Just when you thought you wouldn’t have to read any more of my ramblings, I’m back. Well, sort of.
On a serious note, I’d like to apologize to our faithful PenguinPoop readers and commenters for my lengthy absence from the blog. It wasn’t due to sickness or anything like that. I’ve been absorbed in another writing project and it’s taken up much of my creative energy. And, frankly, I’d kind of lost interest in hockey through the long covid-19 shutdown.
Even now, I’m having trouble regaining my enthusiasm. It isn’t that I don’t still love the Penguins or hockey. I do. I still think it’s the greatest sport there is. I’m just having trouble wrapping my brain around the Stanley Cup playoffs in August. Summertime’s for Bucs, not pucks…or something like that.
Personally, I feel the NHL should’ve cancelled the season and begun fresh in the fall. I’m sure I’ll sing a different tune if the Penguins hoist the Stanley Cup. Which doesn’t look too likely based on last nights’ 3-2 Game One loss to Montreal in overtime.
Since I didn’t watch the whole game, I’ll refrain from doing a traditional game summary. Rather, I’ll offer up some thoughts and observations.
First, the good. The Pens held a 41-35 advantage in shots on goal, including a whopping 18-6 edge in the first period. So they were getting pucks on Habs goalie Carey Price. Problem is, they weren’t getting a lot of traffic to go with those shots. One of the few times they did, Bryan Rust cashed in on the power play, courtesy of Patric Hornqvist wreaking his typical havoc in the slot. More on that later.
Now, the bad. The Canadiens seemed more willing to do the dirty work. They held a 27-17 advantage in blocked shots and muscled the Pens around all night long, to the tune of a whopping 53-30 edge in hits. Leading the assault was defenseman Ben Chiarot, who gave black-and-gold stars Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel a particularly rough ride. Naturally without a whimper of retaliation.
Yeah, I get it. The Pens aren’t supposed to retaliate. They’re supposed score on the power play when opponents ramp up the rough stuff. Great in theory. But in execution?
Not so much.
Indeed, the power play—a sore spot all season long—mostly stunk last night (1-for-7). The Canadiens handed the Pens opportunity after opportunity, including a lengthy 5-on-3 early in the third period. The black and gold just couldn’t capitalize. At one point, Evgeni Malkin—wide open in the slot—unleashed a spinning backhander that thunked harmlessly off Price’s pads. It seemed to epitomize the night for our boys.
We flubbed a penalty shot as well. When Conor Sheary missed the net with a drive-by wrister late in the third period, I had an inkling of how the game would turn out. For the record, the only team Sheary seems to score against is the Penguins.
To digress, this isn’t an attractive matchup. It reminds me of 2010, when a very ordinary but disciplined Montreal team (coached by current Pens assistant Jacques Martin) ousted our defending Cup champs in the second round.
These Canadiens are young, fast and physical. Price showed last night that he’s still an elite goalie. While we’re on the subject, Matt Murray had his moments with several sparkling saves. But he also allowed Nick Suzuki to beat him clean off the rush. And, typically, he didn’t make the big stop with the game on the line.
The two-time Cup winner’s now lost seven playoff starts in a row and nine of his last 10. Time for a cool change. I know Murray is Mike Sullivan’s guy. But I’d like to see Tristan Jarry get the nod in Game Two.
Other changes that could help? How about Hornqvist on the top power-play unit. Plain and simple, he causes problems for opposing goalies and defensemen. I’m sure it’s a little harder for a goaltender to track a Crosby or Malkin with the salty Swede practically sitting on top of him. Sometimes a split second of lost reaction time is all it takes.
Although Crosby prefers guys who can skate on his wing, I wouldn’t mind seeing “Horny” get a shot on the top line as well. His presence draws Sid into the dirty areas, where he’s very effective.
I doubt it will happen. Sullivan seems to devalue anyone who has sand in his game. Much to the team’s detriment.
Back to the power play. It hasn’t been the same since Phil Kessel was banished to the Arizona desert. He ran the power play, and very effectively, from the left wall, making it easier for guys like Crosby and Malkin to slip into prime scoring areas undetected.
Maybe it’s time to have someone imitate “Phil the Thrill.” I’m serious. Put Crosby on the left wall and have him mimic Kessel. Can’t do any worse.
