The Penguins dropped another division game tonight against the rival New Jersey Devils in what can only be deemed a disappointment. Not only does this mark the end of a potential 17 point month (in which the Pens only mustered up 5), but it also marks the end of Crosby's 19 game point streak and a new home at the bottom of the Atlantic.
I suppose the most exciting thing to happen all game (from a Penguins fan perspective) came within the first two seconds of the first when Ryan Malone and David Clarkson dropped mitts. It wasn't exactly a heavy weight champion caliber fight, but it was at the least entertaining.
I'd like to say the best part was Malkin's goal, but my cable opted to go out for roughly 30 seconds, just enough time to take away the live aspect of a Malkin goal. When the cable came to again, the score was 2-1 Devils.
That'd be it though. I think I'm man enough to say that Brodeur had one hell of a game. Glad the Penguins could contribute to win number 501. Only 50 more for him till he beats Roy. At this rate, if he plays the Penguins sixty more times this season, he'll at the least tie the record. Thankfully that's not the case.
Ok, I promised I wouldn't turn into the bitter, cynical, downtrodden early season fan. Good times lie ahead. Zen complete us all. Find my center...
It hurts that both Devils goals came on the power play. It hurts even more that both came from Zach Parise. And, it hurts three times as much that I saw the play unfolding before my eyes and yet the defense couldn't cover. They gave the Devils so many attempts at running the same power play attack, and yet remained defenseless.
Despite the loss, I am gaining more and more faith in Fleury. This wasn't his game to lose. It was Brodeur's to win, no doubt, but the loss falls on the defense. Hell, I'll blame the offense too.
On a personal note, I'm pretty convinced the FSN signal I was watching was pirated. Right around the time of the Malkin goal, my cable went out and was just showing the rainbow lines on the screen. It also said "Verizon Cable." The thing is, I don't have Verizon. Then, the signal went in and out, and I faintly heard, as if off-mic, "I swear to God, if I work Saturday and he's off I'm going to F'ing kill him."
That wasn't it though. As the game wore on one of the announcers, after reacting to Adam Hall's hit at center ice, said "Wow, are the Penguins hitting now." To this, a voice jumped on the air and said "Yeah, they really can hit." After a slight fuzz, the audio of the announcers came back on.
I don't necessarily know if it was a genuine pirated broadcast, as the announcing team did apologize for "Technical difficulties." But, I'm going to stand by my belief that it happened. Did anyone else hear it?
On a final note, the Pens head in to Ottawa tomorrow night to take on the Senators. Much to my surprise (and I'm sure fans around the league) the Sens lost to Buffalo tonight 4-2.
Never mind the fact Emery the start over the infallible Gerber...
Showing posts with label New Jersey Devils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Jersey Devils. Show all posts
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Penguins vs Devils preview
The puck drops tonight in Pittsburgh at 7:30 for game four of the eight game season series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils. In the last meeting between these two, the Devils walked away victorious despite a late run at a comeback from the Pens. In what was initially presumed to be Martin Brodeur's 500th win night, the Devils opted to instead start back-up goaltender Kevin Weekes. Weekes stopped 23 of the 25 shots faced putting him at 2-0-1 on the season.
In the heat of recording his first NHL shutout against the Devils back on November 5th, Coach Therrien chose to start Dany Sabourin in favor of Marc-Andre Fleury. By the end of the game the Devils showed they finally had his number, as Sabourin stopped 18 of 21 for his third loss of the season (3-3-1).
Both teams were somewhat evenly matched on the power play. While the Penguins only had three attempts, they managed to convert once on a third period goal from Malkin. The Devils, given twice as many attempts, also scored once on a Zach Parise shot half-way through the first.
Tonight, Sidney Crosby looks to stretch his consecutive-game point streak to 20 straight in front of the home crowd. This game marks the last division game of the month for the Penguins, who out of 14 potential division points this month have only walked away with five. They can make that number 7 out of 16 with a win tonight.
In the heat of recording his first NHL shutout against the Devils back on November 5th, Coach Therrien chose to start Dany Sabourin in favor of Marc-Andre Fleury. By the end of the game the Devils showed they finally had his number, as Sabourin stopped 18 of 21 for his third loss of the season (3-3-1).
Both teams were somewhat evenly matched on the power play. While the Penguins only had three attempts, they managed to convert once on a third period goal from Malkin. The Devils, given twice as many attempts, also scored once on a Zach Parise shot half-way through the first.
Tonight, Sidney Crosby looks to stretch his consecutive-game point streak to 20 straight in front of the home crowd. This game marks the last division game of the month for the Penguins, who out of 14 potential division points this month have only walked away with five. They can make that number 7 out of 16 with a win tonight.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Taking a look ahead
Since the Penguins have both tonight and tomorrow night off from action, I figured this would be a good time to take a brief look at the remaining games for this month. As usual, I'll put up a preview before the game - so I suppose just take this as a slight preview to the preview. Small blurbs with some quick stat hits. I know it's a bit "empty" considering the Pens haven't played three of the four teams yet this season, but I think the format is something I'll consider carrying over to next month.
