Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Today's Pens Links
NHL.com
Pens Put Sens on the Ropes
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Crosby ruins Senator's hopes
ESPN.com
Pens Malkin lurks in the shadows
Game 3 Roundup: Pens 4, Sens 1
The Senators scored 1:11 into the second period to claim their first lead of the series. It lasted for the next 4:30 until the Pens Talbot scored his first NHL Playoff goal to tie the game. The Pens never looked back.
Senators captian, Daniel Alfredsson, made a surprise start that had his team fired up coming out of the gate. They did everything they could in the opening period to get a puck past Marc Andre Fleury but were unable to notch a goal. Once Talbot scored, there was a plapable sense in the arena that the Senators time was coming to an end. Everyone knew it.
The Pens took over in the third period. Ottawa's gas had run out and it was Penguin time! Crosby scored his first goal of this playoff season twelve seconds into the period. Staal got his first just 1:18 later. Marian Hossa got his first playoff goal as a Penguin nearly midway through the period. The Sens looked like a tired bunch the rest of the way. They know that they are beaten.
Hossa was awarded the NHL's #1 Star of the Night for his effort.
My #1 star goes to Hossa as well. He played a great game, as he has this entire series, and earned an assist on top of the point for the goal.
Maybe Ottawa Senators management is pondering the message that the mural they posted yesterday is sending to the Pens? There is still time to take it down before the series is over.
Tomorrow night at 7pm at Scotiabank Place is where the Pens will close out the series. Watch the action on FSN, listen at WXDX or here
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ottawa Mural
Ottowa Senators to the Penguins: We think you need a little more motivation so what were going to do is post a mural of our own Senators receiving the congratulatory handshake from you Penguins after we eliminated you in 5 games last season...
Story here
Think it'll work out for the Sens??
Sunday, April 13, 2008
What the Opposition is Reading
From the Ottawa Sun:
Front Page
Pens best besting Sens
Sens do not have a clean slate
And on a lighter note
Game 2 Roundup: Pens 5, Sens 3
Recap - The Pittsburgh Penguins managed to take game two of their first round series against the Ottawa Senators 5-2. And it was actually much closer than the final score indicates. The Pens jumped out to a 3-0 lead by outshooting the Senators 31-13 at the midway point of the game. But by the end of the second period Ottawa had been able to put two garbage goals past March Andre Fleury to bring the score to 3-2. Ottawa tied up the game at 8:51 of the third but home town hero, Ryan Malone, put the game out of reach for Ottawa at 18:58 and added an empty netter with 7 seconds remaining.
Pens goals by Sykora(2), Gonchar and Malone(2).
Ottawa goalie, Martin Gerber, was outstanding in goal for the Sens. He stopped 49 of 54 shots that the Pens threw at him, including 40 in the first 40 minutes. His stellar play was the only reason it wasn't 8 or 9 to 2 after the first two. The 54 shots the Pens posted was a playoff record high for the franchise.
Analysis - Pittsburgh has the momentum and the confidence to win this series in the next couple of games. They became a little lackadaisical during the second half of Friday night's game but were able to pull together and take back a game that they nearly gave away.
What remains to be seen is whether they will retain the confidence and momentum with a two day break and traveling to Ottawa.
The Pens have been very strong on special teams. They've only given up one power play goal to the Sens in the first two games and have scored on 4 of the 11 odd man advantages they have had.
Marc Andre Fluery has been very strong, posting a 1.50 GAA and a .946 SV% along with his first career playoff shutout in game 1.
Evgeni Malkin's 6 points leads all NHL shooters in the playoffs. He has one goal in 5 assists.
Next Game - Monday 4/14 in Ottawa. 7pm FSN, WXDX or listen here.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
What the Opposition is Reading
Front page of the Ottawa Sun:
Don't Blame Gerber
Instead blame the columnist. This guy really needs a good ass kicking. He wants Georges Laraque to do what??? Maybe Prisuta can take care of this guy in the press box tomorrow night. Crazy, I tell you.
Cody Bass demanding respect from his elders
This gets more hilarious every day...
Today's Penguins Links
Here's some links for the Penguins faithful:
Penguins a True Playoff Team
A picture tells a thousand words:
Penguins Knock Senators Around
Pens 4, Sens 0
Vindication.
