6-8 seeds being able to match the Flyers depth, but if what Montreal did last season happens again it would be mildly infuriating.
How do you feel about a probable first round matchup with the Lightning?
Mourning Gagne forever.
The Lightening are a -6 in goal differential for the season. They probably are not as good as their record.
On the other hand, the Pens are not as good as their record since they’ve played half of the season without Crosby and Malkin.
The Pens have defense and goal tending, which can mean a lot in the playoffs. I’d take the Pens in seven.
s.zielinski
How have you matched up against them in the season? That’s the main reason I don’t want to see a Flyers-Lightning series.
Mourning Gagne forever.
In all honestly, Philly doesn’t look very hungry right now.
They are quite lackadaisical
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Love that word :)
And I felt the same way watching the game tonight. They didn’t look very passionate tonight at all.
~Silver
by SilverFlame11 on Mar 25, 2011 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought they did well tonight. They were great against Washington for the last 30 minutes (once they dug a hole)…
The loss of Pronger, their clear #1 hurts. And Timmonen is battling a neck injury that almost held him out of games this week. That can’t be under-stated either.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Its true. Pronger adds so much in terms of leadership and motivation.
However, I wonder if Philly truly believes with all humble confidence that THEY are the team to beat in the playoffs..They are playing like they want the regular season to be over. Or maybe the injuries have just made them less driven
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
The Lightning are a very good team in terms of skaters, they just have terrible goaltending. If that changes during the playoffs, they’re going to be very deadly.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
Not sure I buy that. Stamkos has been ice cold, has he hit a wall? Is he hurting?
And even with Eric Brewer, I think Tampa’s D core is a lot worse than any of the EC playoff caliber team.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok well consider this…
In 31 games with the Lightning this season, Dan Ellis posted an .889 Sv%.
In19 games with the Lightning this season, Mike Smith posted an .884 Sv%.
In 28 games with the Lightning this season, Dwayne Roloson posted an .909 Sv%.
It seems unfathomable to me that a not very good team could get that atrocious level of goaltending and still find a way to be near the top of the East. Coupled with the fact that Tampa leads the league in team fenwick, I can’t seriously think they’re not a very good team.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
I don’t think they’re consistent. When they’re good, they look really good. TB certainly has a lot of offensive weapons and on some nights Roloson has stepped it up…
But when they’re bad, they’re bad. 27 games this year (out of 73) they’ve given up 4+ goals. I just can’t believe a team yielding 4+ goals in 37% of their games — who doesn’t have a defensive conscious or acumen — is going to do much damage in the playoffs.
And I think that ties back to Roloson too — in 12 games in calendar 2011 he’s given them .930+ save percentages. But in 7 games it’s been .852% or lower. I realize goalies do have some wild swings, but that is feast or famine in a major way.
So you’ve got an inconsistent defensive team, with all or nothing goaltending (from a 41 year old that could run out of gas) paired with a dynamic offense with a few superstars…Spring will tell, but all signs, to me, point to Tampa not succeeding as currently constructed.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
But when they’re bad, they’re bad. 27 games this year (out of 73) they’ve given up 4+ goals. I just can’t believe a team yielding 4+ goals in 37% of their games — who doesn’t have a defensive conscious or acumen
Their goalies were terrible. You can tell that from the numbers, and while the guys in front have some effect, they’re not making all stars in Smith and Ellis look bad. Those guys are just bad, and talking about how many goals they’ve given up doesn’t get at how good their team is.
As for their inconsistency, I’d say that’s mostly a product of their goaltending. Their team fenwick is awesome, and you can’t discount that no matter what.
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
fenwick
thankfully, these playoffs aren’t played on your computer in your mom’s basement. jk, jk, jk.
Roloson has started 28 of the 36 games that Tampa has played in 2011, you can’t put the blame on Smith/Ellis for the last 3 months and nothing has really changed.
Fenwick is awesome, but it’s not going to save them in the playoffs when they run into a team that can control the puck more than them (like PIT, WAS, PHI) or they face a defensive team that can limit their superstars chances (like maybe a MTL or NYR).
