SCP20 Game 2 vs Habs - Thoughts from the Morning After

[Penspal]

Pens win 3-1

- Amazing start by none other than the Captain! Such a huge goal in a big game. Didn't realize how high up the playoff list he was... cool stat on first goals!
- Murray > Price in this game, not by much, but enough. H
- Pens Powerplay is a disaster! It kills momentum and stinks like I've not seen it stink. Please HCMS & ACMR... fix that **** up!\
- Pens PK looked fiesty and dangerous. I don't mind a time wasting PK that looks for a sneaky strike... can win games with a quality PK.
- Refs were okay... They are calling everthing, so the Pens need to continue to play "clean" hockey
- Geno is playing okay, but he's not yet found his stride. C'mon Geno, eat some borscht and let's get this going!
- Marino is playing so well for a rookie. He's going to have hiccups, but his progression of improvement is noticeable.
- Glad to see HCMS switch the lines up a little late, I think some tweaks are worth trying.
- 1 victory down, 18 more to go to lift Lord Stanley's Chalice! Let's Go Pens! (19 to win if your in qualifying round.... KA is a wheel - 2 pts for the reference)

[Southern Fan]

Big asterisk on this series because of the Ice.

Montreal power play clicking at awesome 0%.

I think it’s affecting everything. Skating. Passing. Shots. Goals.

Helps Julian with his trap. Probably helps Murray tracking shots.

Pens one timers off a split second.

[RisslingsMissingTeeth]

Sometimes you can forget how good Murray can be. One of his best games in awhile.

Pretty solid D play all around this game, Montreal did not get many good looks, several, but not a lot.

Was about to tear Zucker up but as the game went on I thought he was playing better and then he makes a great positional move to get into place for the beautiful Sheary pass. Very happy for both of them.

Horny starting to look old and I still think Marleau is not worth a roster spot. My only negatives.

[Weegie]

They came out more engaged and it was crucial that they got the first goal, they play much better with a lead rather than chasing from behind.

Murray was on his game last night, only had to face about 6 shots in the first period but after that Montreal started to get chances but he was on his game last night, rebound goal not his fault by any means.

I know he gets bashed a lot but I like Sheary, like his speed and hustle, I know he falls down and flops a lot but then he'll make a great play and be patient and set up Zucker on that pretty goal, and he also was involved in Sid's goal by drawing a defenseman near him to guard for the pass which left Sid wide open, and great pass from Jake!

Sid is doing a fine job of leading the team not only with goals scored but little things that he does like that play where he corralled the puck with his foot at full speed, backchecking, winning draws etc. He's also taking a lot of unnecessary cheap shots that I hope the refs will start calling soon but I'm not getting my hopes up for that....

Dumoulin went from the steadiest d man that they had to a reckless player, he cost them a goal in the first game when he made a bad read on a pinch that lead to a 2 on 1 goal, almost did the same thing last night right at the start of the third period, pinched up ice and left Letang all alone on a 2 on 1 but Murray made a fine save. On the replay Milbury even said "I don't know where Letang's defensive partner is but he's not there", and he's giving pucks away in his end, taking bad penalties, I hope he settles down and plays like he used to play, they need some steady defensive play and so far Marino seems like the steadiest of them all.

Pettersson continues to blast away from the point only to have his shots tipped into the stands or miss the net by miles; I know he is trying for a tip in but it's not working, he has a good shot but it's not a threat. Maybe Gonchar can work with him on that?

I also wonder why they got and are playing Marleau? I know he has a great history and had a few good plays last night but other than that, not much....

They looked better, still not in form but seem to be getting there, just think how we'd be feeling if they were down 2-0?

[thehockeyguru]

Sometimes you can forget how good Murray can be. One of his best games in awhile.

Pretty solid D play all around this game, Montreal did not get many good looks, several, but not a lot.

Was about to tear Zucker up but as the game went on I thought he was playing better and then he makes a great positional move to get into place for the beautiful Sheary pass. Very happy for both of them.

