Last game the Penguins got away from dictating the play, their hits were down, their blocked shots were down and they looked to be in a bit of disarray. Dan Bylsma has had a talk with the players about getting involved in the scrums after plays. The big question is, will Bylsma make any lineup changes? Will we see Eric Godard, Philippe Boucher or Miroslav Satan, or is Bylsma not shaken by one loss?
What makes for the best TV? Apparently an interstate rivalry NHL game of Knock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Hockey. The NBC Pittsburgh – Philadelphia game had an overnight 1.7 rating, the highest rated game since the “Winter Classic”
Alexander Ovechkin sat on the visiting bench at Madison Square Garden watching the Rangers practice yesterday morning until he was politely asked to leave. Ovechkin said: “I just (wanted) Tortorella pissed off, and he was”. Barry Melrose just came off saying on ESPN that Ovechkin should win the MVP because he’s the face of the NHL. Not only does that make a 10 year old the face of the NHL, but if that’s true then why did the NBC Washington – New York game on Saturday only get a 1.0 rating when they had the countries biggest TV market New York City viewing?
The NHL reviewed Chris Kunitz’s huge hit on Kimmo Timonen and deemed it clean. “If he is going into the game trying to hurt me, that’s fine,” Timonen said. Scotty Hartnell who fought with Kunitz less than a minute after said: “I couldn’t believe it was actually possible he got up and finished the game”
The Penguins have beaten the Flyers 6 out of 6 night games this year, all three losses to the Flyers came during afternoon games.
Hit Somebody! The Penguins who were averaging 40 hits at home the first two games only had 18 in Philadelphia. The Flyers had 29. The Penguins still lead the series in hits registered 98-95. Hopefully the Penguins biggest hitter, Brooks Orpik’s nose heals from Briers high stick in time to “Hit Somebody” Philadelphia also blocked more shots, 19-16.
Everyone knows that the Pittsburgh’s fan favorite Steeler quarterback is always the backup quarterback. It is amazing to me that right now everyone wants to put Miroslav Satan in the lineup for Petr Sykora, these are the exact same people who wanted Satan banished from the team. For what it’s worth, I thought Satan played good the last few games under Bylsma. The Penguins don’t need to take Sykora out of the lineup to put Satan in. There is a perfectly good waiver pickup Craig Adams that could be replaced.
Sunday the Penguins scored with 12 seconds left in the second period and 13 seconds into the third period – 25 seconds apart. This could possibly be the longest time ever in the playoffs between 2 goals scored only 25 seconds apart.
The Flyers have only come back twice in 13 tries when being down 2-0 in a playoff series, but one of those times was against the Penguins in 2000.
Can’t wait to hear Steigerwald & Errey. Yea, I just said that, I need to hear a home “homey” announcer when watching playoff games. The NBC crew is horrible.
Gametime is 7pm and can be seen in high definition at the Wachovia Center or at home on FSN.
Barry Melrose feels Ovechkin is the face of hockey? The MVP? This is his second season in the playoff`s and what has he done to compare with Sid and Geno? You have to like the way Malkin has come through this season as a leader and Sid is just a big game player. I wouldn`t trade either for Ovechkin. Face of hockey? No way!
The Penguins issued the same lineup that they’ve had for the last 3 games for tonights game. They can however toss in some last minute “changes”
Where has Cooke been? If anyone is the Penalty Kill problem it’s Matt Cooke, he’s been out there for two of the three pk goals against.
Adams Sausagefest? LOL. Adams has always been known to be good on the PK. So he was on the ice when the Flyers scored on a PP, eh. If that was a criteria for being replaced maybe you’s like Godard to replace Talbot. But since it isn’t – my only point was that the Penguins have been playing well and really got caught up in the Flyer after whistle goonery. If you think Godard would change that by his presence on the bench so be it. But from my view which will be on a recliner (and don’t take this too persoanl) I’d say if you think Godard will change things you could be dumb as a Flyer fan!
When did the Craig Adams sausagefest start? This guy was a healthy scratch for over half of the games he’s been with the Pens and was a scatch most of the season with the Blackhawks. Godard has played 71 games. And Adams penalty kill? are you kidding me – he was on the ice for Philadelphia’s only powerplay goal last game. You might want to lay off the stuff for a while boombastic!
We must know people in high places I mean way up high in the sky, since we got Saint Peter’s stick to the Pope that has passed on. Take a moment to reflect.
GO PENS!
Plain and simple the Pens did not show up on Sunday. I think they will be fine tonight.
Satan for Sykora. Nuts!! I say stay the way it is, unlesss there are injuries.
GO PENS!
Replacing Adams with Godard is the answer??? Because Adams was plucked off of waivers??? You are joking aren’t you? Have you missed watching Adams on the PK? Do you think Godard can take his spot on the PK? Do you really think the Pens lost on Sunday because they were being pushed around? Some fans put zero importance to the 12th forward and think that it’s a spot that can be filled by anyone. Godard, while he seems like a nice guy and is respected by the players can only fight and does little else. His ice time wouldn’t stop anything because he wouldn’t be on the ice on a regular basis. In fact, he’s be on the ice very little. IMO the Penguins allowed the Flyers to suck them into too much of the circus stupidity after the whistle. Godard would just add to that circus atmosphere and would play right into the Flyers game plan.
As to Sykora and replacing him with Satan… wow. It not that Sykora is in a slump it’s like his picture should be on a milk carton. This guy is MIA. But with Satan???? I wouldn’t do that either unless Sykora is hurt.
Same team, same lineup – I say go with the same, no changes. Just less stupidity when the Flyers start playing the punk after the whistle. Last night I saw John Erskine take an after the whistle forearm to the head from Avery and he just stood his ground as Avery went to the box. Sometimes it takes more to stand your ground than to retaliate. The Penguins should just keep the game going and the Flyers will wear down. They don’t have the horses.
By the way…… Kunitz was picked up off waivers himself and Satan passed right through them unclaimed.
I can’t say that I necessarily agree with the notions of replacing Sykora for Satan…but in terms of production, it can’t hurt.
Craig Adams fulfills his 4th line duties rather well and the combination of Dupuis, Talbot, Adams has shown decent chemistry. They’ve been cycling the puck well and playing pretty responsible defense. Everything that they’re asked to do. Sykora, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to produce more than 2 goals next to the league’s leading point scorer, who racks up WAY more assists than goals, in the past 20 games or so, and isn’t suited to play a 4th line role. He’d be Janne Pesonen all over again. So, while I can see the merit in the idea of sticking Satan in his spot, that might not be the solution to get Sykora off of the schneid.
The top 5 penguin playoff scorers in 99-00 included the likes of Jan Hrdina(2) and Janne Laukkanen(5). A testament to the team’s depth.
And what’s wrong with liking our homer announcers? They may be “goofy” as Don Cherry put it, but they’re ours, and they’re usually pretty fair to opposing teams. I would take them over the talking erection, the worst GM in nhl history, the 2004 olympic water polo announcer, and the coach of the worst penguins team since Mario’s rookie season.
all that aside…The Pens better show up today, regardless of the line-up, the network, and the start time.