In the “shows you what I know” department, I predicted on the eve of the season that the Islanders (losers of eight straight) would win the Metropolitan Division. Yes, the Buker PenguinPoop curse is alive and well…lol.
But seriously folks. In an NHL that appeared to be trending toward a heavier game, I truly believed the Isles were constructed the right way and our “built-for-speed” Penguins had become passé. And while the playoffs may yet prove to be a haven for brawnier teams, Mike Sullivan’s Pens are making a strong case for their preferred style.
I never thought I’d write this, but the Pens seem to have found the right balance between structure and attack…our own hybrid style if you will. Eschewing our usual run-and-gun, swap chances approach, we’ve displayed remarkable poise and discipline during our present five-game winning streak, while waiting patiently for opportunities to strike.
Last night’s playoff-style 1-0 victory over the Islanders at UBS Arena was a clear-cut example of substance over flash. In a case of flipping the script, the Pens for the most part were content to grind it out with the ultimate grind-it-out team, then pounced when an opening presented itself.
It sure doesn’t hurt to have a hot goalie between the pipes. And make no mistake, Tristan Jarry is a hot goalie. Red hot.
Last night on Long Island, Jarry continued his incredible run, posting his third shutout in his past five games. Over that stretch he’s stopped 141 of 143 shots…and 158 of his last 162 extending back through a 2-1 loss to Buffalo on November 16. An eye-popping .975 save percentage.
You have to feel so good for the kid. After all, the last time Jarry faced the Isles in Game 6 of last spring’s playoffs he was exposed to the tune of five goals, a shaky performance that led to gobs of criticism and threatened to derail his career.
Scapegoated for the series loss, Jarry could’ve folded up like a cheap suit. Instead, he’s completely turned his game around. Sharp as the proverbial tack, he’s challenging shooters and anticipating beautifully, as if he knows what’s coming next.
Needless to say, his stellar play is rubbing off on his teammates.
“He’s just confident, you can tell,” said Kasperi Kapanen, who potted our lone goal. “He’s calm and he’s poised in net. That gives us confidence, and I feel like this group, ever since he’s been playing well, we’ve been playing well too. He’s been a big key for our success.”
The Goal
At 16:41 of the second period Marcus Pettersson picked up a loose puck in our end and fed Jake Guentzel, who in turn bumped the puck to Sidney Crosby along the left wall. Sid patiently drew the attention of Islanders checker Matt Martin, then sidestepped a hit and slid a pass to Kapanen, who burst through the neutral zone to create a 2-on-1 with Guentzel. “Kappy” slipped around Thomas Hickey at the left circle with a curl-and-drag move and beat Ilya Sorokin high glove side.
Puckpourri
The Pens outshot the Islanders, 30-25, but once again lost the faceoff battle big-time (41 percent). A worrisome trend. We dominated the banged-up Isles in shot attempts (63-46), scoring chances (38-24) and high-danger chances (15-9).
New York was missing a number of front-line players, including Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Josh Bailey and their stellar defensive duo of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock.
Crosby recorded his second assist of the season. Guentzel extended his points streak to eight games. Jake’s tallied points in 11 of his last dozen contests (13 points total).
Bryan Rust (undisclosed injury) was a late scratch. He was replaced by Brian Boyle, who slotted between Danton Heinen and Dominik Simon. Heinen (8:10 of ice time, no shots on goal) was a curious choice for the third star of the game. Evan Rodrigues filled Rust’s spot on the top line.
A melee broke out midway through the third period following an exchange between Jarry and Martin. While Kris Letang engaged the Isles enforcer and wrestled him to the ice, Cal Clutterbuck gained a choke hold and takedown on Pettersson while Crosby and Guentzel tangled with Casey Cizikas. Nice to see us show some spunk. Still wish we had a heavy.
The Pens (10-6-4, 24 points) are presently tied for fourth place with the Blue Jackets in the Metro, five points from a guaranteed playoff spot. If the season ended today we’d be one of the Eastern Conference wild card teams.
Next up, Montreal tonight at PPG Paints Arena. Could we see Casey DeSmith in goal?