I’d put Tampa as a heavy under-dog to any of the above listed in a 7 game playoff series. Tampa has feasted on the weaker teams and I think built themselves, statistically to look stronger than they actually are.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Well I guess we’ll have to place our bets and see what April churns out then!
Hockey Blogger at Pensburgh.com
I think the Lightning are the best possible matchup for Pittsburgh. TB has some skilled offensive players (which will be tough to play on in the tighter atmosphere of the playoffs), but their D is still suspect and their goalie is 40+ and has shown cracks already, who knows what that does in an every-other-day grind of the NHL playoffs.
Obviously any 6-8 seed would be an under-dog for Philly, but teams like Montreal, NYR and Buffalo are built from the goal out. Hot goalies can steal a series.
To be honest, as a Pittsburgh fan or anyone, my most favorable 1st round matchup of all the EC teams would be Tampa. I wouldn’t want to see M.Staal+Lundqvist or Gill+Price or Myers+Miller in the first round.
Of course, as the playoffs advance naturally you get tougher opponents. But for all around skaters, goalie AND total team playoff experience, there’s no better team to face, to me, than Tampa in the first.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Flyers haven’t played the Lightning well at all this season, that’s why I was asking. And they are a better team than they were at the start of the season.
M.Staal+Lundqvist or Gill+Price or Myers+Miller
I don’t know if any of those teams have the depth to stop all three offensive lines from the Flyers, of course a goaltender playing well could change all that, but I’m really not that worried. I’d take any of those three and feel as comfortable as one can going into the playoffs.
Mourning Gagne forever.
So, what’s your preference? I’d like to see Flyers-Rangers. Should be plenty of hate there.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I want Rangers-Caps.
NYR is the only 1st round opponent that is tailor made to trip up Washington.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good for you, then. I’m not trying to change your mind. I’m just saying a team like the Rangers is much better suited to steal a playoff round than the Lightning are this year.
The Capitals beat the Pens 3 out of 4 times in ‘09 (and the Pens only win was in a shootout) and Pittsburgh worked Washington in the playoffs. Regular season doesn’t matter for the post-season.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d disagree, but sure.
Is that the season where the Penguins were completely different in the second half than the first? It might not make a difference, but if I had to choose the opponents going into the playoffs then I’m more likely to pick the team that the Flyers have the better record against during the regular eason.
Mourning Gagne forever.
There was the coaching change, but the main point was you might as well just throw the regular seasons matchups out the window….Come a best of seven series, I don’t think it’s too valuable.
From top to bottom the Flyers are much better than the Lightning.
Philly top 9 forwards > Tampa top 4 D
Philly top 4 D* > Tampa top 9 F
Bobrovsky more or less the same as Roloson
*With healthy Pronger
If I was you, I’d much rather play Tampa in the playoffs as a Flyer fan, than take on a team like NYR, Buffalo or Carolina…Mainly because of the huge established edge those other team would have in net (plus total team strategies and playoff experience).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d actually really like to see if anyone has done anything on this.
Those facts were the same throughout the four game series during the season, but the Bolts won 3-1, with the Flyers only win coming in a shootout.
Haha, I don’t think you’d find many Flyers fans who agree with you. Sure those other teams might be better in net, but Tampas skaters are better than any of those other teams skaters. Tampa-Philly games have turned into pond hockey this season, and Tampa have come out on top. I’d much rather a team with lower goal scoring ability trying to score on Bob/Boosh.
Mourning Gagne forever.
I don’t agree, but I understand.
And luckily for you, seems you’ll get your preference, because it Pittsburgh doesn’t pass Philly (and that seems likely) PHI will get NYR, MTL, BUF or CAR — depending on how the #1/2 seed sorts out between you guys and the Caps.
All I’m saying if the matchups are:
PIT-TB
WASH-NYR
PHI-MTL/BUF/CAR
I would be very happy with that. I suspect one of MTL, NYR and BUF will upset a higher ranked team. No one knows the match up yet, but as we all know, in the East, lower ranked teams often win in round 1, especially when they have talented goalies.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
It was hard to watch.
I mean, not really, but you get the point.
