Let’s go back in time. To Sunday, June 12, 2016. Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Up 3-games-to-2 on the San Jose Sharks, our Pittsburgh Penguins had snatched a 1-0 first period lead on a power-play goal by Brian Dumoulin. Employing their withering puck-possession style to perfection, they dominated the first-period shot clock, 9-4.
Everything was unfolding according to plan.
Then, for a brief span to open the second period, the wheels fell off the wagon. The Sharks blitzed the Pens with a frightful burst of offensive fury. They forechecked ferociously, leaning hard on our mobile but undersized defense. Wilting under the sustained pressure, our d-men struggled to move the puck to the forwards. Who in turn, had grave difficulty clearing the zone.
They’ve figured us out, I fretted, squirming in my chair. When Logan Couture scored to tie the game, my worst fears were realized.
Fortunately, Kris Letang countered moments later in heroic fashion to save the day. But for seven excruciating minutes, the Sharks exposed a tiny crack in the Pens’ armor.
This season, that crack has widened into a chasm. Indeed, opponents are beating the black and gold at their own game.
Inevitable, in a way. As they say, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Noting how we won the Cup with a high-octane blend of skill, demon speed and relentless attack, other teams were quick to follow suit. Adding burners like Austrian-born Michael Grabner (12 goals), the arch-rival Rangers significantly upgraded their speed and scoring depth.
Heck, New York coach Alain Vigneault admitted to copying our blueprint. Just as Pens GM Jim Rutherford confessed to borrowing a page from the Blackhawks the year before.
What’s good for the goose may well be good for the gander. But the locals aren’t faring too well.
Through 23 games they’ve allowed an average of 32 shots on goal per 60 minutes. The number soars to an astronomical 34.3 when Marc-Andre Fleury tends goal. Not to mention the countless shot attempts that don’t get through.
Talk about a shooting gallery.
Last season the Pens were one of the top teams in the league in shot differential. While they’re still among the best in that regard, they’re 28th in shots on goal allowed per game. Needless to say, their shot suppression leaves much to be desired.
So why are the Pens struggling to thrive in the up-tempo pond they helped create? Here are a few thoughts.
60-Minute Men
The Penguins resemble Longfellow’s little girl with the curl. When they’re good, they’re very good. And when they’re bad…
Take last night’s 5-3 loss to the Islanders, for example. At times, especially during the early going, the locals appeared to be asleep while falling behind 3-0.
Then, in a wondrous blur of skill and precision, they torched former teammate Thomas Greiss for three goals in just over 12 minutes. Only to let the game slip away late with somnambulant defensive-zone play.
Puck Battles
This one’s based purely on observation. But it doesn’t seem like the Pens are winning puck battles as consistently as they were last season. Particularly down the homestretch and during the playoffs.
Kind of goes hand-in-hand with the previous issue.
Fighting for loose pucks isn’t glamorous work. But it fuels the transition game. You can’t score if you don’t possess the puck. Whether it’s fatigue or heightened competition or a combination of factors, our boys aren’t getting there first as often.
Along the same lines, we’re languishing near the bottom of the NHL heap in faceoff percentage, too.
(Not-So) Special Teams
The Pens’ special teams haven’t been so special. Especially the penalty kill, presently tied with Colorado at 26th in the league (a shabby 78.3%).
Blame an overall lack of discipline. Only four teams have had to kill more penalties than Nick Bonino and his PK mates.
While better, the 11th-ranked power play ain’t exactly lighting it up, either. Maddening when you consider the elite talent available.
Chemistry Lesson
On a whole, the Penguins appear to have a pretty good mix. Indeed, Rutherford did a fine job of keeping a strong nucleus intact. But there are some holes. A solid all-around defenseman in the Ben Lovejoy mold would help. Preferably one who plays with an edge.
A winger with some skill, size and gristle might benefit, too.
Hi Rick,
Just a quick point about the Goalie situation as of Dec. 9th by the numbers.
MAF is ranked 39th in save percentages in the league and 44th in
goals against average according to the NHL site.( He played 18 games )
Mat Murray is ranked 4th in save percentages and 5th in goals against
average in the league.( He played 11 games due to injury.)
Wow. Sully was right. I did not realize there was this big a difference when
looking at the numbers only.