I’d also like to see some fresh legs. I know it’s early to pull the plug on Patrick Marleau. But the graybeard forward’s done next-to-nothing since arriving at the trade deadline. Insert Sam Lafferty and maybe Evan Rodrigues, too, to add some jump and grit and better match the Canadiens’ speed.
We’ll see what happens in Game Two. But in a best-of-five series, the Pens need to get it together…in a hurry.
Hello all,
Thank you all for taking the time to read our blog and respond. I’ve said on many occasions that it’s our readers and commenters who make PenguinPoop so enjoyable.
I apologize again for not having time to respond to everyone individually, so I’ll kind of summarize. But you all had great comments.
Dee, agree 1000 percent that Sullivan and the coaching staff are living in the past. Sullivan’s abject inability to make meaningful personnel decisions has been especially noticeable over the past couple of seasons. He just sticks with “his” guys as the ship sinks beneath the waves.
He’s forgotten some important lessons from 2016, when he gave a passel of young kids prominent roles in the bottom six and was duly rewarded. They provided jump, energy, enthusiasm…not to mention a timely goal here and there. Now he shunts guys like Lafferty to the press box at the drop of a puck.
Rick, to your point, his borderline allergic reaction to anyone who remotely plays a physical style (Reaves, Cole, Lafferty and now it appears…Hornqvist) is baffling, mystifying and oh-so-frustrating. Skill alone doesn’t win in the playoffs. You gotta have sand, too.
Lightning, agree that…despite what the numbers say…they really don’t seem to possess the puck…maybe ‘control’ it is a better word…the way they were doing early in the season, when they were really getting on other teams. Not sure what’s gone wrong in that aspect, but agree that they need to change it up a little.
Also agree 100 percent about Kahun. I really liked him, too. Fast, smart, heady, creative, good work ethic and good defensive player. I heard the Pens were concerned they wouldn’t be able to sign him. But I really see no rationale for that trade at all.
One last point. Hooks Orpik over on Pensburgh noted that Jack Johnson had a really rough game. JJ should’ve gotten an assist on the first Canadiens goal, and he and Schultz were stuck in the same corner on the OT winner. Anyway, one of his points to improve was “For the love of God, scratch Jack Johnson.” No offense to Johnson…he tries his best and I kind of feel sorry for him. But I thought it was humorous and spot-on.
Would love to see what Riikola could do, although the way they’ve mishandled him, God only knows what you’d get from him at this stage.
We’ll see how things go tonight…
Rick
Rick, you and I have talked, you know I am onboard with Riikola, but as you say the way he has been treated who knows what you will get now – and if we will see him next season.
Hey Rick,
Hornqvist on the #1 powerplay the Pens win that game. Don’t care which you move to #2 pp Zucker or Guentzel, but Hornqvist is a must. I thought the Pens played well, lots of hustle, also both teams made a bunch of mistakes. Price just out played Murray. Murray looked decent, but Price was better. I’m hoping the game lights a fire under the team, it has to be a little hard to get the adrenaline pumping in that weird situation.
Hey Phil,
Agree about Hornqvist. Especially with the Canadiens ‘d’ playing extra physical, that could play right into our hands in terms of net-front distraction.
Also agree about Murray. He made some big saves. But with the game on the line…
If you need him to only allow two, he gives up three, etc. He just isn’t a winning playoff goalie any more. I gamble and go with Jarry. Maybe it’ll provide a spark and help the transition game a little.
Rick
Rick
I know I’m a little late to the party but like you I’ve been trying to get re-focused with Hockey returning to play.
I read most of the comments but I think everyone needs to relax – its only one
game – my hope is the Pen’s are much better tonight and even up the series.
Replying to a few of the comments.
1) Jarry should definitely be in nets – Montreal’s strength is forechecking and
is would reduce there effectiveness if we had a puck handing goalie in nets.
2) I know everyone likes to pick on JJ – but my take on Montreal’s first goal puts
the blame more on Ashton Reese and Murray – ZAR was out of position and
picked of JJ prior to the goal and Murray was his usual soft self / more worried
about being run into the keeping the puck out of our net.
