PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 24: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Islanders in Game Five of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 24, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
Passengers are great for a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Not so much for a hockey team.
Indeed, the USS Penguins seems to have far too many of them these days. At least too many for captain Sidney Crosby to heap on his back and tow to postseason success.
This contrasts sharply with our Cup teams. Everyone, from the Two-Headed Monster on down to role players like Eric Fehr and Tom Kuhnhackl contributed. You can hardly say the same about this season’s squad…especially over the past few months. Total team efforts have been rarer than a Liberty head nickel.
I know he’s been grilled in the media more than a swordfish steak, and it truly isn’t my aim to make him feel worse than I’m sure he already does. But Kasperi Kapanen heads the list of deck-chair occupants. In his past 13 games he’s tallied two assists. Going back to January 25…a span of 38 games…he’s registered two goals and six assists.
It’s inconceivable to me that a player with his pedigree and skill set should be struggling so. Count me among those (coach Mike Sullivan being another) who thought Kappy was primed to take a quantum leap forward this season. I recall watching him in preseason and being struck by how confident and forceful he looked.
Contrast that with last Sunday’s loss to Philly. I got to the Pennsbury Station pub a bit late and missed the scratch announcements. On a couple of occasions it struck me that I hadn’t noticed the 25-year-old winger. The fact that it wasn’t it all out of the ordinary…or that it didn’t dawn on me he might’ve been a scratch…indicates how much his game has deteriorated and how invisible he’s been.
Kasperi the Friendly Ghost.
Confidence can indeed be a fragile thing. Right now Kapanen’s is at the bottom of the ocean, somewhere near the remains of the Titanic.
Evan Rodrigues occupies a deck chair as well. In all my years of watching hockey I don’t think I’ve seen a player go from red-hot to stone-cold the way E-Rod has. Through his first 33 games? Lights out with 15 goals and 30 points.
Then came the deep-freeze. In his past 48 games, just three goals and 12 points.
At the very least Rodrigues has been noticeable on the ice. And by and large doing the things he was doing earlier this season, like driving possession (56.8 Corsi) and shooting the puck (113 shots on goal during his hot start, 125 since). The puck’s just flat-out not going in, to the tune of a ghastly 2.4 shooting percentage since January 8.
Perhaps the most prominent passenger of all? As much as it pains me to write it…Evgeni Malkin. Since his return from major knee surgery on January 11, it’s safe to say Geno’s been a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s been a force on the power play with nine goals and 20 man-advantage points in 40 games.
But at even strength?
“I think Geno’s game 5-on-5 has been sporadic,” said Sullivan. Mind you, Sully isn’t given to calling out his players in public. When he does, you know whatever he’s speaking to is a legitimate concern.
The numbers seem to bear out the criticism, right down to Malkin’s team worst minus-11.
Even more disconcerting? No one seems to score on Geno’s line any more. Not Bryan Rust. Not talented newcomer Rickard Rakell. Not Jason Zucker, not Brock McGinn, not Jeff Carter (who’s had problems of his own). Certainly not the aforementioned Kapanen and Rodrigues.
I don’t know if Geno’s too wrapped up in his own game (or foibles) to help his linemates, or if he’s become more difficult to read and play with at this stage of his career. But his line has become a place where wingers go to die.
This contrasts sharply with Crosby, who seems to make everyone around him better. Or, at the very least, draws out the best from his linemates.
I’ll include McGinn and Teddy Blueger on the passenger list. Although he’s picked up the pace of late, the former has but three goals and seven points in his past 31 games. The latter, a lone goal in 26 games following a four-game points streak in mid-January.
We’ve gotten only so-so work from a number of defensemen as well, John Marino and Marcus Pettersson the most prominent. Brian Dumoulin, too.
Back to Sid. I feel for him, because the desire to win another Cup burns as hot as ever. He’s very much like football icon Tom Brady in that respect. The fact that his peers recently named him the game’s best all-around player, not to mention best leader, only affirms that he’s still a Cup-worthy captain.
But Sid doesn’t have a red “S” on his chest. As much as he tries, he can’t do it alone.
Time for some guys to get off those deck chairs.
Leddy Would’ve Helped
Just prior to the trade deadline, I opined that then-Red Wings defenseman Nick Leddy would’ve been a perfect fit for us due to his speed and puck-moving skills.
Instead, the 30-year-old Minnesota native’s been a huge boon to St. Louis. Since his arrival in the Gateway City, the Blues have been a piping hot 14-3-2. Leddy’s played a key role, tallying eight points in those 19 games while averaging 21 minutes of ice time.
Since his price tag was roughly the same as Rakell’s (a second-round pick and two players) there’s no way we could’ve acquired both. And I think GM Ron Hextall made the right choice in opting for scoring help. But Leddy would’ve looked mighty nice wearing the black and gold.
Puckpourri
David Morehouse stepped down as CEO of the Penguins after 16 seasons with the organization. A career that’s coincided with our run of postseason appearances. Brian Burke will assume responsibility for the day-to-operations of the club.
Crosby was awarded the Players’ Player Award…the team’s MVP award…for the 10th time in his illustrious career.
