Grading Game 54

[pfim]

IIRC, there are two levels of goaltender interference. One with a penalty, one without. Both result in no-goal.

Thanks Spikey. I guess I can wipe that from my list of referee gripes...

I think it was the correct call too. Whitney nudged, but he went in there pretty easy. It's not a bad play by Whitney, just didn't work this time.

[Draftnik]

The PK will get better if MT scratches Orpik, dresses Melichar, and relieves Gonchar from his PK duty. The Pens would have 4 solid PKers with Eaton, Melichar, Scuderi, and Nas.

Whitney also was much more productive at ES when he was paired with Melichar.

Orpik doesn't kill penalties so there is no reason for him to be playing. He also holds Whitney back at ES since MT has him babysitting the Pens weakest defender.

Melichar for Orpik makes sense on multiple levels.

I also agree with others that Malone has forfeited his chance to play with Crosby. The guy doesn't have the skills or instincts to play Wing at a high NHL level. His skills are more suited to play Center on a line (3rd/4th on a most teams) where he can carry the puck and not be expected to be much of a playmaker.

[shmenguin]

BUFFOONS IN STRIPES: F. Yet again. Someday they will call a good game, but it likely won’t be in my lifetime. If somebody can explain why Staal’s first goal was waved off when Whitney was clearly pushed into Niittymaki, I will gladly listen.

Whitney ran into the goalie on his own. there was some contact, but it was minimal, after whit decided to carelessly charge into the crease. no one pushed him TOWARDS the goal. the call could have gone either way, but in no way was it a travesty. i despise kerry fraser, but the refs did a good job that game.

KEITH JONES: F. He chose the three stars, but was obviously not watching the same game I was. Floppa had four assists and was clearly the best player out there, yet Gagne got the number one star. Okay, Keith, whatever.

Maybe it just seems this way because he's paired in the booth with such a knob, Jones has become one of the better color-men in the business.