Grading Game 76

[Mad City Mike]

Total domination.

OFFENSE: C. Despite the lopsided score, the Pens netted only one even strength goal. The forecheck was not nearly as aggressive as it had been against Atlanta, but it didn’t need to be once they got ahead. The Pens did generate some good chances, mainly against MacDonald, but couldn’t bury them. It was a solid effort, but nothing spectacular. By virtue of the big lead, they were able to roll four lines, and all the lines looked good. So far, Therrien’s shuffle is looking a-okay.

DEFENSE: A-. Would have been an A, but they did allow a decent number of chances in the first period that Fleury had to be sharp on. But once they got ahead, they pretty much clamped down against a team that didn’t want to play anymore. The Bruins had basically no forecheck at all, and even Lange would have been hard-pressed to notice Savard out there. The Pens moved the puck quickly, had good coverage, and allowed few rebounds. It was a very impressive performance.

POWER PLAY: A. What can you say? The PP just buried the Bruins and broke their will. First goal, laser beam on a one-timer by Malkin. Why he doesn’t do that more often just baffles me. Second goal, another long shot that Crosby bunted in on a great play. His lecture to Chara on why it was a legit goal was priceless. Third goal, long blast by Roberts. Hmmm, three power play goals, three long shots. Think the coach told them to simplify and shoot from everywhere? Of course, this works much better with Roberts in front than with Recchi. Other teams don’t worry about the latter and can protect against the long shots. But with Roberts there causing havoc, they must put at least one body on him. That means somebody has to be open. Those somebodies were Malkin and Crosby yesterday. I like it when guys like that are open. It makes the power play click.

PENALTY KILL: A. They gave the Bruins virtually nothing. And they got a shorty, to boot. That was one beautiful play by Malone, but let’s not forget the work of both Eaton and Staal that made it possible. Great clear by Eaton off the draw, winding it around the long way, and then a nice play by Staal to check the guy at the blueline and get it ahead to Malone. You can’t draw it up any better than that. The PK was strong all game, though, and really gave the Bruins little at all.

GOALTENDING: A. Tremendous game by Fleury. Take that and wrap it in your bandana, Kelly Hrudey. The rebound control was a bit suspect at times, but the defense cleared everything away, and the Bruins seemed to have little will to play in traffic. What tends to be forgotten in the avalanche of Penguin goals is that in the first 10 minutes, Fleury kept the B’s off the scoreboard while it was still scoreless. During that time, Boston had the better of the chances. But they couldn’t dent Fleury, and eventually the Pens went to work on Thomas. It was nice to see him get the shutout so that he at least got some recognition for the job he did early on.

OVERALL: A. This one was pretty much a walk in the park against a demoralized team once they got up 3-0. Against non-playoff teams this time of year, you have to take away their reason to stay interested. The Pens did that. The Bruins lost any desire once they were down 3-0. I think their poor goaltending caused that, too. It’s difficult to play hard when everything is going in your net. But the Pens did the job, too. They worked hard all game long, and really seemed to want the shutout for Fleury. It was great to have a game like this after all the close ones. For once, they could actually relax and have a bit of fun out there.

Others…

STRIPED BUFFOONS: F. If somebody can explain to me what the standards are right now, I’d really appreciate it. After going several games where they called nothing, the whistles were out in this one. It was back to the early season. I just don’t get it. I mean, I know Brad “Know No Rulesâ€￾ Watson was one of the guys, but he was one the game before, too. You can’t even get consistency when you have the same ref back to back? I just don’t get it. And, oh, by the way, that call on Malkin was one of the worst you will ever see. Guy goes to check him, Malkin shrugs it off, and gets called for roughing. If a ref (in this case it was Mr. Know No Rules again) can’t make a simple call like this, why is he collecting a paycheck?

GARY ROBERTS: A. Of course. He doesn’t even have to score to get an A, but when he pots 3 points, well, that is just off the charts.

SIDNEY CROSBY: A. Welcome back, Sid. He had some hop in this one, unlike the previous three games. I guess he decided Thornton would get no closer in the scoring race. Sid was all over the ice in this game, highlighted by a play on which he didn’t score. Once again, he just gashed the defense at full speed, and only a lucky save by MacDonald (he had a few on them) prevented a highlight-reel goal.

