It felt like everything was in place tonight. The city was buzzing, the crowds were unusually large downtown, the bars were packed and the Igloo was alive with excitement. The whole place was white.
All the ingredients were there for a big win against the Ottawa Senators. Apparently, the Penguin players did not feel that same excitement that I was feeling. The Pens played more like they were playing the Atlanta Thrashers in a meaningless game at the end of the season.
The Pens were badly outplayed in this game……..at home……against a team that many think is inferior.
Here is to hoping that the Pens decide to “flip that switch” on Friday and make this a good series.
Notes:
- Congratulations to Craig Adams for scoring tonight. He had no goals in the regular season, but is an unsung hero for this team.
I was wondering how the Penguin Players were going to come out playing. Before the game Billy Guerin said he was asked of turning on a switch. He said he didn’t know about that, but more of consistency. PLEASE TURN ON THE SWITCH! I agree Reg, they acted like it was any other game. Or if they just expected to win, since they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions. I didn’t see much consistency, drive or good defense. We also have some players in the mix that weren’t here last year during the playoffs. Poni looked like he didn’t know what to do with Malkin. Loved the end of the game when they had 8 seconds and instead of shooting, they were waiting for the perfect play. BEEEEEP! Oh wait, the game is over.
STEP IT UP PENGUINS!
GO PENZ!
Fleury was horrible and better pick his game up fast, you could just tell the team was a bit upset with him after he let the fifth one in to Ruutu of all people. Letang also looked horrible out there. Why do we have a guy that can’t shoot on the powerplay? There is a big difference between Letang’s can’t shoot and Gogo’s won’t shoot. They leave Gonch out there the whole time, why not rotate Leopold and Goligoski on the other side and leave Letang out of it?
Fleury definitely did not have a good night, but neither did others. When are we going to start holding Poni accountable for not earning his paycheck? He knows where the Locker Room is and where the Penalty Box is. He needs to get his head in the game. I love Bill Guerin, but I’m starting to think he’s Bill Geritol. His passing has been very sloppy. Let’s get Guerin off Crosby’s line and put Rupp in. Where the hell was Rupp tonite?
I’ve been wondering if maybe at the olympics he was working with a different goaltending coach who got his brain all discomboobulated (sp?)He is a mess out there. I know its only one game but sheesh he’s been looking horid since the break. Throw Johnson in a game or two and have Fleury work with the goaltending coach a while
Fluery sucked tonight. I cannot remember the last solid game he had. If the Penguins go down 1 more game does Bylsma throw Johnson in? I would give Johnson a shot Friday.