Penguins Search for Groove Thang as Playoffs Approach

On the heels of an ugly three-game losing streak entering March, the Penguins have, for the most part, been playing better hockey of late. While they haven’t quite returned to their sparkling pre-trade deadline groove, when they ripped off an incendiary 17-4-1 mark over a glorious eight-week stretch, they’ve shown definite signs of rounding into form just in time for the playoffs.

Tucked neatly into the recent upswing were impressive conquests of Metropolitan Division rival Philadelphia and Dallas. In particular, the playoff-style 3-1 victory over the Stars last Sunday night may have been the black-and-gold’s best performance of a decidedly up-and-down campaign.

There are plenty of reasons to believe. Let’s start with Evgeni Malkin. ‘Geno’s’ playing at a rarified level not attained since his glorious MVP season of 2011-12. Studio analyst Jay Caufield compared him to Mario Lemieux the other night and I agree. When No. 71 shifts into overdrive, he’s the closest thing to Mario I’ve seen. He and Swedish sidekicks Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist form a deadly combination that brings a little bit of everything…speed, skill and grit.

Ditto the emerging third line of Derick Brassard, Phil Kessel and Bryan Rust. The more Brassard gets comfortable with his role, the more imposing the unit grows. They’ll create matchup headaches for sure come the postseason.

Ironically, Sidney Crosby’s line has been a bit problematic, through no fault of the two-time MVP. Kelly, a hockey pal at the Pennsbury Pub, aptly pointed out that Sid’s been handed table scraps for wingers this year and he’s right. While Jake Guentzel and Zach Aston-Reese—presently on IR—have performed ably on his port side, Sid’s right flank has been largely in the air, to coin a military phrase.

It begs the question…will hot shot Daniel Sprong be given a reprieve for the playoffs? Or will Crosby continue to make do with the likes of Conor Sheary, whose effectiveness has waned.

Likewise, the fourth line’s a bit of a Mulligan’s stew. But center Riley Sheahan, another terrific pick up by GM Jim Rutherford, has been a bright spot. Coach Mike Sullivan is finding creative ways to get Riley quality ice time on the top units.

For now, the Pens appear to have nulled out their defensive pairings. It took over half a season and goals-against galore, but Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin finally seem comfortable with each other. Prior to the Pens’ 6-3 victory over Ottawa on February 13, each was a minus-15.

In the 15 games since, ‘Dumo’s’ a plus-11 with a goal and seven points. ‘Tanger’ has three goals and 10 points over that span, to go with a plus-10.

The second tandem of Justin Schultz and Jamie Oleksiak, recently formed, has been dynamic at times. The ‘Big Rig,’ who continues to look like the steal of the century, has two goals and four points in the five games he’s been paired with Schultz. Justin’s a plus-4 during that stretch.

The third pairing, featuring Olli Maatta slotted next to Chad Ruhwedel, has been fairly solid as well.

The real danger to the defense? Injuries. If one of the top six go down, pariah Matt Hunwick reenters the mix. The Pens are a pedestrian 20-18-1 with Hunwick in the lineup, a more palatable 21-8-4 sans the Michigan native.

Likewise, if Matt Murray’s out of action for any length of time come the postseason, the Pens are…well…I’m thinking of a seven-letter word that begins with ‘scr’ and ends with ‘ed’. While rookies Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry have been serviceable in a backup role, Marc-Andre Fleury they most assuredly ain’t.

Then there’s the not-so-small matter of the competition. Last season the Pens vanquished their toughest challengers, Columbus and Washington, in the first two rounds. While none of their Metro brethren look unbeatable this time around, more serious challenges could come just down the road in the form of Atlantic Division heavies Tampa Bay, Boston or Toronto.

I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, but of the three, the Bruins worry me the most. They play the type of hard-charging, physical game that could give our boys fits. Relentless, too. Given our nagging tendency to pop a main spring and lose focus, like during the third period of Wednesday night’s inglorious giveaway loss to the Rangers? It’s a matchup I don’t want any part of.

In the meantime? The Pens continue to search for their groove thang.