Cheers
Hey Jim,
I hope you don’t mind me jumping in. If you are refering to the NHL.com web site. Have you seen the new feature that allows you to frame statistics over a specific span of time? Try and look at the raw data difference between MAF’s play from before Murray came back vs his play since Murray came back. It is startling. The Lack of work and most probably the pressure from the realitization that Murray is the future is taking its toll on him. Even if the Pens deal Murray or allow Murray to be drafted off of their roster this summer, it will not get any better for MAF next year with Jarry waiting in the wings. If you remember the preseason, Jarry put up better numbers than MAF there. And even though one could argue that the preseason games are full of players not ready for the NHL, both goalies were facing pretty much the same lack of competition and Jarry was stoning them while MAF was struggling against it.
I like MAF, I don’t like seeing these bloated numbers. It may be hard to move him with the way he is playing and the lack of viable trading partners but for MAF’s sake if none other I wouldn’t argue with him getting a chance to ressurect his career elsewhere. I think he still has the physical skills, but mentally, emotionally he just may be worn out here in Pittsburgh.
Hey Coach,
Great points as always.
Jump in anytime…We are all on the same team ! ( Sorry, I could not resist). Really enjoy our conversations !
I did not realize the new features of the updated NHL site….Thanks for the info.
Watching the Ottawa game on the Canadian feed the other night and when MAF was pulled from the game,you could see his actions walking to the dressing room….He was not a happy camper !
I thought usually he was a ” happy go lucky guy “, but not that night.
I too believe that Jarry will soon be ready to step in to back up Murray. MAF days are unfortunately numbered in Pittsburgh in my opinion, but that is just the business of Hockey today. Nothing personal against MAF. He is a great team mate and a great representative of the City of Pittsburgh and the Pen’s!
Cheers
Hey Rick, Jim,
Really good stuff up and down the board here.
Let’s me try and tie a couple of thoughts together here; Rick you mentioned “Heavy is the had that wears the crown” in reference to an e-mail exchange you had with Phil and Jim “you mentioned that the team seems to a little tense at times.” I have been thinking and slightly worried about this for about a month now. I have had the feeling that the Pens, from top to bottom are slipping back into that pre-Sullivan mode of trying to play it safe, in other words trying not to lose rather than opening it up and trying to win.
My first premise to back up this statement is carrying 2-number 1 goalies on the roster. As quite rightly mentioned below; neither goalie is getting a chance to get into a rhythm. Furthermore, there is a media frenzy/circus surrounding this issue causing a major distraction to the team.
Second Premise nearly the exact same line-up. Only Lovejoy is missing.
Third Premise – As old as Cullen and Kunitz are, it would make much more sense to sit them every so often so they have something left in the gas tank come play-offs. Not only have something left for the play-offs, but the incidence of injury goes up when exhausted. Maybe Kunitz would have still gotten his lower body injury, even if he did get a game off every so often but he would have been in a better position to avoid injuries if he was spelled.
On top of that, sitting Cullen and Kunitz against weaker teams and getting more ice-time and experience to the kids would benefit the team long term. But when a team gets to worried about not losing they often lose focus on the long term goal in favor of the short term.
Fourth Premise, I am not going to argue about sitting Domoulin, but there are other, more veteran players who need sitting to send a message. One of the things I liked about what Sullivan did last year was treat all players equally when it came to disciplining, for the most part. I get the feeling that the leash on the veterans is pretty long while the leash on the kids is short.
For the life of me, I don’t understand the microscopic doling of ice time to Kuhnhackl. His TOI last year was over 12min per game, this year is is less than 10. Most especially after watching that goal he scored I can’t help but wonder why they don’t try him and Guentzel as Malkin’s line mates.
I know that if the Pens sat Cullen they would be sitting the only center that is consistently winning FO right now but again, I would rather lose a game or two now and have him for the play-offs. Long term I do think Sundqvist is the answer, but right now I would hate to see him wasting on the bench waiting for a game here and there, but we can still give Cullen some rest. Fehr really looks better playing at center than on RW. He can play C on those games Cullen rests and a Wilson or Rust can get more time and experience.
Finally, as mentioned below, the lack of attacking stretch passes, particularly the area flip pass over the trap. That was a great observation. It does seem as though conservatism is the watchword and although it isn’t really hurting the team at the moment; they are not thriving, they are Jekyll and Hyde ing their way through this first half of the season
Part of me doesn’t want to see it happen because I like MAF, but a blockbuster trade of Fleury may be the key to another Cup. The more I think of it, the more I like the idea you purposed the other day, Rick, try and package a deal of MAF and Maatta/Pouliot for Hamilton and Elliot.