NBC: B. Unlike many, I had no problem with them switching away from the Penguin game, because I understand what they were doing. Obviously, they should not have switched in Western PA, but for those of us elsewhere, fine, no problem. Hmmmmm, 5-0 game or 1-1 game. Which one would anyone except Penguin fans want to watch? Pretty easy choice when you look at it like that. And, oh, by the way, the Isle/Ranger game was a great one.

ANNOUNCING CREW: A I love these three guys together, especially with McGuire between the benches. They work well together and are comical. I especially loved when Emrick misidentified Ryan Malone as Greg, then was joking about it. Then the puck rolls in on Fleury and he says, “stopped by Les Binkley.â€￾ The best way to react to a mistake is to make fun of yourself, and he did it perfectly there.

SERGEI GONCHAR: A. He was into this game, unlike some other recent ones where he seemed to be in the stratosphere. It’s amazing how good the PP can look when he is weaving his magic at the blueline.

MARK RECCHI: C. At least he’s still trying. But just retire, already. When you can’t hit an open net from a foot away, well, there is no hope whatsoever for you.

[Kovy27]

NBC: B. Unlike many, I had no problem with them switching away from the Penguin game, because I understand what they were doing. Obviously, they should not have switched in Western PA, but for those of us elsewhere, fine, no problem. Hmmmmm, 5-0 game or 1-1 game. Which one would anyone except Penguin fans want to watch? Pretty easy choice when you look at it like that. And, oh, by the way, the Isle/Ranger game was a great one.

I give NBC an A. I thought they did a great job. McGuire talking to Sid and Colby was great. The mic on Sid was great.

Very good call on the switch over, it was needed and for NBC they did what was good for them.

The rest...I agree with.

Who was the Gollum of the game? I'd give it to Zdeno Chara for looking like a Gollum.

[SoupOrSam]

NBC: B. Unlike many, I had no problem with them switching away from the Penguin game, because I understand what they were doing. Obviously, they should not have switched in Western PA, but for those of us elsewhere, fine, no problem. Hmmmmm, 5-0 game or 1-1 game. Which one would anyone except Penguin fans want to watch? Pretty easy choice when you look at it like that. And, oh, by the way, the Isle/Ranger game was a great one.

I only disagree with one of your grades: OFFENSE: C. I think they did almost a B+. The reason our D and Goaltending was superb was because of the fact that our forecheck was downright beautiful even more so than ATL imo. I don't know, to me, points or the lack of points don't dictate a solid offensive effort to me. It's more about what the "could haves." Fortunately we had a strong powerplay to make up for some of the could-haves.

I swear on my life that this next statement is true. After Recchi missed that freebie I did the following:
I looked at my girlfiend and said, "We need to pray" She says why. "Because, Recchi cannot buy a #$*()@&# goal right now and we seriously cannot have him this cold going into the playoffs and he needs to heat up some." I then jumped to the floor from the couch and honestly prayed. Hopefully it pays off because this man is looking terrible when it comes to soft handing these easy chances. It's down right disgusting. He usually gives a solid effort I'm not griping about that. I don't need to elaborate any further, you all see the same things I could ever type anyway. It just has to stop now. Actually, let me take that back. It has to START now.

[canaan]

to echo the pro-nbc sentiments, i wish more games were on NBC with this crew, not the rags/isles crew. though they strayed away from the game at times, its understandable because it seemed like Boston was just 'going through the motions' at times.

their inbetween period coverage was pretty awesome, too. I really liked the straight forward discussions posed by hull concerning the new 'hockey fight controversy.' its refreshing, if nothing else, to hear some new opinions on hockey (from a non center ice having perspective)

I do disagree with your assessment/grade of the offense. I thought that they carried the play for the majority of the contest and I didnt see the 'not finishing' as to be a hinderance to them dictating the play. If it werent for some pretty nice mcdonald saves and some aberrations in concentration, this one would have been 10-0, but i see what you're saying in those regards--i just dont believe that the C grade is fair in a game that controlled the play, scored five goals, and, for a lack of a better word, pwned. But i do understand your reasoning/opinion, just offering a different one.

