Foes Beating Penguins at Their Own Game

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.