Lets go Pens
Hey Coach,
You mentioned two great points that I have over looked. Thank you.
To summarize, 1. The Team is playing NOT to lose instead of trying to Win.
100% Correct. I think this 2016 Stanley Cup Champions is affecting their brains in that it means absolutely Nothing !! In all reality,right now there are thirty 2017 Stanley Cup Champions, and you have to earn that right all over again.Nobody is going to feel sorry for the Pen’s and just give them the 2017 Cup. They have to work for it !! Every shift until June.
I really do not think some of the team gets that message by their style of play.
2. Treat every player the same ! Last year when Mike Sullivan just took over, the Team was in a free fall state and even the owner’s were trying to bail out of Pittsburgh.That really makes the players feel good,… really inspires confidence in the locker room.So Sullivan had no where to go but up. He played the kids, sat the veterans when needed and the rest is history.
Today,because they are 2016 Champions there seems to be a different philosophy. I totally agree about playing the kids as you mentioned above.
JR has done a great job last year and he deserves credit for keeping most of the roster intact for 2017,but there needs to have several changes made if we are to lift the cup again in 2017.( Goalie, Defense, Wings ….)
Thanks again .
Hey Rick,
Whats up with this news report below about Ron Burkle and Debra Cafaro, CEO of the 37 billion dollar Real estate trust, Ventas Inc. and her investing 25 million to buy a piece of the Pen’s team?
Apparently others as well ? Is Mario cashing out some of his equity ?
Or heaven forbid are they looking for money ???
Very interesting times……Maybe you need to add another chapter to your Book.
Cheers.
PS: You mention Phil Krundle and your private conversations. What is he saying ?
Hi Rick and Jim,
Great read! I agree with everything you two have covered. I think they could use some defensive help. They give up far too many good scoring chances, and odd man breaks. I also think a lot of those are the result of making a fair number of bad decisions with the puck — like they’re second guessing themselves and not, as Sullivan preaches, taking the play that’s there. When you begin trying too hard to generate “the magic” it ceases being magical.
Everyone knows that Fleury will be dealt this year and I’m beginning to feel the sooner the better. I’m not sure the down time inherent in having two starters is benefitting either as much as was hyped, or hoped. I do believe number one goalies get into a rhythm. Fleury and Murray look great when there are back-to-backs, but coming in “cold” every couple games can’t be conducive to finding that groove. While the team is currently in a good position, this could become a serious problem as the season wears on. I can’t yet envision how this arrangement might work when they’re battling through the dog days of February and March. Plus, I feel as though there already have been a few games where this team was simply out goalied because the rust build up is showing.
One more thing: I still wish they had a bit more grit if for nothing else than to add some balance to their game. I think this may become more apparent as other teams emulate and catch up to them. It won’t hurt in the puck battle department either. I doubt they’ll move in that direction, but I can hope. I’m still a bit old school. I like players who can knock a puck carrier on his ass without breaking a sweat, and because it’s fun. You get them thinking twice about skating center ice through the neutral zone and you begin to erode their transition game.
Hi 55 on Point.
Great to hear from you buddy. Missed your insights in to the team.
As usual, your spot on about grit and size. We could sure use a few 6’4″,
230 # wingers and d men who can skate,score and fight. If you have noticed, the league is getting bigger, faster and stronger every year. The Pen’s need to do that as well in my opinion.
Where do you think MAF will land up? I am thinking out West !
Cheers .
Hi Jim,
Of course, the minute I offer my take on the Fleury situation, he goes out there and plays a stellar game (so did everyone else) and Rutherford and Sullivan are still aglow over having two number ones.
I honestly haven’t given much thought to where MAF might end up. That’s a good question. I think some teams that are, at this point, so close to pulling it together, like Edmonton, will express some interest. Then there’s always Toronto, who like the Rangers, are hockey’s versions of Steinbrenner’s Yankees. They’ll throw money at anybody. Other teams on the build, like Buffalo, could be interested, too, or some struggling teams like Vancouver or Arizona. I’ve been a bit remiss this season keeping abreast of the rest of the league, so I’m just throwing out names off the top of my head.