"Carrie, I can't go in there, I'm claustrophobic."
"Well, It's gonna' be a rough half hour for ya then."
-Doug Heffernan coming to grips with the cold reality of an MRI machine
Yes, I believe that Philly, Tampa and Montreal have big questions in goal for the playoffs.
The Hockey Dr.
Of the three, Price is head and shoulders above- especially the way Montreal’s defense and scheme can buckle down when it counts.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but remember last year it was Halak that played and not Price. For some reason he does not inspire much confidence come playoff time in Montreal.
The Hockey Dr.
Price has to be perfect ALL the time. When he is not, he kinda gives up almost
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Yes, I believe that may be the case. But has gotten to the point that the Montreal media is already beginning to question him for the playoffs.
The Hockey Dr.
Price has had a better regular season this year than Halak did last year.
And if Price had Gorges, Markov and Spacek in front of him, it would be an even better story.
Montreal’s D injuries are probably more damming than the Pens forward injuries (especially with Sid on the horizion for a potential return).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
One of the guys who has thrived in the absence Sid and Geno is TK. The more I see of him, the more I am impressed. He always brings a lot of energy to the game, but recently he has really developed a very good nose for the net and could potentially be a 20-goal scorer this season. I would almost be okay with him in a top-6 role next year if he can keep this scoring touch.
by stoopidtom on Mar 24, 2011 11:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
100% agreement. I was one of the first to throw Kennedy under the bus. But he’s definitely been the most dangerous and productive forward for the Penguins in 2011.
Scary thought, isn’t it?
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Even when Kennedy was doing his best to improve league wide save percentages, there was something to be said for him. We were all crazy about Cooke-Staal-Kennedy, then Conner-Letestu-Kennedy, and now Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy. Not all his doing, but surely not coincidence either. He executes the Bylsma plan well.
He’s restricted, so he’s not going anywhere just yet.
But TK does have arbitration rights (if he chooses to use it) and that could be a big problem for Pittsburgh’s salary structure.
If it goes all the way to arbitration, usually the player wins, and wins a bigger contract than they’d get otherwise. Even a guy like Eric Fehr (21g, 18a last year — on a historically offensive Caps team) got $2.2 million for two years right before the arbitration.
A guy like Clarke MacArthur (16g, 19a) was awarded $2.4m when he went through the procedure.
Kennedy is a similar role as those guys, and has stats that compare — and the boxcar numbers are what pays in arbitration.
If TK goes through arb, he probably gets $2+ million. And I don’t know if the Pens can/will accept that offer.
The best case scenario, at this point, is he signs a 2-3 year deal before it gets that far. But if I was Kennedy’s agent, I would not advise that.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2011 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, good to know, Hooks!
Honestly, I really cannot see TK performing at the same level if he was making 2 million a season. It just seems like he is working too hard for a big contract. And THEN what? All your gas is gone when you receive it.
Lets hope I am wrong.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Actually, what am I saying. This guy is a Sault, boy. He’ll continue to work had until he dies. Hes still so young. Shame on me!!
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
I do agree that Kennedy’s work ethic will be the same regardless of what his paycheck is. No matter how many goals he scores, grinding and working hard is TK’s best trait.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Well even though Clarke Mac got a huge arbitration award, the team walked away and the best he could get was $1.1 mill from Toronto, very late in the summer. I could totally see something like that happen to Kennedy —even for the Pens to try and re-sign him.
That still, Colby Armstrong got 3 million for 3 years. Ryan Malone got $4.5 for 6. You never know (and it doesn’t matter) what a team will pay for a UFA. Once he’s there, he’s there.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I saw your tweet about Kennedy possibly going to arbitration, and the thought scares me too. Especially since even though he’s currently earning a bigger paycheck, he has been inconsistent in his career and it’s hard to know if this current streak will last.
I believe in Geno.
He’s been getting PP minutes now (finally) and that’s helped too.
But the flashy goals+assists are what pays, if it goes all the way through the arbitration. Below, I cited Eric Fehr and Clarke MacArthur that went through various degrees of the process as Kennedy (at a similar age) and they cashed in.
