Pens lose game 1; trail series 1-0

[WWGRD]

Baby Pens lose 5-4

Trail series 1-0 to the Wolves

Goals by Goligoski, McLean (2), Stone


The Answer was the #1 star of the game.

[Henry Hank]

Goligoski's point totals in the playoffs are ridiculous. He's got over 60% of his regular season production in over 50 less games.

I've only seen Curry twice but I've come away very impressed. He seems to be the type of goalie that when you need a big save, he's going to give it to you and he doesn't get rattled even when he's letting some through. The Pens could have a nice situation in their hands in the coming years with Fleury starting and Curry backing up him, with Curry ultimately being some good trade bait similar to the way Mike Smith was for the Stars. Kudos to Shero and his staff for signing this guy.

[relantel]

Goligoski was a beast, going 1+3. Just could not get that tying goal.

[narcolept]

Hank, to answer your comment in the thread on the other board, to keep discussion here rather than there...

The Wolves power play is deadly. They've done something ridiculous on the PP in the playoffs, scoring like 50% of their goals on the man advantage, at a silly conversion percentage as well. Don't have exact numbers so I won't make it up

The baby Pens MO these playoffs has been a horrible second period, which the avoided tonight, but made up for it with a horrible first period. Goligoski showed his rookie side on a few plays, Ardelan got victimized throughout the period, no one knew what to do with the puck in the first period in our own zone, and the forwards weren't helpful at all.

I'm hoping going into Sunday, that this team realizes that while Chicago is despised throughout the league and by the Thrashers themselves for signing veterans, and basically playing a bunch of mercenaries rather than developing prospects, they can in fact play with them, and at times last night outplayed them 5-5.

Last night also marks two games in a row that we failed to bury one in a 5-3 situation as well, so the power play needs some consistency as well.

[Digitalgypsy66]

It was fun watching them on NHLN last night. That disallowed goal late in the third -- I only saw one angle -- but it didn't look like a distinct kicking motion from the one replay. What do you guys think?

[DelPen]

It was fun watching them on NHLN last night. That disallowed goal late in the third -- I only saw one angle -- but it didn't look like a distinct kicking motion from the one replay. What do you guys think?

I think he was trying to kick it to the front of the net but delayed and it went off his heel and went in the net. If it hit the toe it would have went to the slot. But I think it was a good goal and was shocked to see they don't have replay in the AHL.

It was a really good game though, throw away the first period where the Pens were just like deer in headlights we got the better of the play. Good finish to the game for some momentum in the next 6 games. Hope they can win game 2 then close it out in WBS.

[wickedsinner]

It was a really good game though, throw away the first period where the Pens were just like deer in headlights we got the better of the play. Good finish to the game for some momentum in the next 6 games. Hope they can win game 2 then close it out in WBS.

I cant agree with you more. That first period was very rough. A lot of the goals were scored with penguins out of position and caught watching the play. I think it was the third goal where there were three pens on the ice and the wolves passed it to a wide open man in front of the net to score. Nerves were definately and issue. This was my first game i got to watch Goligoski play since his call up with the pens and all I can say is WOW! This guy is great offensively. A lot of upside to this guy especially if he can get his game down in his own zone.

[pronovost19]

I watched the 2nd and 3rd periods...and was dissappointed in the defensive effort...we can score goals...but the d end coverage is pretty bad..LOL @ Kwiatkowski scoring a goal....Curry is tough...but he needs help...

[crayz]

well, I was at the game yesterday. The first period was just horrible. Baby Pens defense was non-existent. The actually played much better defense in the 2nd & 3rd.

Regardless of how many goals went in, Curry was a beast. He had one goal that looked a little soff, that was "The Answer's" goal. The rest were all defensive breakdowns. He made some unreal saves though.

As for the rest of the players...They would be lost without Goligoski. It seemed like he was always on the ice and always the leader on the ice. He runs the powerplay and carries the puck up ice all of the time. I think he is going to fit in well next year with the big boys. I think he had 1g and 2 assists. The goal was on a 4v2 wrist shot and then he fed Stone's wrist shot from the point and he made a fantastic pass to Mclean I think it was for another goal.

Other player observations - Filewich just seems uninterested. He had some chances and just never took advantage of them. Stone looked decent, but nothing crazy special. His goal was just on a screen and poorly played by the Wolves goalie. Nathan Smith I barely saw do anything, same with James.

It really seemed like Pens vs Red Wings game 1 where the Wolves just always seemed in the control.

I took a bunch of pics and will post them in the next day or two.

I only wish I got a picture of the lady Wolves fan with a Kwiatkowski jersey on...who the Wolves fans also call "The Stash"

If it goes to a game 7 I got a line for tickets as well...so i'm hoping for a long series and a baby pens win in Chi-town

edit - Oh and, Derrek Engelland is one big dude. Looks like a monster on the ice.

[WWGRD]

Game 1 Recap-

http://www.faceoff-factor.com/wbs-pengu ... -waved-off