3) Rigth now IMO theirs no room for Lafferty or Rodriguez unless you plan to
sit Blueger. Personally I would plug in Lafferty for ZAR – Ashton Reese is a
non factor and never asserts himself physically. Everyone tries to convince
me he’s a great penalty killer “we have 15 guys that are capable of killing off
penalties – he adds nothing in the way of a goal scoring or as a playmaker.
4) I get a kick out of people screaming that JJ should be benched then in the
same breath praying for a team with “sand” – its almost comical. Johnson is
the only Penguin player other than Horny that plays physical.
5) Last but not least Riikola is not ready for a playoff series. I’m definitely a fan
but Jesus he runs around in our end like a chicken with his head cutoff. If you
sit JJ who do you replace him with on the PK unit?
Rick – I look forward to your thoughts – great to have you back!!
Hey Mike,
Good to hear from you after all this time and great to read what you have to say.
I hear ya’ about it’s only one game, but…
…I don’t know. To me it kind of feels like a continuation of last year. Maybe that feeling will dissipate if we win one (or two or three), which hasn’t happened in the postseason for a while now.
They just don’t seem to have the same jump or hunger they had earlier…going back to their 3-8 pre-covid slide. Nor do they seem to have come together as a team since the trades. (Yeah, I know…how could they…they’ve been off for four months).
Of all my concerns, Murray might be the greatest. He simply doesn’t steal games any more. Most of the time, he plays just well enough to lose…like Saturday.
I’d much prefer Jarry for a variety of reasons…athleticism, puckhandling, the way he moves in net rather than just anchoring himself to the ice in a butterfly. But Murray is Sullivan’s guy and we know how that works.
While I’m on the subject, for the most part I don’t like Sullivan’s personnel decisions these days (or lack of). He just seems so set and intractable…almost fatally so.
Regarding Jack Johnson. I don’t question his heart or grit or effort. But I’ve come to feel the same way about him I did about Rob Scuderi a few years back. A really good guy who the game has passed by.
Anyway, I hope the Pens turn it around and come up big tonight. I’d love to be singing a different tune tomorrow…
Rick
Hey Mike,
I happened to check out Pittsburgh Hockey Now. Dan Kingerski, who’s a Johnson supporter, diagrammed the play on the first Montreal goal. And you were right…Zach Aston-Reese was in the wrong spot (down low rather than covering the point)…a mistake he was trying to correct when he ran into Johnson.
Rick
Rick
I wonder if “Hooks Orpik” calls for Mike Sullivan to scratch Letang and
Dumo after tonights fiasco. Letang couldn’t take or make a pass all
night and then iced the puck with no one pressuring him with 59 seconds
to go in the game – he has zero hockey sense.
I with you on Murray but he played extremely well tonight. It was nice to
see Zucker get our 2nd goal – he was mixing it up and staying involved
the entire game.
Hey Rick,
As I mentioned below, with the number of games being played in such a short period of time, I doubt the Pens will get ice conditions favorable to Sully’s game, so your normal rant about a lack of grit on this team reverberates all the louder. This team needs to get down and dirty but isn’t built for it.
I wish I could go on a rant about the “D” but they weren’t the problem and really neither was the goaltending, although if Murray (I still like him buthe needed to step it up) doesn’t give up that 2nd goal. if uses his height, he doesn’t get beat over his shoulder and the team may have sneaked out with a W even with that pathetic excuse of a PP and even EV offensive effort.
As I mentioned below, it may be just one game but Phil the thrill had 2 points, 1 on the PP – sadly Sully and his ego is not only his worst enemy but the Pens teams worst enemy. If he could have played nice with Cole and Reaves, he may have 3-peated and now what was once perhaps the most feared PP is now a joke. Take all the liberties you want now ont he Pens, they won’t fight back nor will they score on the PP. Opponents need not fear any retribution.
Rick
Welcome back and thanks for posting the article. I agree with essentially everything.
The Penguins really struggle with bringing the puck into the offensive zone with authority…they tend to dump the puck and chase . To me that can work if you are notably faster than the other team. The Penguins really aren’t that fast and it aint working for them. It doesn’t seem to deter them however and I’m reminded of the old saying “We are losing money on every sale, but making it up on volume”.
Would be great to see the puck handler skate into the offensive zone in control and then take a shot or pass .
Murray has way too many rebounds ….I’m in the Jarry camp.
I loved the comment that Sheary only scores on the Penguins….. I really wish we had Kahun back.
