I’m going to open my recap of last night’s Penguins-Red Wings tilt with a quiz.
Can you guess which of our goals best represented our 4-3 overtime triumph over the Wings?
It wasn’t Sidney Crosby’s slap shot from center point on the power play that staked us to a 1-0 lead four minutes in. Nor was it No. 87’s wrister from the slot less than two minutes later that doubled our lead.
Kris Letang’s blistering slap shot off a give-and-go with Sid for the overtime winner?
Nope.
If you said Blake Lizotte’s crazy-quilt goal at 15:51 of the third period to retake the lead we’d squandered, you’d be correct. Lizzo’s scrambly tally was positively Keystone Kops-ish, albeit in the best of ways.
“Falling down. Backwards. On his wallet,” chimed TV color man Phil Bourque by way of description. I’ll add deflecting off the midriff of hulking Wings defender Simon Edvinsson and past goalie Cam Talbot.
Suffice to say, a smooth ‘n’ easy victory it most assuredly was not. Herky-jerky is more like it.
Indeed, the Pens managed to fritter away that 2-0 lead I spoke of, and nearly coughed up the go-ahead goal with about eight minutes to play. Fortunately, the would-be marker was waved off, thanks to a judicious offsides challenge by Dan Muse.
At our undisciplined best, we took eight minor penalties, five in the first period alone. Leading to a pair of power-play goals for the Wings.
In the end, our guys sucked it up and pulled victory out of the adversity fire.
Puckpourri
It was only fitting that Letang would notch the OT winner. Tanger was playing in his 1200th career regular-season game. An incredible testament not only to his dedication, passion and superb conditioning, but his enormous heart as well.
He’s played quite well of late, I might add (two goals and 12 points in his last 17 games), especially since being paired with Brett Kulak.
Erik Karlsson collected two assists, including the primary on Lizotte’s goal, to reach 900 points for his career. A remarkable number for a defenseman.
Frustrating though he can be at times, EK65’s on pace for 60-plus points. Letang, 40-plus.
Speaking of, Crosby’s roughly on target for a 48-goal, 90-point season. At age 38. Are you kidding me?
At the risk of repeating myself ad nauseam, Lizotte has made such a difference. While there’s certainly some hidden vigorish involved in our three-game winning streak, he and his linemates have been a big part of the turnaround.
Yegor Chinakhov joined the recast Kid Line, bumping Ville Koivunen to the press box. Although not necessarily a reflection of the newcomer, the unit did not drive play as usual (a dismal 3.18 xGF% according to Natural Stat Trick).
Chinakhov flashed good wheels and a sizzling shot in 11:06 of ice time. However, the line missed the puck-hunting that Koivunen provides.
Dare I suggest my colleague, Other Rick, may be right in his assertion that Ben Kindel may not be quite ready for the rigors of full-time NHL duty? Since a three-point effort against the Mammoth on December 14, Ben has one assist (and a minus-4) in his past eight games.
Could the 18-year-old be wearing down under the uber-intense, compacted schedule?
In classic bend-but-not-break form, Arturs Silovs stopped 24 of 27 shots thrown his way. In the process, earning his third-straight win. His overall numbers are far from pretty (3.20 GAA, .886 SV%). But, at least for now, he’s gettin’ ‘er done.
The Pens (18-12-9, 45 points) continue to occupy fifth place in the sardine can otherwise known as the Metro. One point away from a wild-card spot.
In the no-rest-for-the-weary department, the Pens visit the Motor City Saturday afternoon, followed by a matinee game in Columbus Sunday afternoon.
A final thought. It appears Muse may have passed his first significant test as an NHL head coach.
Rick
Regarding Kindle, I believe he’s played well overall. His ability to play a consistent, reliable two-way game brings significant value to the Penguins, particularly given how important responsibility and awareness are at the NHL level. He contributes not only offensively, but also defensively, which makes him a dependable presence in a variety of situations.
In my view, he has clearly demonstrated that he is more than ready for the NHL level. That said, I do acknowledge that the workload may be starting to catch up with him, as the pace and physical demands of the game can be taxing over time. With that in mind, this could be an opportune moment for Muse to consider giving him a brief rest and allowing him to sit out a few games. Doing so may help him recharge physically and mentally, ensuring he remains effective and impactful over the long term.
Rick, On another note, what is going on with NHL officiating? Last week, when Silovs was making a save, the shooter tripped over his stick and a penalty was called. Then we scored a goal that was overturned due to a goalie interference call on Rakell. After review, the call on the ice stood—even though the replay clearly showed he never touched the goalie. Then there was last night’s game, with a 7–2 power play disparity. Something doesn’t smell right.
Hello Mike,
I’m with you on Kindel in terms of his ability and overall play. I really like him. However, I do wonder if he might be a little gassed.
Originally, Dubas/Muse planned to give him maintenance games off, plans that probably went by the wayside in the wake of injuries to Acciari, Rakell, Brazeau, Malkin and Lizotte. I do think he’d benefit from occasional games off to rest, as you suggest.
Regarding the refs…I hear ya.’ I feel like we’ve been getting jobbed all season, and it’s been blatant. I don’t know if Dubas or someone else in the organization said something that drew the refs’ ire, or if they’re testing Muse to see how much crap he’ll absorb because he’s a rookie coach.
Both the instances you mentioned were obvious calls that it seemed they blew almost on purpose. Unfortunately, I don’t know what recourse we have, if any.
Hope you are well. Always great to hear from you.
Rick