I will hate to see him go. I believed for a long time he’d retire from Pittsburgh, but that’s the business in a league with a cap. As long as it’s not Philly I will wish him well. In the end it will come down to where he might agree to go, and the return. Who and what can they get for him? And what, at that time, will they be looking for?
Also, size-wise, I’m eagerly awaiting Sundquist coming to the bigs. Perhaps not this year, barring injuries, but he’s looking damn good.
Regards,
55 on Point (Larry Murphy forever!)
Hey 55 on Point,
So good to hear from you. As always, your thoughts and observations are spot on.
A friend pointed out last night that the Pens don’t seem to be using the stretch pass as often, instead trying to make plays or lug the puck through the neutral zone. Probably a result of the way teams are defending against us. But perhaps an example of the poor decision making everyone (including coach Mike Sullivan) has been alluding to.
Along the same lines, the Pens seem to have fallen back into a “pass-around-the-perimeter” approach on the power play. Heck, even though they eventually scored, they were doing that last night on a 5-on-3. Not the way you want to attack an opponent that’s two-men down.
Nor do they seem to be cycling as effectively down low. In general, just a more passive, less aggressive approach.
Granted, it would be very hard to maintain the intensity and pace achieved down the 2016 homestretch and playoffs for a full season. But it feels like the Pens need to get back to basics. As you so aptly noted, making the simple (and smart) play, instead of trying to force something that’s not there.
I hear you (and Jim) on the size and grit issue. While my views on the subject have changed a lot over the past year (amazing what a Stanley Cup will do) I, too, am a traditionalist at heart. I do think the Pens could benefit from having a couple of bigger, more physical guys. Particularly on d. Our lack of heft is especially noticeable when other teams apply a heavy forecheck. We’re simply not built to stand and defend for extended periods of time, which we’re being forced to do more often.
Anyways, a great win over Dallas last night. Great to see Marc-Andre Fleury have a bounce-back game, too.
Rick
Phil Krundle just brought up a great point via e-mail. Simply put, it’s a heck of a lot easier for opponents to get up for games against the defending Cup champs than vice versa.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown …
Hi Rick,
You have covered a lot of bases my friend with your post today. Your reference to the ” girl with the Curl” was timely to say the least. When their good, they play great, no question about it. When they decide to take a night off, well you know the story.
To me, it seems that the other Teams have figured out our offensive flow of the game and they take advantage of the slow decisions by the d corps. I know that seems a bit unfair but the Team seems to be a little tense, a little slow in execution, a few to many rebounds ? Every other night it seems to be something else a miss. But yet we still are in the hunt for the Cup.
Sid has been playing very strong and certainly has done his share, but do you notice that # 71 seems to be “Lost in Space” some nights ? I do not want to be to critical especially after this time last year when I was writing one post after another about both 87 and 71. But it seems he is not 100% Geno, and in my opinion, when he wants to be, Geno is the best offensive talent on the team. He reminds of Mario, with the unbelievable moves and long reach he has. Sid is a totally different style of player, and considering over all play, he is still number 1 in the game.
It will be interesting to see what they do with the Goalie situation in the near future.
How is the book coming?
Cheers
Hello Jim,
Wow, my friend. Very insightful comments, all across the board. I agree with everything you wrote regarding the Pens’ flow, decision-making and execution. Their speed simply hasn’t been as evident as a result.
Especially agree with your comments about Malkin. He seems to be “floating” at times, for lack of a better description. Particularly in the defensive zone. His puck management has left a lot to be desired, too. To say nothing of his penchant for careless penalties (a la old pal James Neal), which thankfully he’s curbed lately.
Funny, but I’ve told one of my hockey buddies on numerous occasions that Malkin reminds me more of Mario than any active player. When he’s on, Geno has a dynamism and brilliance to his game that I’m not sure anyone else can achieve. At least pre-Connor McDavid. It’s just that he seems to get to that level far less frequently these days.
Also totally agree that Sid and Geno are completely different players. Speaking of another level, man is Crosby ever dialed in this season. He’s shown incredible drive and intensity, not to mention an extraordinary scoring touch. I just wish more of the team seemed to be following his lead.
Did you see the goal he scored tonight against Dallas, when he banked the puck in off Antti Niemi’s back?
Unbelievable …
Rick
PS–My book proposal is currently being reviewed by a couple of publishers. Thanks for asking … 🙂