by largegarlic on Sun Apr 14, 2013 10:25 am
I happened to be in Miami this weekend for other reasons and ended up going to the game with a friend who scored tickets five rows up from the glass at the end where the Pens shot twice. I've only seen a game from that low once or twice before, and I have to say, I'm not sure I like it. Seeing the play in front of you up close was great, but I really had no idea what was going on in the other end because of the distortion of the glass. I would say the crowd was split about 50/50 between Pens and Panthers fans. Anyhow, here are my thoughts:
1.) It's pretty clear that Iginla is a complementary winger at this point. Similar to Neal, he has a good shot, makes smart passes, and doesn't shy away from physical play, but can't carry a line on his own. He needs to be with Crosby or Malkin to be effective.
2.) The 4th line looked good in the offensive zone from my vantage point. Lots of hits and general pressuring of the Panthers, making it tough on them in their own zone. Vitale really seems to perk that line up.
3.) I was skeptical about keeping Bennett up for the playoffs just because of the numbers issue, and I wasn't sure if he could deal with the speed and physicality of the playoffs. Not that last night really apporximated playoff pace, but it's going to be pretty hard to keep him out of the lineup. His work to set up Morrow's goal was top-notch.
4.) Morrow might not have the hands or the wheels of his prime, but he really is just what the Pens needed. He's definitely finding his role with the team. Loved his feistiness and willingness to crash the net.
5.) It was cool seeing Fleury make saves from that close in the 2nd period. I remember a sequence where he made a couple really quick pad saves in succession, and the quickness of his reflexes really stood out (especially in contrast to Markstrom).