The team was struggling when the season ended and I had hoped that getting Marino and Genteel back would substantially change that.
Lets hope they turn it around .
Sam Latterfy ,Adam Johnson ,Chad Rudwel and Anthony Angello should be getting playing time..
I agree with the forwards but Rhuwedel – I would have rather Trotman have that spot but he was left off the roster like Poulin.
Hello ,
I’m tired . Coaching staff is weak and living in the past..
Sheary was a bad trade and isn’t a good player and do not deserve top line minutes..
Johnson needs to be bench ..
PP needs to be better..
Lines
Guentzel-Crosby-Zucker ( he can play LW and RW) great shutdown line
McCann-Malkin-Rust ( McCann is better playing wing than Center) I don’t see to chemistry with Zucker -Malkin to have a impact
(Bench Sheary) Sheary/Marleau-Rodrigues-Hornquist (Rotate him to top line when needs)
Zar -Blueger-Tanev
I know Letang will get top minutes and I think Schultz is doing the best he can on bottom pairing.. I thought he did some good things last night. I know suspected with Jack Johnson
I don’t think Letang warranted for top line minutes.
Defensive pairing
Dumo- Letang or Dumo-Schultz
Pettersen-Marino or Pettersen-Schultz
I don’t know. Jack Johnson needs to be bench..
Start Jarry in the net. He deserves it and earned it.. Murray needs to be sitting on the bench.
Sully is ok coach. Questionable personnel choices and same ole decisions that hurt them..
2 years has been wasted on Malkin and Crosby
Hey Dee,
I’ll take your point a little farther, the coaching staff isn’t weak, it stinks!
To Rick B’s re Kessell, like Cole and Reaves, Sully couldn’t stand him and ran him out of town. Kessell had 2 points for Az yesterday, 1 on the PP. Sully cuts his nose off to spite his face. Kessell may have issues but Sully has subscriptions.
Also, I agree with you on Sheary and said so many times. JR in another stupid move traded at worst a middle 6 player for 2 fourth liners.
(Sorry Rick B, I may play Rodriquez over Sheary and Simon, but that is about the extent of it. I would play several WBS players over all 3 of those players – so I would definitely play Lafferty, Adam Johnson, and Sam Miletic before any of them as well as I would have kept Poulin on the Bubble roster)
J Johnson, maybe bench him, but I don’t fault the Defense last night, 35 shots in 3 1/2 to 4 periods is a win for this group. I have a bigger problem with what the teams is not doing offensively. I really only like Marino and Dumoulin and would consider dumping the rest (maybe keep Letang mainly because he is the only one of those guys that hits opponents but if I did I would manage his minutes a 7734 of a lot better – Wish they would have signed Pedan before he signed his KHL extension)
I don’t know what happened to Schultz, some have suggested that he is being anchored down by Johnson, maybe, but he has been disappointing for 2 seasons now.
For your line pairings, at this point I wouldn’t think too conservatively, I would certainly bench Sheary and as Rick B suggested bench Marleau and insert Lafferty and Adam Johnson or even Miletic (that is why my BP skyrocketed when I saw Poulin was left off the roster they didn’t bring their best roster)
Defensively, it is what it is, there isn’t much help. We could shuffle the deck all we want but there is no true number 1 on this roster. Marino looks as he could develop into that but isn’t there yet. And going back to what I said earlier, they weren’t the reason the team lost.
Murray wasn’t really the reason the team lost either. However, that 2nd goal he gave up was bad. I know it was a break away but at 6’4 you should never be beat over your shoulder. I don’t know if I start Jarry or not though. Jarry rambles all over the place in his own zone and often coughs the puck up trying to get into the offensive game. So it is a pick your poison here combined with the fact the the “O” not showing up is what is killing this team.
I don’t have a good feeling at all about these playoffs. With all the games being played in such a short span, the ice is going to get real choppy and Sully’s teams need fast ice so they can play their speed game.
It may all be for the best though, if the team can get that overall number 1 pick.
The PP won’t get any better until there is a change in coaching.
Actually Dee talking about LD, I did see a WBS article saying that Pierre-Olivier Joseph put some weight on (180s still light but that is pretty good progress). It won’t help this playoffs but maybe next season or 21-22. That may help make the Kessel trade less of a debacle.