Vindication for last seasons slow start in game 1 where the Senators were able to assert their will on the Penguins.
Vindication for the last year of the so-called experts asking if the young Pens are experienced enough to win in the playoffs.
Vindication for Michel Therrien who has been questioned by the same experts on his ability to prepare his team for a playoff game.
Last nights game can probably be best described as a near mirror image of last years game 1 against the Senators. The only difference was which team was more ready to take the ice and put fourth the effort required to win the game. Instead of that team being the Ottawa Senators it was the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens controlled the tempo of the game from the first faceoff until the final buzzer sounded.
The game could not have started out better. Gary Roberts put the first shot of the game past a shaky Martin Gerber at 1:08 into the game. The Pens second goal was scored on a breakaway by Petr Sykora. The game remained at 2-0 until Evgeni Malkin fired his first career playoff goal past Gerber at 13:58 of the third and Roberts put the game out of reach with his second of the game with only 1:35 remaining on the clock.
Pittsburgh's penalty killing was spectacular holding the Sens to 0 for 7 on the power play including two extended 5 on 3's. The Pens were 1 for 5 (20%) with the man advantage.
Marc Andre Fluery stopped all 26 Ottawa shots to earn his first career playoff shutout. Fleury was named the #1 NHL star of the night for his effort. My first star of the game goes to Gary Roberts. He had the game winner with his first goal but that is not the reason I am going with him. It's the fact that he was a force that Ottawa could not counter. He knew what his role in the game was and, not only went out on the ice and performed that role, he did it with AUTHORITY!
Injury Update - Senator Anton Volchenkov took a Malkin slapshot to the forehead midway through the second and did not return to the game. His injury was described as a horrible pressure laceration but there were no broken bones. Volchenkov is expected to return for game 2.
Next Game - Game 2 of the series will be tomorrow night at 7pm from Mellon Arena. FSN(HD), WXDX or listen here.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Today's Penguins Links
TSN: Sid is ready to go
Yahoo Sports: Series Breakdown
NHL.com: Series Breakdown
NHL.com: Crosby Revitalizes Pens
Stanley Cup Playoff Quarterfinals 2008
Eastern Conference:
(2) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Ottawa
Pittsburgh wins series 4-0
1. 4/9/08 Pens 4, Senators 0 at Pittsburgh
2. 4/11/08 Pens 5, Senators 3 at Pittsburgh
3. 4/14/08 Pens 4, Senators 1 at Ottawa
4. 4/16/08 Pens 3, Senators 1 at Ottawa
SWEEP!
(1) Montreal vs. (8) Boston
Montreal wins series 4-3
1. 4/10/08 Canadiens 4, Bruins 1 at Montreal
2. 4/12/08 Canadiens 3, Bruins 2 (OT) at Montreal
3. 4/13/08 Bruins 2, Canadiens 1 (OT) at Boston
4. 4/15/08 Canadiens 1, Bruins 0 at Boston
5. 4/17/08 Bruins 5, Canadiens 1 at Montreal
6. 4/19/08 Bruins 5, Canadiens 4 at Boston
7. 4/21/08 Canadiens 5, Bruins 0 at Montreal
(3) Washington vs. (6) Philadelphia
Philadelphia wins series 4-3
1. 4/11/08 Capitals 5, Flyers 4 at Washington
2. 4/13/08 Flyers 2, Capitals 0 at Washington
3. 4/15/08 Flyers 6, Capitals 3 at Philadelphia
4. 4/17/08 Flyers 4, Capitals 3 (OT) at Philadelphia
5. 4/19/08 Capitals 3, Flyers 2 at Washington
6. 4/21/08 Capitals 4, Flyers 2 at Philadelphia
7. 4/22/08 Flyers 3, Capitals 2 (OT) at Washington
(4)New Jersey vs. (5)New York