“It means a lot,” he said. “I love playing. I love going at it every day and being with the team. That hasn’t changed since day one. I’m honored to be named team MVP. I hope everyone just realizes how much I love it and how much I love being a part of the team.”
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View Comments
Hey Rick,
I read Sidney's comments about the future and he says "Nothing last forever". I am proud of him speaking his mind and saying what most Hockey writers already know. This excess baggage you speak about is also indicative of a bigger problem, being that the Penguins have no real talent pool and moving forward that needs to be addressed. There is no quick fix here for the Penguins and we should all be prepared to live with the reality.
Our play off fate is in our hands tonight and a win against the Jackets will guarantee us third place.
Lets Go Pens
JIM
Hey Rick,
I am not going to argue that there are passengers on this cruise, I will however, argue who the biggest, most useless passengers may be. I shouldn't have to tell you, but I eventually will. Hopefully you will figure it out as I counter some of your arguments.
E-Rod - Go way, way back to what I wrote in my season preview in October. I wrote that E-Rod would put up big numbers while Crosby and Malkin then his production would tail off to almost nothing. Read a little more and you will find my explanation and have reiterated on several occasions now; E-Rod IS NOT A WING, nor his he A BOTTOM 6 forward. For E-Rod to thrive he needs to be a 1st or 2nd line Center, but his talent level is only that of a 1st or 2nd line Center on a middling to bottom team.
Sure enough, as if on cue, once Crosby and Malkin came back, some clown decided to move him not only to Wing but Bottom 6 Wing and E-Rod's production went into a tail spin. Anyone with half a hockey brain could see that E-Rod was being set up for failure, everyone except the clown that condemned him to those assignments.
E-Rod could have helped this team out far more by getting traded while his stock was at its zenith rather than now at its nadir.
Kappy, had a great preseason and had the 2nd highest G/60 5 on 5 in Oct. However, soon after that some total moron started complaining about his RW in the media, asking more from him and his production plummeted, causing said absolute dirt bag to amp up his media blitz against said RW.
Take a look again Mr Rick at Malkin and his numbers before tossing him under the bus too. Just because other lazy media outlets grasp for low hanging fruit and fall back on the worst culprit to the Pens demises narrative doesn't mean I am incapable of independent thought.
First Mr Rick, 50% of Malkin's GP have come against playoff bound teams - 50%. He hasn't had a chance to feast against the cellar dwellers of the league.
Second Mr Rick, Malkin didn't return to play until all teams, Play-Off Teams, Bubble teams, and Cellar Dwellers all started to take away time and space.
Third, given the above two facts that should be painfully obvious to all but i guess it goes unnoticed by those who would rather just grab the low hanging fruit. When looking at the stats from January 11th, when Malkin returned, only Danton Heinen has a higher G/60min 5 on 5 than Geno.
Fourth, when comparing Malkin's On Ice Stats, they have been relatively equal to Crosby's (what seems to be everybody's bench mark) or better. What is most amazing about that is that I cannot tease out team Gv, Tk, Hts, Hts Tk, and Blk from Crosby's numbers that he accumulated against the non playoff teams at the beginning of the season. So, even though Geno gives the puck away more than Sid, their respective 5 man units Give the puck away at the same rate. (At least the last time I counted the data a couple of weeks back)
Fifth Mr Rick, Most of Geno's individual stats G iCF, iFF, iGv, iTk, etc represented greater than 20% of on Ice stats the team accumulated while Geno was on the ice, often approaching 25% while none of Crosby's tipped over 20%. Considering that I am talking about a 5 man unit, 20% for all 5 players would be everyone sharing the burden equally. Being below 20% would mean that player was not doing his share. Being over 20% means that player was picking up another players slack.
Sixth, last I checked, Geno and his Forwards had more Hts/60 5 on 5 than Crosby and his crew, while his defensemen had fewer Hts/60 than 87s D-men. Without actually going game by game, it would appear that Geno et al get on the forecheck and tie the puck up in the attacking zone while Sid et al get trapped in the D-Zone more. Supporting this is the fact that Geno's Forwards take more hits than Sid's but Crosby's D take more hits than Malkin's.
Seventh, If you have been watching, Sullivan has been trying to get Crosby and his line away from the opponents top defensive unit as much as possible, he has been trying to sacrifice Geno, Jeff, and Teddy lines so as to get Crosby and Guentzel free.
I am sick to tears of the Geno bashing.
The biggest passenger on this team is Mike Sullivan. He is living in 2015-2016. He has never come up with a plan B, now that the league knows his plan A. He plays favorites (Simon and E-Rod - his latest). He always has to have at least 1-scapegoat (Malkin - Always, Kappy - took his Geno's place while the big Russian was injured and has stayed there ever since). He has an allergy to physical players. He hasn't a clue how to put together a balanced line. He has no idea how to balance his Defense. He continually takes the puck off of the sticks of his forwards and puts it on the defense even though he only as 2 D-men really capable of helping out in the O-Zone. Sullivan is the problem, he created the narrative that is now playing out.
