Official GDT 3/4/2013: PIT VS TB

[Gaucho]

Dupuis has no points in 7 games? Odd.

[iWonTheCup87]

its frustrating that was so close because we played so well and they got some world class bounces all night but a win is a win.

lets post a shutout in Philly please

[farnham16]

Mostly solid game. Malkin and Crosby were the difference. Still way too many turnovers but we got the win.

[guiner]

Whoever said TB was getting all the bounces tonight, there's Exhibit K

That's no "getting the bounces", that was beautiful awareness and skill by Stamkos.

[CERV96]

3rd Period shots on goal
TBL:9
PIT:12

Game totals
TBL:28
PIT:32

Three Stars

3-Stamkos
2-Malkin
1-Crosby

[SolidSnake]

Geno looked like he was ticked off at the beginning of the interview lol

[pressure=9Pa]

W

I

N

[mikey287]

Exemplary game from Mark Eaton tonight...

[MRandall25]

Whoever said TB was getting all the bounces tonight, there's Exhibit K

That's no "getting the bounces", that was beautiful awareness and skill by Stamkos.

But it was the blocked shot by Glass that rolled up Fleury's arm so Stamkos could knock it in.

[The U]

I wanted no part of Eaton being brought back. I'm happy he has proven me wrong, he's been very good. Will be interesting to see who sits when Martin returns.

[columbia]

Can we expect a blog post excoriating the coaching staff?

[farnham16]

I wanted no part of Eaton being brought back. I'm happy he has proven me wrong, he's been very good. Will be interesting to see who sits when Martin returns.

It will probably be Despres. Even though he will in no way deserve it. I just can't see Bylsma sitting a vet over Despres. I really, really hope I'm wrong.

[pens2005]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

[DesertPenguin]

I wanted no part of Eaton being brought back. I'm happy he has proven me wrong, he's been very good. Will be interesting to see who sits when Martin returns.

It will probably be Despres. Even though he will in no way deserve it. I just can't see Bylsma sitting a vet over Despres. I really, really hope I'm wrong.

The wheels could still fall off, so I'm going to temper my excitement, but Mark Eaton looks like that veteran stay at home D man many were looking for.

Does anyone think the presence of Eaton makes Niskanen tradeable for a winger? I think you need what Martin, Letang and Orpik bring to the table, Bortuzzo and Engo don't have much value, and Despres shouldn't be dealt until we know how good his game really is. Nisky is the guy we can live without.

[The U]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

But Engel won't get benched vs Philly on Thursday, right?

[guiner]

Exemplary game from Mark Eaton tonight...

meh, he got beat to a lot of pucks along boards.

[farnham16]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

But Engel won't get benched vs Philly on Thursday, right?

No way. We all know Despres will be benched when Martin returns.

[sniper]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

But Engel won't get benched vs Philly on Thursday, right?

I have a feeling Martin is back on Thursday. Going to be interesting to see who sits.

[Godric]

Exemplary game from Mark Eaton tonight...

meh, he got beat to a lot of pucks along boards.

this.

I love me some Mark Eaton but c'mon.

He is sooo slow. Forechecks would murder him in the post season

[farnham16]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

But Engel won't get benched vs Philly on Thursday, right?

I have a feeling Martin is back on Thursday. Going to be interesting to see who sits.

Engo and Eaton should sit before Despres.

[sniper]

Good win after not getting any bounces all game. Still giving up too many chances though. They probably lose if Vokoun had played and played the way he has been the last 2 games. Fleury covered for so wide open chances several times. I doubt either team was happy with some of the chances they gave up.

It seemed like they were trying to pass the puck from just inside their own blue line to the opposite side of the ice near the red line the entire first period while breaking out of the zone. Didn't seem like a wise strategy. Can't say I noticed it much after the first though.

I don't understand why Sutter isn't out there more often against Stamkos. When you are at home it would seem that would be the matchup you would want. Yet I can't recall him ever being out there against him except the last faceoff of the game.

What are the D pairings? Letang and Orpik seem to be out there a lot together. I can't say I noticed any D man playing badly, other than a bad Letang give away in the first and an Orpik turnover on the very next shift.

First two power plays looked amazing when in the zone. Can't believe they didn't score. Only one pp against. Good discipline.

[sniper]

You just can't sit despres. You just can't.

But Engel won't get benched vs Philly on Thursday, right?

I have a feeling Martin is back on Thursday. Going to be interesting to see who sits.

Engo and Eaton should sit before Despres.

I agree, but there is no way DB sits Engo against Philly. Just isn't going to happen. Unlikely to happen against any team. Won't happen against the Flyers.

[Daniel87]

The Pens have 5 players in the top 21 in points. 4 in the top 15.

[Shakes]

Very unselfish by Geno

The only good thing to ever come from Pierre between the benches:

Cooke: "Why didn't you pass it to me on that."
Malkin: "Because you miss."

[sniper]

Kunitz leads the league at plus 17. Wow. Tied for 3rd in points too. Can't say I saw that coming before the season.

Also for all the complaints about their play lately (And they do have to play better, they are definitely capable of it), only 4 other teams have a better record over the last 10 games.