Kennedy’s having a career year for himself, and I find it hard to imagine his agent doesn’t take full advantage. That is his job.
That said, there’s still a lot of time for Shero to sign TK before it gets that far….But at this point, who knows.
A couple of weeks ago I might have thought Dupuis or Talbot were the biggest targets not to return next season, but now I firmly believe it will be Kennedy as the most important player who is most likely not to be a Penguin next year.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
What if TK comes back?
If TK is back in the lineup next year, what line does he play one? You have to admit the Kunitz-Staal-TK line is hot and not slowing down. They have clicked so well, would you want to break that up?
I really didn’t want to see Kunitz on any other line except Sid’s, but….I can’t see him going back there unless Neal really craps out with Sid(I don’t see that going down though).
What would the lines be if he came back? Would you give Geno a different line or take TK out and insert Geno?
You want to see Geno on a good line, but chemistry and production are important.
I still think Geno is a beast and when he is healthy next year, we will see his production increase. (I think he has been playing injured for the last year and a half)
I like what TK is doing and would love to see him back because he fits with the Pens system very well.
If TK goes over the 20 goal mark, you don’t think the Pens would give him a raise and keep him?
Nice to be able to have this kind of call, but a tough one to make if TK’s production keeps up.
Even then, the most dangerous Malkin has looked at ES this season, it was typically with Crosby as his center. I don’t even think it’d be a terrible idea to load up
Neal-Crosby-Malkin
Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy
as top two lines. If it doesn’t work, you can change it up, but giving Malkin his own line would suck because Crosby will get Neal and/or Kunitz (and Staal will have one of them too)…I’m tired of seeing Malkin with pluggers or unskilled players like Talbot. Would rather just stack things and force the other teams to shutdown the best players and maybe open up space for guys like Staal, Letestu, Jeffrey & co.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow
Wouldn’t that be epic? I mean why not? You look at the NHL top scorers and you have the Sedin brothers and also Stamkos and St. Louis. I don’t see why we couldn’t have a deadly tandem of Crosby/Malkin right up there, particularly with KSK looking like a real possibility for s scoring 2nd line right now.
I like it!
Neal-Crosby-Malkin
Kunitz-Staal-Kennedy
I’m thinkin":
Neal-Crosby-Kunitz
Malkin-Staal-Kennedy
A Matt Cooke Defender 'Til Death!
Well you have to consider that there’s a very large chance that Kovy won’t be resigned, so we’ll probably have:
Neal-Sid-?
Staal/Geno-Staal/Geno-?
One of those question marks is definitely Kunitz, so if TK signs for the right price I could see him getting a chance with top 6 minutes. Then we would have Letestu for 3C because I feel he more than deserves to stay up here and try to continue to Penguins’ recent legacy of having the best 3rd line in the NHL. And then considering what happens to our UFA’s in the off season, Jeffery and/or Tanger2 will get their own chances to become Career NHL’ers.
Also, I put Geno and Staal as interchangable with the wing and center positions simply because I can’t see Staal moving back to 3C before they try every combo possible between the two. I’m sure people will disagree.
Great info. Thanks!
These are the situations where it’s important for the Pens to get that reputation of being THE team to play for. If players like it enough here, they will meet management half way or better for a great deal. That’s how you get competitive advantage in the cap era.
by illbottleya on Mar 25, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
where has Letangs Scoring TOUCH gone…. its M.I.A……? he can’t buy a goal to save his life… thank god his D hasn’t suffered…
He’s always been streaky (At best) when it comes to hitting the net with prime scoring chances. I’m with you on the rest of his play, his skating is always on point, and even though some decisions he makes with the puck are suspect, Letang is usually gifted enough to cover up any mistakes.
Once Orpik gets back, hopefully Letang feels more at peace with his role. As even Steiggy mentioned tonight, Lovejoy has been jumping up in the play a lot, and that’s made Letang as his partner, worry more about covering back. Orpik knows he can take that role, whic h should free Kris up….Whether or not he can hit the target or make a good decision with the puck in the O zone is up to him, but he’s got the skill and moxy to do it.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Something just occurred to me. We’re beating teams above us in the standings without Sid and Geno, while last year we couldn’t do that with them.