Horny starting to look old and I still think Marleau is not worth a roster spot. My only negatives.

I love Hornqvists game, he's the only guy who will battle in the blue paint. You can see how much Price hates him. He may have lost a step 5 on 5 but he definitely provides something this team needs.

If I had to knit pick on last night's game I'd say to swap Zucker and Guentzel.

I like the chemistry Zucker has with Sid and Sheary. Jake is still finding his game, let him play with Malkin and Rust who are both in shooting mode right now.

[100565]

A goaltenders game. Props to Murray; he could have taken a nap during the first period and not let any in. I would think it would be tough to go from one extreme to the other.

1st line looked great.

2nd line looked ok. I am expecting more out of Zucker; the price to acquire was high and he is paid well.

3rd line was meh. Maybe time for a different look.

4th line started slow, but had a few good energy shifts.

PP - no comment. Get Geno back to the other side!

PK - perfect!

D was good. I think it was (one of) the worst games Dumo has played in awhile.

[Penspal]

Dumolin went from the steadiest d man that they had to a reckless player, he cost them a goal in the first game when he made a bad read on a pinch that lead to a 2 on 1 goal, almost did the same thing last night right at the start of the third period, pinched up ice and left Letang all alone on a 2 on 1 but Murray made a fine save. On the replay Milbury even said "I don't know where Letang's defensive partner is but he's not there", and he's giving pucks away in his end, taking bad penalties, I hope he settles down and plays like he used to play, they need some steady defensive play and so far Marino seems like the steadiest of them all.

Dumo has been shaky, seemed better last night. And quoting Milbury almost reduces, rather than strengthens, your point, just saying

One point I feel strongly about. Been watching a ton of hockey so far.... seeing all the playoff games vs the "seeding" games, what a difference. Don't want to get ahead of myself, but ANY team that comes out of a best of 5 prelim series will be "more playoff ready" than the teams that got the bye.

[Penspal]

PP - no comment. Get Geno back to the other side!

PK - perfect!

D was good. I think it was (one of) the worst games Dumo has played in awhile.

Agreed, PPlay needs change and Geno on the other side (as was mentioned by Colby Armstrong) seems to make sense?

Dumo's game one was worse.... I have faith Dumo will bounce back next game.

[Penspal]

Sometimes you can forget how good Murray can be. One of his best games in awhile.

Pretty solid D play all around this game, Montreal did not get many good looks, several, but not a lot.

Was about to tear Zucker up but as the game went on I thought he was playing better and then he makes a great positional move to get into place for the beautiful Sheary pass. Very happy for both of them.

Horny starting to look old and I still think Marleau is not worth a roster spot. My only negatives.

I love Hornqvists game, he's the only guy who will battle in the blue paint. You can see how much Price hates him. He may have lost a step 5 on 5 but he definitely provides something this team needs.

If I had to knit pick on last night's game I'd say to swap Zucker and Guentzel.

I like the chemistry Zucker has with Sid and Sheary. Jake is still finding his game, let him play with Malkin and Rust who are both in shooting mode right now.

Sid's got two markers and Jake has been in on both. Jake's in 6th place in playoff scoring... I agree, he's not anywhere near his pre-injury form yet, but I don't know if swapping him with Zucker will happen.

[FLPensFan]

-- Better performance. Getting the 1st goal was huge.
-- Geno needs to get going. This team is far more dangerous when Sid and Geno are both on their game. Geno's not there yet.
-- Will still continue to pound this home until it happens....Penguins need to bring in a PP specialist coach. Someone who continually managed a top 10 power play in the league. Sullivan and Recchi are clueless, and seem to be giving into the demands of where players want to play, instead of what might produce best. More movement and cycling of players seems to be a key element I notice on more successful PP teams.
-- Brian Dumoulin has had a rough series so far. Continued to look out of sorts last night.
-- I guess this year, refs decided to call more penalties. That should be a good thing for such a stacked PP tea.....oh, nevermind.
-- I still think the Penguins should be putting more pucks in the net. Price has been fantastic, but, you can't repeatedly use that excuse either that you ran into a hot goalie. This team should be able to produce 3-4 goals on most nights. It would be helpful to get them early while the playing surface still resembles ice.