11.21
Home against the Devils (8-10-2)
Season Record: 1-2
Goals for: 11
Goal against: 8
Best single game performance came on November 5th when the Penguins shutout the Devils 5-0 in New Jersey. In their last meeting the Devils beat the Penguins 3-2. Martin Brodeur officially reached 500 career wins since then, coming against the Flyers on November 17th. This game will be the fourth meeting of eight this season.
11.22
Away against the Senators (15-3-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Perhaps a chance for the Penguins to settle some bad blood between themselves and the Senators following last season's playoff elimination. This is the first of four meeting against the Senators, who have not only jumped to the lead in the Eastern Conference, but also lead the league in 30 points. Goaltender Martin Gerber has kept the team in excellent shape while starter Ray Emery has been nursing an injured wrist back to health.
11.24
Home against the Thrashers (9-10-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
The first of four between these two teams. The Thrashers started off to a less than admirable start, losing six straight right out of the gate. Following the firing of their coach Bob Hartle and a groin injury to starting netminder Jari Lehtonen, the team has been 9-4 in their last 13. The Thrashers possess a firing squad for forwards who aren't afraid to take chances and crash the net. Ilya Kovalchuk registered two consecutive games with a hat trick this season (against Ottawa and Tampa Bay) while Marian Hossa has registered two or more points in five of the last six games.
11.30
Home against the Stars (8-7-4)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Not exactly off to as good a start as anticipated, the Dallas Stars hope to clinch another playoff spot this season behind the human wall that is Marty Turco. By the time the Pens face the Stars, both are on track to be evenly matched in both records and goals for. Despite both teams have offensive threats, it may very well come down to a defensive stand-off.
11.21
Home against the Devils (8-10-2)
Season Record: 1-2
Goals for: 11
Goal against: 8
Best single game performance came on November 5th when the Penguins shutout the Devils 5-0 in New Jersey. In their last meeting the Devils beat the Penguins 3-2. Martin Brodeur officially reached 500 career wins since then, coming against the Flyers on November 17th. This game will be the fourth meeting of eight this season.
11.22
Away against the Senators (15-3-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Perhaps a chance for the Penguins to settle some bad blood between themselves and the Senators following last season's playoff elimination. This is the first of four meeting against the Senators, who have not only jumped to the lead in the Eastern Conference, but also lead the league in 30 points. Goaltender Martin Gerber has kept the team in excellent shape while starter Ray Emery has been nursing an injured wrist back to health.
11.24
Home against the Thrashers (9-10-0)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
The first of four between these two teams. The Thrashers started off to a less than admirable start, losing six straight right out of the gate. Following the firing of their coach Bob Hartle and a groin injury to starting netminder Jari Lehtonen, the team has been 9-4 in their last 13. The Thrashers possess a firing squad for forwards who aren't afraid to take chances and crash the net. Ilya Kovalchuk registered two consecutive games with a hat trick this season (against Ottawa and Tampa Bay) while Marian Hossa has registered two or more points in five of the last six games.
11.30
Home against the Stars (8-7-4)
Season Record: 0-0
Goals for: N/A
Goals against: N/A
Not exactly off to as good a start as anticipated, the Dallas Stars hope to clinch another playoff spot this season behind the human wall that is Marty Turco. By the time the Pens face the Stars, both are on track to be evenly matched in both records and goals for. Despite both teams have offensive threats, it may very well come down to a defensive stand-off.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Devils 3 Penguins 2 - Pens drop four in a row
What would a first period goal against the Penguins be like if it didn't come in the first five minutes? Put it this way: the Penguins' last give games have been against the Flyers-Rangers-Flyers and Devils. All but the Rangers managed to get a goal in within the first five minutes, wit the Rangers doing it inside seven. First period goals are killing the Penguins, and it seems like they don't even care. Never mind the fact the Pens have gone in to the second period in the last three games down by at least two goals (three for the Rangers).
The play on ice reflects the same attitude for the division. Give up early, fight back later. Sometimes, you make it - more often, you fall short. That was the case tonight when the Pens rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at two, only to lose on a third period goal with the final being 3-2.
I'm sure if you ask Crosby, streaks mean nothing unless it's a win streak. Sure, he's gone on to score in the past 17 games, but the team has also lost four in a row and dropped to 1-6 on the month. Considering all of these division games, it hurts twice as much.
Not until later in the season, much, much later in the season, will the Pens have another opportunity at picking up points in the Atlantic standings. Perhaps by then it will be too late, but even then it's too soon to say. Here are the last 11 games for the Pens, 10 of which land in the division.
MARCH
March 16 - Pens vs Flyers
March 18 - Pens @ Rangers
March 20 - Pens vs Lightning
March 22 - Pens vs Devils
March 24 - Pens @ Islanders
March 25 - Pens @ Devils
March 27 - Pens vs Islanders
March 30 - Pens vs Rangers
March 31 - Pens @ Rangers
APRIL
April 2 - Pens vs Flyers
April 6 - Pens @ Flyers
Is it just me, or does the schedule seem a bit bizarre? We play each division team eight times a year, yet in the last month we play the Flyers and Rangers three times each and the Devils and Islanders twice.