Good Report. Good Game.
(its alot more fun reading post-game reports after such lop-sided affairs)

[cs6687]

MCM, please quit basing the offense's grade on mainly even strength goals. If the Pens score one even-strength goal and hit four posts, does that mean the offense was ineffective? No, it doesn't. The Pens were tremendous cycling, which drew those PPs they converted in the first period. They had good scoring chances all day, and very few blocked shots. They deserve at least a B, if not an A- because of the puck possession they enjoyed.

[tluke53]

I was watching this one off and on due to some wonderful new State of PA regulations regarding gutters. Anyway

> I thought the offense looked very good today. Seemed like they could have scored 8 or so goals our thier.

> I like having Colby and EC with Crosby. Hopefully they stay together for a while.

> Never, Never, Never move Malone off the thrid line. He is built for that role and does it well.

> MAF another shutout. Look out Broduer here comes MAF.

The previous statement may be a bit premature.

[joe]

Great stuff as always mike.

I concur with your comments on NBC. They did a great job yesterday. Hello VS can you duplicate their effort?

It feels and looks real on NBC. Nothing is forced. You can feel the passion they bring to the telecast.

Doc is always a good listen. I like pierre macquire. Brett Hull is great. He speaks from his gut and heart.

Anytime hockey is on a major network is great. I also don't blame them for switching!

[bh]

I like having Colby and EC with Crosby. Hopefully they stay together for a while.

Never, Never, Never move Malone off the thrid line. He is built for that role and does it well. :

Once again thanks MCM.

I agree with these comments here t. Malone is a great third liner/pk'er. That should be his role. That's what he's great at. Maybe occasionally used on a power play once in a while.

I also like the Colby EC Crosby line. They just look so much more dangerous with Sid than Malone or Recchi did. I hope they can develop some great chemistry. Heck Recchi looks a lot better on the 3rd line. Right now I really like the way the lines are.

[bhaw]

Great game and MCM summed it up well. Two things to add:

1. Officiating - The whistles were out, but it seems arbitrary right now. I understand if the league said to let them play as the playoffs come around, but certain penalties, like tripping, are black and white. I saw, between the Pens and the NYR/NYI game that I got flipped to in the 3rd period at 4-0 (thanks NBC) at least half a dozen trips that were let go. I don't get that... a trip is a trip is a trip.

2. March Recchi - Please contact the NHL and have them remove one point from your total for the season and give it to MO. He set you up beautifully with an open net, and you missed.

Props to the Pens for beating up on a team that gave up and not dropping their level to the opposition.

[MaddenFollower]

NBC: B. Unlike many, I had no problem with them switching away from the Penguin game, because I understand what they were doing. Obviously, they should not have switched in Western PA, but for those of us elsewhere, fine, no problem. Hmmmmm, 5-0 game or 1-1 game. Which one would anyone except Penguin fans want to watch? Pretty easy choice when you look at it like that. And, oh, by the way, the Isle/Ranger game was a great one.

I give NBC an A. I thought they did a great job. McGuire talking to Sid and Colby was great. The mic on Sid was great.

Very good call on the switch over, it was needed and for NBC they did what was good for them.

The rest...I agree with.

Who was the Gollum of the game? I'd give it to Zdeno Chara for looking like a Gollum.

I liked McGuire especially what he said at the end about Pittsburgh hockey fans.

[netwolf]

NBC: B. Unlike many, I had no problem with them switching away from the Penguin game, because I understand what they were doing. Obviously, they should not have switched in Western PA, but for those of us elsewhere, fine, no problem. Hmmmmm, 5-0 game or 1-1 game. Which one would anyone except Penguin fans want to watch? Pretty easy choice when you look at it like that. And, oh, by the way, the Isle/Ranger game was a great one.

I give them an A since I work for the parent company! Save the Cheerleader..Save the World

Tell them these long breaks between new episodes suck.

[CT Mechanic]

I disagree with the striped buffoons getting an F on this game. Yes, they did it almost exactly opposite the previous game where they put away the whistles, but at least this game they were calling the calls. They did miss a couple, but if the game before was clearly an F, then this game has to show improvement, right? I'd say "C" but if you wanted to only move up to "F+" I wouldn't argue.