[penny lane]

Coach Sullivan and Matt Murray~ Sullivan belief in his team and Murray won a play off/in game.
Murray reminded me of the TB series. Playing tight around corners.

Dumoulin, I think playing with an injury from the flyers game.

I haven't seen Jake take a full wind up shot at the net. Sheary is playing better with Sid and creating more.
Sure move Zucker~ who Sid was playing with in March.

I just heard a breakdown of time played. The coaches really had stopwatches out and limited those high risk guys. Johnson, Marleau and 4th line. I thought Tanev played well.

Thanks to Sid's goal, they got the first and low and behold played D. Lessons learned again for future series. Fingers crossed.

[Weegie]

Dumolin went from the steadiest d man that they had to a reckless player, he cost them a goal in the first game when he made a bad read on a pinch that lead to a 2 on 1 goal, almost did the same thing last night right at the start of the third period, pinched up ice and left Letang all alone on a 2 on 1 but Murray made a fine save. On the replay Milbury even said "I don't know where Letang's defensive partner is but he's not there", and he's giving pucks away in his end, taking bad penalties, I hope he settles down and plays like he used to play, they need some steady defensive play and so far Marino seems like the steadiest of them all.

Dumo has been shaky, seemed better last night. And quoting Milbury almost reduces, rather than strengthens, your point, just saying

Yeah I was waiting for this lol!

But he was correct in saying it last night, and when he said it and asked where Letang's partner was I said outloud "caught up ice trying a risky pinch again"! Don't know if he thought some forward would recognize it and cover for him but if that two on one would've went in, ugh......

Hopefully he settles down and becomes the steady player he was, two games isn't a lot to get back into form so here's hoping with more play he'll settle down.

[RisslingsMissingTeeth]

Someone just mentioned Tanev which reminded of another player. Tanev really is a great player to have on this team. McCann on the other hand...what happened to him?

[Penguins Knight]

Positives and Stars

Positives

• The Penguins won.

Stars

• Guentzel: one goal, one assist
• Sheary: two assists
• Crosby: one goal
• Zucker: one goal
• Dumoulin: one assist

Negatives and Bags

Negatives

• Power play was 0/5. Power plays are not penalty kills unless you want to help your opponents kill off their penalties.

Bags

• Malkin: no goals on seven shots
• Marino: no goals on six shots, two giveaways

[Cow_Master66]

I can’t blame any players for lack of interest because I surely can’t get into these games...i was more interested in the Tyson fights on ESPN2 last night...

[Dr Rosenrosen]

- lol we're discussing Letang's partner with respect to poor pinches and mistakes.
- On that note, I think Tanger deserves kudos for playing a very disciplined game by his standards so far. 5v5, he's making simple plays all over the ice and it's making a difference IMO. It's typically good when we're not discussing him.
- Expected more from the 3rd line, especially when going against Mete/Ouillet. Marleau showed life on his post shot, but is otherwise a ghost out there.
- PP generating chances, but not consistently. Haven't looked at the stats, but I'll bet zone time is NOT an issue. It may be my imagination, but it seems like Sid has been winning tons of PP draws and entries have been solid. Makes it that much worse. Moar player movement please!
- I've never been 100% sold, but the Murray we've seen so far is plenty good enough for another Cup run. There are bigger issues to work out.

[stonewizard51]

Positives and Stars

Positives

• The Penguins won.

Stars

• Guentzel: one goal, one assist
• Sheary: two assists
• Crosby: one goal
• Zucker: one goal
• Dumoulin: one assist

Negatives and Bags

Negatives

• Power play was 0/5. Power plays are not penalty kills unless you want to help your opponents kill off their penalties.