New York wins series 4-1
1. 4/9/08 Rangers 4, Devils 1 at New Jersey
2. 4/11/08 Rangers 2, Devils 1 at New Jersey
3. 4/13/08 Devils 4, Rangers 3 (OT) at New York
4. 4/16/08 Rangers 5, Devils 3 at New York
5. 4/18/08 Rangers 5, Devils 3 at New Jersey
Western Conference:
(1)Detroit vs. (8)Nashville
Detroit wins series 4-2
1. 4/10/08 Red Wings 3, Predators 1 at Detroit
2. 4/12/08 Red Wings 4, Predators 2 at Detroit
3. 4/14/08 Predators 5, Red Wings 3 at Nashville
4. 4/16/08 Predators 3, Red Wings 2 at Nashville
5. 4/18/08 Red Wings 2, Predators 1 (OT) at Detroit
6. 4/20/08 Red Wings 3, Predators 0 at Nashville
(2)San Jose vs. (7)Calgary
San Jose wins series 4-3
1. 4/9/08 Flames 3, Sharks 2 at San Jose
2. 4/10/08 Sharks 2, Flames 0 at San Jose
3. 4/13/08 Flames 4, Sharks 3 at Calgary
4. 4/15/08 Sharks 3, Flames 2 at Calgary
5. 4/17/08 Sharks 4, Flames 3 at San Jose
6. 4/20/08 Flames 2, Sharks 0 at Calgary
7. 4/22/08 Sharks 5, Calgary 3 at San Jose
(3)Minnesota vs. (6)Colorado
Colorado wins series 4-2
1. 4/9/08 Avalanche 3, Wild 2 (OT) at Minnesota
2. 4/11/08 Wild 3, Avalanche 2 (OT) at Minnesota
3. 4/14/08 Wild 3, Avalanche 2 (OT) at Colorado
4. 4/15/08 Avalanche 5, Wild 1 at Colorado
5. 4/17/08 Avalanche 3, Wild 2 at Minnesota
6. 4/19/08 Avalanche 2, Wild 1 at Colorado
(4)Anaheim vs. (5)Dallas
Dallas wins series 4-2
1. 4/10/08 Stars 4, Ducks 0 at Anaheim
2. 4/12/08 Stars 5, Ducks 2 at Anaheim
3. 4/15/08 Ducks 4, Stars 2 at Dallas
4. 4/17/08 Stars 3, Ducks 1 at Dallas
5. 4/18/08 Ducks 5, Stars 2 at Anaheim
6. 4/20/08 Stars 4, Ducks 1 at Dallas
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Pens/Sens Playoff Series Preview
For the second consecutive year the Penguins will meet the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last year the Sens set the tone in the first few minutes of game one and were able to control the level of play and aggressiveness immediately out of the box. So, with the Senators playing the underdog card giving the Penguins more confidence, should we expect the same thing again tomorrow?
Absolutely.
Ottawa will try to set the tone of the series tomorrow night in the same way that they did last year. They will be aggressive, hard hitting and intense. Will the result be them same?
No.
Pittsburgh will be ready this time. Game one is at home. The crowd is going to be fired up! The Pens have luxury of being able to look back at last year and learn from it. This team is bigger, faster and, if it even possible, better skilled. The injury list is clear with the exception of Mark Eaton. They are fresh, motivated, more experienced and ready to win.
With the addition of Marian Hossa at the trade deadline, the Pens added a skilled winger. This has been a much talked about need on the team for the past few years. The emergence of Evgeni Malkin gives Pittsburgh a second dangerous scoring line. Ottawa will have to be able to stop two scoring lines and two high energy role player lines that will aggravate and frustrate the Sens. Last season Ottawa could match their best defense line against the Crosby/Malkin line and were able to shut down the scoring. This will not be the case this time around.
Pittsburgh has also upgraded their defense. Adding Hal Gil at the deadline could be a key to playoff success. Gonchar has had one of the best seasons of his career. Letang is defiantely the Pens rookie of the year and Orpick has learned not to take himself out of position to get a huge hit. Sydor adds veteran leadership to a defense corps and locker room that was badly missed in last season playoffs.
