The playoff Penguins arrived in style yesterday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena. No, not the ones we’ve been accustomed to seeing over the past few postseasons. These Pens harkened back to the Cup years, back-to-back vintage.
From top to bottom, everyone did their part and everyone contributed. Tristan Jarry picked a great time to post his first shutout of the season, stopping all 30 shots the Bruins lobbed his way. Jake Guentzel provided all the offense we needed, whipping a beautiful feed from who else but Sidney Crosby past B’s rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman from the left faceoff dot four minutes into the final period.
Although both clubs played remarkably crisp, tight-checking hockey, our guys dominated in quality opportunities. According to Natural Stat Trick, we held a surprising 30-13 edge in scoring chances and an equally impressive 11-2 advantage in high danger scoring chances.
With the playoffs just around the corner, yesterday’s effort bodes well for our Pens.
“It’s good for our team to get into these types of games,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “We’ve got to find a comfort level in playing in a one-goal, low-scoring game because that’s the nature of high-stakes environment hockey. That’s the way it’s going to be when you play a top team in the league like Boston. They’re as good as a defensive team as there is in the league.
“We knew we were going to have to fight for every inch out there.”
Yesterday our guys did just that.
Puckpourri
The Bruins outshot the Pens, 30-29. However, the locals held a 52-45 advantage in total shot attempts and a general edge in territorial play.
We won 52 percent of the faceoffs. Hits were dead even at 33 apiece. Resisting the urge to muscle up, the Bruins scratched hulking defenseman and former Baby Pen Jarred Tinordi. Tough guy Trent Frederic, recovering from a non-COVID illness, didn’t play either.
Our third line of Zach Aston-Reese, Teddy Blueger and Kasperi Kapanen combined for 10 shots on goal…a game-high five by “Kappy.” ZAR and Jared McCann led the way with five hits apiece.
Typifying our total team effort, each skater on the ice had a hand in our goal. Kris Letang kept the puck alive at the right point and wrapped the puck around the dasher to Brian Dumoulin along the far boards. Bruins forward Sean Kuraly poked the puck loose, but Bryan Rust made hustling play at the left point to intercept the biscuit and backhand it to “Dumo,” who in turn fed Guentzel. Jake slipped the puck to Sid, who smartly created time and space by drifting toward the corner before hitting No. 59 in stride with a return pass. Guentzel deftly avoided Mike Reilly’s stick check and roofed a shot top shelf over Swayman’s glove.
A sniper’s goal and pretty play to boot.
The Pens improved to 3-3-1 against Boston.
The victory propelled us into first place in the MassMutual East with 67 points, one point up on Washington and four up on the Islanders, who each have a game in hand. Boston (two games in hand) sits seven points back. The Rangers remain on the fringe, four points behind the Bruins.
Two Stars
I continue to marvel at Crosby’s excellence. Sid’s tallied points in 35 of his 48 games this season; 23 of 28 since March 1. I almost take him for granted because he’s so consistent. But make no mistake, he’s a special player doing special things. At age 33, he’s still at or near the top of his game.
A truly remarkable athlete.
A shout-out to Letang as well. He doesn’t get much love on our blog, but I think he’s been outstanding, especially since being reunited with Dumoulin. More than any other time in recent memory he seems to be avoiding the trap of trying to do too much while playing within himself. As a result, his giveaway rate is the lowest it’s been in years.
His discipline and decision-making have improved to such an extent that it’s freed up Dumoulin to be more of an offensive threat and less a stay-at-home cover up. All the while logging his usual mammoth workload (24:28 ATOI).
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say “Tanger’s” enjoying one of his finest all-around seasons.
Hi Rick,
Yesterday was like a playoff game: intense, tight and nerve racking as well!!
As you previously mentioned at the beginning of your article, I saw the 2016-2017 Pens, playing with a purpose and a mission. Everybody was on the same page.
Speaking of Captain Sid, I really think he is the 3rd assistant coach. He never stops encouraging his teammates, he uses the iPad as a pedagogical tool in order to better advise and help them and above all, he also maintains this line of communication so important to ensure the team’s unity.
I hope they can maintain this pace. If they do, the playoffs will be very exciting.
Hello Jorenz,
It, indeed, was like a playoff game, wasn’t it? I was so impressed with how we played. Great discipline and attention to detail.
I have my issues with Mike Sullivan, mostly regarding personnel matters (would love to see Anthony Angello in there in place of Sceviour…and that’s not a knock on Colton). But my goodness, has Sully done a great job. Unlike the past couple of seasons he really seems to have the team’s ear.
As he said following the Cup seasons, the key is to get the players to buy into what you’re selling. Well he’s certainly gotten them to do that. And I think he’s really grown as a coach. Especially when you consider all the injuries we’ve endured, not to mention what was in many ways a tumultuous off-season where he basically had his staff fired out from underneath him.
He’s shown a lot of character and I think that reflects in the way the team is playing.
Speaking of character, I’m sure Crosby helps, just as you say. And when a future Hall-of-Famer like Sid works as hard as he does, night in and night out, how can the rest of the team not follow his lead?
He reminds me of a hockey version of Tom Brady…just so focused and dedicated. Someone asked me how long I thought Sid could remain productive. And, honestly, with his commitment and drive and work ethic…not to mention ability…I could see him playing into his early 40s. Maybe not as productive, but still effective. Kind of like his idol, Steve Yzerman.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I also had my issues with Sully. I think that Reirden’s experience as a head coach helps Sully. Reirden is more able to reason Sully, something that Recchi could not do. Maybe a new voice, a new vision has allowed Sully to put things into perspective.
Excellent point about Reirden.
He was very highly regarded in Washington. So much so that the Caps basically showed Barry Trotz the door in order to promote him to head coach.
While things didn’t work out for him in DC, it’s definitely our gain. Not only for his synergy with Sullivan, but for his work with the power play and defense as well.
Letang seems to have settled down and actually looks solid, Dumoulin is blossoming, and Ceci and Matheson are exceeding expectations.
The only guy who seems to have regressed under his watch is Pettersson. Marino appears to be treading water, although I don’t think they’ve found a partner he’s truly comfortable with.
Rick