Bags

• Malkin: no goals on seven shots
• Marino: no goals on six shots, two giveaways

What no star for Murray? Quite a few times he saved their collective ***** last night. I've been as big a critic as anyone concerning Murray's play, more than some, but last night he was lights out. I didn't see who the 3 stars were but IMHO he should be #1.

[Dr Rosenrosen]

Positives and Stars

Positives

• The Penguins won.

Stars

• Guentzel: one goal, one assist
• Sheary: two assists
• Crosby: one goal
• Zucker: one goal
• Dumoulin: one assist

Negatives and Bags

Negatives

• Power play was 0/5. Power plays are not penalty kills unless you want to help your opponents kill off their penalties.

Bags

• Malkin: no goals on seven shots
• Marino: no goals on six shots, two giveaways

What no star for Murray? Quite a few times he saved their collective ***** last night. I've been as big a critic as anyone concerning Murray's play, more than some, but last night he was lights out. I didn't see who the 3 stars were but IMHO he should be #1.

He got the fire hat from the team as deserved.

[Skatingpen]

I know not Pens related but I was watching the Yotes game and man has Phil’s play really dropped off. He was a minus 21 with only 14 goals in 70 games this year and he just looks disinterested. I feel for him.

[Weegie]

- lol we're discussing Letang's partner with respect to poor pinches and mistakes.
- On that note, I think Tanger deserves kudos for playing a very disciplined game by his standards so far. 5v5, he's making simple plays all over the ice and it's making a difference IMO. It's typically good when we're not discussing him.

I was thinking the same thing...could you imagine if Dumo and Tanger were both playing recklessly, ouch!!! It's like he has some of the same disease that Tanger had and sometimes still has, but lately you are right he's been steadier.

Even if this team had just one really strong, stay at home defensive defenseman, that would really help. Maybe we can coax Dave Burrows out of retirement lol?!

[Penguins Knight]

What no star for Murray? Quite a few times he saved their collective ***** last night. I've been as big a critic as anyone concerning Murray's play, more than some, but last night he was lights out. I didn't see who the 3 stars were but IMHO he should be #1.[/quote]

First star: Guentzel
Second star: Price (Canadiens)
Third star: Murray

Murray has had a string of bad games. When he shows up and plays stellar for a series of games, he is a star. I hope he has showed up to make saves and win games on his part.

[Penguins Knight]

I know not Pens related but I was watching the Yotes game and man has Phil’s play really dropped off. He was a minus 21 with only 14 goals in 70 games this year and he just looks disinterested. I feel for him.

How much better would the Penguins be this season if Kessel was not traded to the Coyotes before the season?

[pens_CT]

I know not Pens related but I was watching the Yotes game and man has Phil’s play really dropped off. He was a minus 21 with only 14 goals in 70 games this year and he just looks disinterested. I feel for him.

How much better would the Penguins be this season if Kessel was not traded to the Coyotes before the season?

You really want a guy making 6.8 million getting single digits in even strength goals and a defensive liability? The Penguins were lucky to move the contract. He should have been moved a couple of years earlier after they beat Nashville in the finals. He might have had some value at that point.

[Skatingpen]

I know not Pens related but I was watching the Yotes game and man has Phil’s play really dropped off. He was a minus 21 with only 14 goals in 70 games this year and he just looks disinterested. I feel for him.

How much better would the Penguins be this season if Kessel was not traded to the Coyotes before the season?

Not sure they would be if this is the Kessel they would have. Could you imagine the people on here watching his effort and lack of production??

[pens_CT]

I know not Pens related but I was watching the Yotes game and man has Phil’s play really dropped off. He was a minus 21 with only 14 goals in 70 games this year and he just looks disinterested. I feel for him.

You knew he wasn't going to age well with his lack of conditioning. He was a big part of two cup teams but it was time to move on.