[Jerez]

I disagree with the striped buffoons getting an F on this game. Yes, they did it almost exactly opposite the previous game where they put away the whistles, but at least this game they were calling the calls. They did miss a couple, but if the game before was clearly an F, then this game has to show improvement, right? I'd say "C" but if you wanted to only move up to "F+" I wouldn't argue.

But then you would be rewarding capriciousness, and that wouldn't make sense. When the players have no idea how games will be called from one day to the next (even by the SAME referee), it becomes a circus. I just shake my head at NHL officiating these days, no matter what game I'm watching. How the NHL expects new fans to begin to understand the rules, when it's never clear if there even are "rules," is mindboggling.

[CT Mechanic]

At the moment, it definitely seems capricious. I think if we reward them for good behaviour and punish them for bad behaviour they will eventually figure it out.

I have no doubt Steve Walkom checks every day to see what MCM rated his refs and the effects will trickle down from there.

[Jerez]

At the moment, it definitely seems capricious. I think if we reward them for good behaviour and punish them for bad behaviour they will eventually figure it out.

I have no doubt Steve Walkom checks every day to see what MCM rated his refs and the effects will trickle down from there.

Do you really take everything this seriously? Do you really think I think anything written on this message board means anything to anyone who isn't reading this message board?

My opinion on the refereeing has nothing whatsoever to do with what "grades" MCM or anyone else might give to them. The refereeing has been capricious. It must be hard for "new fans" of "The New NHL" to figure out what the rules might just happen to be, or not be.... That's my opinion. It's across the board -- I watch a lot more than just Pens games. I know what the rules are SUPPOSED to be, and they're not calling it consistently anywhere.

[Ron`]

CT relax, your out of line here. Mike is not that stuck on himself at all. He just calls it like he see's it and well at times he's tough. As far as the refs, the whole thing has slid since christmas back towards the old NHL standards. Then when it is near out of control, the refs seem to feel guilty. Thats my opinion and well you can blast me for it too.

It's a mixed camp, let em play or call the rules. Either way, be consistent. I was at this game and well, was not impressed at all by the officiating. Very frustratingly officiated game from either teams perspective.

PS Sundays game was not much better.

[wallflower]

It's a mixed camp, let em play or call the rules. Either way, be consistent. I was at this game and well, was not impressed at all by the officiating. Very frustratingly officiated game from either teams perspective.

That's what frustrates me (and I would imagine the players & coaches) more than anything, the lack of anything even remotely resembling consistency. I've always been in the "call it all or call nothing, just do it the same for both teams, in all three periods" camp.

[CT Mechanic]

LOL I'd post the definition of "tongue in cheek" but I'm sure that you've gotten it as soon as you read it.

[Ron`]

LOL I'd post the definition of "tongue in cheek" but I'm sure that you've gotten it as soon as you read it.

You got me, for not going to the start of this thread. I could read all weekend but not post due to a Co laptop. Still say the calls were very inconsistent and frustrating to the players. Good weekend for the Pens, and it's only a little push to the end.

[Jerez]

LOL I'd post the definition of "tongue in cheek" but I'm sure that you've gotten it as soon as you read it.

CT, I was just living up to the "estrogen-laced" comments on another thread.

I just love any thread where I can use the term "capricious"...

[CT Mechanic]

I spent two minutes trying to think of what to say in a new thread titled "Estrogen Laced" but I just couldn't make it work.

I'll sleep on that one, for sure.

[CT Mechanic]

And to bring the topic back to the point at hand. I did notice the lack of officiating one night and then a different brand of officiating the next night. I didn't notice until I read it in this thread that it was THE SAME DARNED REF!

I can understand old time refs wanting to go back to their old time ways, especially late in March when a penalty call that results in a goal can be a crucial factor in whether or not a team makes the playoffs. That's a lot of pressure, and the refs have my sympathy for having a very tough job.

I imagine that Walkom or someone probably reviewed the tape on the "first" game and had a long phone call with those two refs, which then resulted in the "second" game.

Despite the bad officiating in the "second" game, I still think it was a vast improvement over the "first". I hope Walkom is doing what he can to prevent the slide from continuing and I hope he even reverses it so that the playoffs are called just like the games back in November.

And I hope he watches MCM's grades for feedback as well!