Ottawa, on the other hand, is badly in need of motivation. Head coach/General Manager of the Sens, Bryan Murray, is using the fact that the Pens lost to the Flyers on the last day of the season to insinuate that the Pens lost on purpose in order to secure the series with Ottawa. But here are the facts: Ottawa has been the worst team in the NHL since January 1st, team captain and emotional leader Daniel Alfredsson is out for what has been only termed "weeks", Martin Gerber has been a locker room problem and backup goalie, Ray Emery, last seasons playoff hero, has been a shadow of himself. Murray is using whatever at his disposal to motivate his team into action. Can he be blamed for that? And being the Penguins, wouldn't you want a first round matchup with a team in these circumstances?
I may be a bit biased but I'm going to go along with most of the other hockey experts and go with the Pens in 5.
What the Opposition is Reading
Here are a few samples of what our hockey brothers and sisters to the north are reading today:
Pens tank vs. Flyers
Pens Relishing Rematch with Sens
Sens need to stir pot
and on the lighter side
ESPN.com Ranks Playoff Goalies
David Amber at ESPN.com has published a ranking of all 16 teams playoff goalies in the playoffs. Guess who is ranked at #16 (worst!). That's right, folks. It's Ottawa's Emery and Gerber.
See full story here: Click me
Nice to see Pittsburgh's Marc Andre Fleury in the 6 spot too!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Let the War of Words Begin!
Puckhead Report - Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review is reporting that Ottawa Senators Head Coach/General Manager Bryan Murray has questioned the work ethic of the Penguins in yesterday's loss to the Flyers.
"I knew what was going on...they wanted to play Ottawa. It was fairly obvious from the drop of the puck", Murray said.
Murray is suggesting that the Pens purposely dropped the game to the Flyers knowing that would give them a more favorable matchup with the Senators. While he is most likely using this as a motivational tool to get his team thinking that Pittsburgh is going to take them lightly knowing that it will be an easy series, this sort of suggestion could turn into a huge blunder if it gets the Sens thinking that they are an easy target for the offensively gifted Penguins. And I hope it does.
Now whether or not Pittsburgh lost the game on purpose, which I do not believe since they would have captured first place in the East with a win, Michel Therrien sat Sid Crosby for the game to give him a rest. They were also unable to score on 8 power play opportunities.
I do agree that a series, potentially 9 consecutive games with the last 2 regular season games, against the Flyers may have been tough on the Pens, it is Playoff Hockey. All series' are. That is the nature of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
News of Note - The Pens had the day off today and will begin preparation for the Ottawa series tomorrow. Game 1 is less than 48 hours away!
Playoff Hockey - Bring It On!
The Pens dropped the final game of the regular season to the Flyers, 2-0. The loss secured second place in the East and a first round playoff matchup against the same team that disposed of Pittsburgh in five games last year, the Ottawa Senators. The series begins in Pittsburgh on Wednesday at 7pm:
Wed 4/9 7pm Versus at Pittsburgh
Fri 4/11 7pm FSN at Pittsburgh
Mon 4/14 7pm FSN at Ottawa
Wed 4/16 7pm FSN at Ottawa
Sat 4/19 TBA at Pittsburgh (if necessary)
Sun 4/20 TBA at Ottawa (if necessary)
Tue 4/22 TBA at Pittsburgh (if necessary)
More to come later. Check back for analysis, news and a new feature called "What the opponents think..." that will offer views and commentary from Ottawa Senators fans and writers.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Pens 1, Rangers 2 OT
Recap - The Pens dropped a game in which they could have wrapped up first in the Atlantic to the Rangers, 2-1 in overtime. Pens goal was scored by Talbot.
It was a very hard fought game thorughout. The Rangers needed the win to stay in the Playoff hunt but were unable to obtain two points in regulation. Pittsburgh played a great defensive game but got off to a slow start in the first period, only posting one shot on goal in the first 20 minutes.
With the single point the Pens put themsleves within one point of winning the division. If they get a point in the next two games, or New Jersey loses one, the Pens will win the Atlantic. At this point they are already guarenteed home ice in the first round of the playoffs. Winning the Atlantic will mean at least a top 2 finish in the conference.
Injury Update - Gary Roberts is getting close to a return. He was recently quoted as saying he wanted to play in the last regular season game against the Flyers on Sunday. His presence in the locker room would be a tremendous boost for the post season.
Next Up - Tonight at the Igloo vs. Philadelphia. (7:30, FSN(HD), WXDX or listen here)
