How good are the Penguins?

Since October we have talked about lack of focus and lack of consistency. Two problems that have certainly plagued the Penguins. Giveaways and defensive zone lapses have led to many scoring opportunities for their opponents. Fleury has not been able to cover for these mistakes. Thus the Pens have given up too many goals.                                                                          

Even with these issues the Penguins still hold down the second overall seed in the Eastern Conference. Tonight”s game at the Joe Louis Arena should be enough to bring out the best in the Penguins.  Just the sight of those red jerseys has to get the juices flowing.  The Penguins are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.   The Red wings are 7-2-1. That gives each of them points in 8 of their last 10 games. The Red Wings have a 2 point lead over the Flames for the 8th and last playoff spot in the West. They are facing the dreaded 1st game at home following a long road trip. Hopefully the Pens can take advantage of that. The Pens are in a fight with the Devils and Sabres for spots 2, 3, and 4 in the East. We have talked at length about the importance of getting the highest seed possible. The stage is set for what should be a great regular season NHL game tonight. An opportunity for the Penguins to show just how good they are. 7:08 can’t get here soon enough.                                                

Thats the view from E-11.                                                                                              

Note: The scratch tonight will be a more difficult decision if everyone is healthy. Kennedy has played his way back into the lineup. You have to figure that you want Talbot ready for the playoffs. Rupp and Adams are valuable assets. Fedetenko is a proven playoff performer and has played well since the arrival of  Pony. Looking at these options. Who would probably play the least minutes. I’m thinking Rupp. I don’t want to take him out , but someone has to sit. So he is my choice tonight.                                                  

Note:  Somewhere along the line Goligoski and Letang have to score some goals. They have so much natural talent that they have to be more productive.                                                                                                                          

Note: The game is on Versus tonight .  So no Steigy. Maybe he will  watch the game and hear how a professional calls an NHL game