How stunning is that?
In a nutshell…..
Last year, we did not have Martin and Michalek on D and nor did we have a great overall defensive tandom. Plus, Fleury was not this exceptional. Even furthermore, we did not have the grit and comradery that we have now.
But yes, still very stunning.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
Sorry SlayerGhaleon
That came out wrong. I did not mean to undermine your comment. It just came out wrong.
You are truly right. Who would have thought that we would beat some of our largest foes without our star players?? It has been truly remarkable.
We have been very fortunate to have benefited from excellent defense, stellar goaltending and and improved team game.
"Have you ever seen such finesse?"
quite honestly
the more and more i see it, the more i think we can trade Geno and still be a #1 team in the East. Look at us now, we all think by simply adding Crosby were probably the team to beat ( generally speaking here). Yeah were a shit ton better with Malkin but I think we know we have some depth at center now and moving forward, I think Geno is tradable.
My opinion though is to keep Geno….just thought id throw that in there.
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend!
I like the idea of Geno moving to wing if he is comfortable. But, Staal has shown that he is NOT a legit scoring center, he is the best 3rd center in hockey, but simply not a consistant offensive threat.
If Staal and Malkin find chemistry that is a legit #2 line combo with Sid and Neal being #1. If Staal and Malkin don’t click like they did that first year together than I think the Pens have to stick to the “strength-down-the-middle” plan.
Do the Pens trust Letestu or DJ as that #3 center for the next few years? That is the question that will determine what the Pens do roster wise beyond this year.
You have to remember though that like half the forwards are up for some sort of free agency this summer. The Pens will look the same down the middle, on D, and in the net next year, but the wingers will be VERY different.
Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying
Tonight's Lineup?
With DJ evidently out for a while and Sid not ready who will be the Pens 4th center? Is Comrie going to get his shot tonight or is a WBS guy coming up? I hear that Comrie looks GREAT in practice.
Life is about one simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying
He may look great in practice, but so does Sid. That doesn’t mean either of them are ready to come back and play just yet.
by StripesForLife on Mar 25, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Le sigh...
My wishful thinking as well. I have been one of the many who was curious how things would shake out in the lineup once Duffman was healthy, but I guess the hockey gods may have taken care of that for us. I’m not sure what tonight’s lineup will be, but I’m certain they’re not gonna pull up another AHL’er for the long run if Duffman is healthy simply because, IMO, we’ve already stolen all of the NHL ready centers from the Baby Pens (yet despite that, they’re still #1 in the AHL. Amazing!).
Poor DJ tho. Legs are not supposed to end that way…
comrie is in
"Look at Lemieux! Oh my goodness, what a goal, what a move! Oh baby!" - Bob Cole
Twitter @marcy8771
I just read that. I thought bylsma did’t think he’d be back before playoffs a week or so ago? Anyway it’s at least a positive on the injury front
by StripesForLife on Mar 25, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Great Win Pens!
Who’s Matt Cooke?
Cheers for the Pens! Cheers for the Canucks!
There are no would've, should've, could'ves in Hockey.
No excuses. No whining allowed.
Play with HEART; the results will follow.
Crosby is getting healthy......watch out!
Prayers and good thoughts for Manny: get well soon.
Follow me on Twitter as PensFanInDenver
by PensFanInDenver on Mar 25, 2011 11:19 AM EDT reply actions
The two Pens players going down simultaneously to block a shot in the 3rd, in a 1-1 game, is exactly how the Pens played in a nutshell.
A well earned win and one of the best games this season.
Mario Lemieux is better than you.
My Thoughts on the Pens & Twitter
Can’t believe I didn’t mention these things befeore:
The Kunitz assist was beautiful.
When somebody on the ice has a funny name, I sometimes suspect Steiggy and Errey purposefully say it as much as possible for our entertainment. Case in point – that Shampoo guy?
Well, he was unable to return to the game and there were only 3 zebras so that’s why they kept mentioning his name.
Mario Lemieux is better than you.
My Thoughts on the Pens & Twitter
by AllieLXXXVII on Mar 25, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
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