Reirdon is the second worst passenger for abetting in the stupidity of trying to get Marino, Pettersson, Dumoulin, and Ruhwedel to be the 2nd coming of Iafrate, Hatcher, Cote, and Johanson.
the 3rd worst passengers have been the aforementioned Marino, Pettersson, Dumoulin, and Ruhwedel. I don't know the actual numbers but I would be surprise to find out any other team had more odd man breaks agains than our black and gold because of these defensemen wandering deep into opponents territory. However, in their defense, they are only doing what they are told, It really isn't their fault that the coaches are coaching the team they wish they had rather than the team they have.
Hey Other Rick,
A very passionate and well-thought rebuttal. And you certainly strike some interesting chords.
I won't argue that the way certain players are being deployed...particularly the defense...may have something to do with their struggles. They're being asked to fit their game to a certain style of play or system. One they may not be suited for.
In general, I think the team would benefit from playing a more controlled, counter-punching style. In particular, I think it would benefit guys like Marino and Pettersson while helping us husband our energy for when it really matters. I just don't see Sullivan making that kind of adjustment.
Regarding Sid and Geno and the 20-25 percent thing. In a backhanded way, I think you reinforce my point. Could it be at least part of the reason Sid's numbers are lower is due to the fact that his teammates excel when he's on the ice with them, while Geno...at least at this stage of his career...tends to be more of a lone wolf?
I won't argue that Sid tends to draw the plum assignments when it comes to linemates. Maybe even matchups, although it's difficult for me to believe Sullivan would assign Malkin the more difficult defensive assignments given his inconsistencies and weakness on faceoffs.
I'll return to one of my original points. No one seems to excel with Geno 5v5 any more. The last player he displayed chemistry with was Jared McCann, who of course is long gone and proving to be a formidable player in his own right (he leads the Kraken in goals and points).
I think at least some of that's on No. 71. Sid's game has evolved. I don't think Geno's has.
Rick
Rick,
One of the more interesting comments that always comes up is how Geno picks his game up when Sid is hurt but Sid’s game tends to suffer a bit (except maybe this season when it was front loaded with weak teams) when Geno is out.
How can this be? Perhaps the best answer to this is that Sid does indeed get the prime linemates. And without Geno to shoulder some of the defensive attention of opponents, they can just load up against Sid and no matter how good Sid is, he is no Mario. He can’t skate thru an entire team like Le Magnifique could.
Regarding the 20-25% thing no it doesn’t support your criticisms. Since the most logical reason for Malkin picking his game up when Sid is out is that he gets better linemates only hints at why Geno may be more of a Lone Wolf when he is demoted back to pylons on his wings. When he can’t trust his linemates, Geno must do it himself, therefore his game, as a matter of necessity, induced by poor coaching, has transformed his game into a Lone Wolf game.
Furthermore, the Lone Wolf game does nothing to explain why Geno’s 5 on 5-man unit matches or exceeds Sid’s in almost every on-ice situation.
As for linemates and chemistry, over the last 2 seasons, Geno’s most common linemates have been Kapanen and Zucker. Last season, Geno and Kapanen did show some chemistry, but he has almost never shown any chemistry with Zucker. Three seasons ago, with Sid injured, Malkin centered Guentzel and Rust and that line was beyond dynamic, regardless of opponents. In fact, look it up, over the last 3 seasons, playing with Geno, Jake scores 1.25 G/60 5 on 5, playing with Sid, Guentzel scores 1.12 G/60. With Malkin, Jake gets 1.88 A/60, with Sid, he only gets 1.12 A/60. If increasing scoring is the goal, put Jake back with Geno! It is that simple. They are bread and butter, far, far more than Sid and Jake.
Oh, wait, we have to follow the clown’s narrative and keep putting Jake on Sid’s line and Jason on Geno’s line (when he is healthy) reducing all scoring. Let’s not try;
Zucker – Crosby – Rackell
Guentzel – Malkin – Rust
That actually could boost scoring!!!! The numbers sort of show that – see above!
Hey Other Rick,
I won't disagree with your last assertion. I've never really understood why Sullivan didn't give Zucker an extended look with Crosby. Zucker's style seems like it would mesh better with Sid. And if I'm not mistaken, they were paired together when Jason first arrived and he did pretty well (he had six goals and 12 points in 15 games).
Not exactly Guentzel-level production, but pretty close.
However, beginning last season Sully stuck Zucker next to Malkin and I agree it's hardly a match made in heaven.
Rick
Rick
Great job - you nailed it. I hate to pile on but Malkin has come back and done what most of us
expected him to do and that's drag his line mates down. I don't think it's a coincidence that
Geno along with Kessel had two of the worst plus-minus in the NHL prior to Kessel getting
traded. As for Kappy and E-Rod on a previous comment I suggested that if nothing else Sully
should put the two of them in the Press box for the last couple of games "send a message"
Kappy to me at least has the ability to improve his goal scoring where as "IMO" E-Rod has just
regressed to the player he's been his entire career. This team is definitely in trouble - I'm not
sure if Sid the Kid can get them out of another 1st round exit. GO PENS
Thank you Mike. Although I'm expecting a rather impassioned response and rebuttal from my esteemed colleague, Other Rick.
It seems I've poked the bear again...big time... :)
Rick