Since I had no hope of staying up late to watch last night’s Penguins-Ducks matchup in Anaheim, this is going to be a bare-bones recap.
Judging by the result, a 4-3 loss in come-from-in-front fashion, maybe I’m glad I didn’t witness it.
The Pens started out just ducky (sorry, couldn’t resist), snagging an early 2-0 lead on redirect goals by Justin Brazeau and Rickard Rakell.
Unfortunately, old nemesis Chris Kreider struck for a power-play goal mid-period. Speaking of old as in bugaboo, as in yielding late goals, Cutter Gauthier beat Tristan Jarry from the right circle to knot the score at 2-all 35 seconds before intermission.
Gauthier was uncovered on the play and it was a wicked shot to boot, but Jarry seemed a bit slow moving post-to-post.
The third Ducks goal wasn’t any less of a downer, as Drew Helleson ripped a slapper past Jarry from long range at 9:48 of the second period.
Our boys finally pushed back, as Anthony Mantha notched his first goal as a Pen at 17:01 of the period from inside the right circle, courtesy of a sweet feed from Sidney Crosby.
Then came a problematic third period when the Pens took three penalties. The second, a delay of game penalty to Parker Wotherspoon at 18:26 that cost us dearly.
It took the aforementioned Kreider a mere seven seconds to pop his second goal of the game past Jarry for the game-winner.
Puckpourri
The Pens enjoyed a strong first period, outshooting the Ducks, 15-6. Then…pfft…we managed only 10 shots on goal over the final 40 minutes. A paltry three in the third.
Not to pin the loss entirely on Jarry (18 saves on 22 shots, .818 save percentage) but his performance was fairly indicative of who he’s been for the past few seasons—a goalie who yields just enough goals to lose.
Hopefully, Joel Blomqvist can help solidify our goaltending when he returns from IR.
Our penalty killing, 4-for-6 last night and 73.33 percent on the season, is well below the league norm.
In addition to flopping his goalies, coach Dan Muse juggled his troops, swapping out his third defensive pair of Harrison Brunicke and Caleb Jones in favor of Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba. The former was very physical and involved, delivering a game-high eight hits and blocking four shots.
Philip Tomasino dressed in place of Noel Acciari. He finished a minus-1 with two shots on goal.
With the exception of Brunicke, the Pens’ defense has yet to score a goal. Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson have yet to register a point.
I think it’s fair to say the bloom is off the Pens’ early season rose.
We visit the Kings and old friends Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin on Thursday.
The Other Rick
As you know, I’ve never been a supporter of Sullivan, but I do think it’s a bit premature to evaluate him after just four games. I wasn’t a fan of his system, though I’ll admit it often took players some time to adjust before the results showed — Mike Matheson is a good example of that. I’ve always felt that Sullivan’s system is complex to the point of causing confusion, particularly on the defensive side of the ice. That said, I’m glad he’s gone — it was time for a change — but I’ll give him credit: he’s a good coach.
Mike,
This is a time where I have to disagree. I, too, thought that Sullivan was a good Coach. However, 8 years of watching him dismantle a team that should have had at least one more Final’s appearance, contradicting his GM once season in the media then sulking and complaining that no one was listening to him the next cured me of that feeling. I held out hope that he would eventually learn, but he seems to always double down on bad decisions.
Hey Mike,
I pretty much agree right down the line. In particular, I found your statement about Sullivan’s system being too complex, especially for the defense to be spot on. We pretty much saw that dynamic play out over and over in a plethora of odd-man breaks and blown coverages.
I’ve heard that he gives his players a lot of options. Good for talented, creative types, but perhaps not so much for your every day Joes.
Agree with your overall assessment of Sully…and also that it was definitely time for a change on both sides of the fence.
Rick
Rick
It’s early, so I’m not going to panick. Some observations:
*I loved the physical game Clifton brought to the table.
*Regarding Shea: While he’s performed reasonably well overall, I question his role on the penalty kill — he’s registered just one hit in four games. I’m not trying to single him out, but it does seem like management’s hands are tied on this one. I believe Sullivan likely played a key role in his contract extension, possibly due to their Boston University connection.
*I’m not really liking how things are shaping up. Rust is back (33), and it looks like Hayes (33) will soon be added to the lineup. On defense, we’ve got Clifton (30), Dumba (31), Letang (38), and Karlsson (35). Pickering didn’t make the opening day roster, and Koivunen was assigned to WBS. I believe McGroarty was sent down as part of his rehab assignment? Is Brunicke injured? In my opinion, both he and Kindle should stay with the team.
Your thoughts?
Hey Mike,
Sorry for the delay in responding. It’s been a bit of a bumpy week.
I’ve always liked what I’ve seen of Clifton as well. Not very big, but has always played a straight-on physical style. Dumba, too, for that matter. He can really rock people. He had a really nice preseason for us, too.
Would definitely prefer either to Caleb Jones, although Clifton unfortunately isn’t suited for playing his off-side.
Count me among those who’ve been impressed with Shea. He looks so much quicker and more assertive. You’re right, though, physicality has never been his strong suit.
Agree 100 percent about not liking how things are shaping up with all the veterans returning. The team had so much spark and jump with the kids in the lineup. Now it’s slowly but surely reverting to same-old-same old (literally).
Not that I don’t like and admire him, but I kinda wish we would’ve traded Rust to force open a spot in the top six for a kid.
I like what I see of Kindel and Brunicke, too. Like you, I have no problem if they stick with the team.
Hope all is well!
Rick
Rick,
First, how about Sullivan setting an NHL record last night. He is the first NHL Coach to have his team get shut out in its first three home games – now that takes effort! It also puts Silovs SO in perspective. Sullivan is not the great Coach his fan club like to push on the world and the Penguins’ Goaltenders’ are atrocious! As I wrote 8 years ago, the Penguins’ success was due to the players not the Coach. And as I wrote at the end of preseason, neither of the Penguins’ best Goalies are playing for the parent club.
Jarry not only looked slow as you noted (very slow) he also was pathetically timid. The first Goal Against was really on him. He passively sat back and allowed the Ducks to pass the puck right through his crease. He could have easily kicked the puck away or otherwise blocked that pass. The second Goal against he sook forever to read the play and move off the post. The puck was already on Gauthier’s stick when Jarry started to move. ON the third GA, he was pulled off the post trying to find the puck, giving away the short side. Kreider’s game winner is the only one where I would give Jarry any leeway. He still was deep in his net and he did still look a little slow, but the play was bang-bang.
It really wasn’t just a case of bad Goaltending, The third line was totally underwater – again. As our Penguins face tougher opponents the third line struggles have gone up.