On the bright side, at least Brodeur didn't get the win tonight. We can at least pretend something good came from this. Earlier in the season the Devils had hinted Weekes would be seeing a substantial amount of ice time, but who'd have thought they'd bench Brodeur in the heat of his hunt for 500? Perhaps Penguins fans can take this as an insult. "Oh, the Pens aren't good enough, so we can start our backup and still walk away with a win." Although I highly doubt that was the train of thought, I wouldn't be surprised if someone at least mentioned it.
And in front of the home crowd too...they're really putting their fans through the ringer.
User Steel Town from ArmchairGM recently stated in a comment, "I don't even know where the problems start anymore."
Valid point, but I'd love to hear your solutions.
Here is mine.
Kick Fleury back down or trade him up for a strong defenseman, preferably a right-handed shot on the blueline. Give the starting job to Sabourin and call up Ty Conklin from WBS. Send down Eaton and call up Letang for an additional balance on the blueline of both a powerplay threat and neutral zone trapper. Letang's only two NHL goals came on the powerplay in his seven game stint with the club last season. He'd be a great threat on the second PP line. Get Laraque, Roberts and Armstrong on that 4th line to send some energy and intimidation towards the other team. Scratch Kennedy, Nasreddine or Ruutu before you consider scratching Armstrong. He plays a more disciplined game then Ruutu, has a better shot than Nas (even if it IS only one goal on the season) and has more muscle than Kennedy.
Above all - HIT THEM. If you needed a further reason why, look at the penalty kill's performance Saturday night against the Flyers. Three powerplay goals...
Kudos to the Devils, seriously. They played a very disciplined game, giving the Pens only three attempts on the powerplay. Considering the Penguins' performance Saturday against the Flyers, I'm surprised they converted once on so few chances.
Pray tell loyal readers and/or Penguins fans, how do you solve this stifling problem?
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Crosby from Malone-Whitney
3rd Period
Malkin from Gonchar-Crosby
Sabourin - 18-21
Weekes - 23-25
The play on ice reflects the same attitude for the division. Give up early, fight back later. Sometimes, you make it - more often, you fall short. That was the case tonight when the Pens rallied back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game at two, only to lose on a third period goal with the final being 3-2.
I'm sure if you ask Crosby, streaks mean nothing unless it's a win streak. Sure, he's gone on to score in the past 17 games, but the team has also lost four in a row and dropped to 1-6 on the month. Considering all of these division games, it hurts twice as much.
Not until later in the season, much, much later in the season, will the Pens have another opportunity at picking up points in the Atlantic standings. Perhaps by then it will be too late, but even then it's too soon to say. Here are the last 11 games for the Pens, 10 of which land in the division.
MARCH
March 16 - Pens vs Flyers
March 18 - Pens @ Rangers
March 20 - Pens vs Lightning
March 22 - Pens vs Devils
March 24 - Pens @ Islanders
March 25 - Pens @ Devils
March 27 - Pens vs Islanders
March 30 - Pens vs Rangers
March 31 - Pens @ Rangers
APRIL
April 2 - Pens vs Flyers
April 6 - Pens @ Flyers
Is it just me, or does the schedule seem a bit bizarre? We play each division team eight times a year, yet in the last month we play the Flyers and Rangers three times each and the Devils and Islanders twice.
On the bright side, at least Brodeur didn't get the win tonight. We can at least pretend something good came from this. Earlier in the season the Devils had hinted Weekes would be seeing a substantial amount of ice time, but who'd have thought they'd bench Brodeur in the heat of his hunt for 500? Perhaps Penguins fans can take this as an insult. "Oh, the Pens aren't good enough, so we can start our backup and still walk away with a win." Although I highly doubt that was the train of thought, I wouldn't be surprised if someone at least mentioned it.
And in front of the home crowd too...they're really putting their fans through the ringer.
User Steel Town from ArmchairGM recently stated in a comment, "I don't even know where the problems start anymore."
Valid point, but I'd love to hear your solutions.
Here is mine.
Kick Fleury back down or trade him up for a strong defenseman, preferably a right-handed shot on the blueline. Give the starting job to Sabourin and call up Ty Conklin from WBS. Send down Eaton and call up Letang for an additional balance on the blueline of both a powerplay threat and neutral zone trapper. Letang's only two NHL goals came on the powerplay in his seven game stint with the club last season. He'd be a great threat on the second PP line. Get Laraque, Roberts and Armstrong on that 4th line to send some energy and intimidation towards the other team. Scratch Kennedy, Nasreddine or Ruutu before you consider scratching Armstrong. He plays a more disciplined game then Ruutu, has a better shot than Nas (even if it IS only one goal on the season) and has more muscle than Kennedy.
Above all - HIT THEM. If you needed a further reason why, look at the penalty kill's performance Saturday night against the Flyers. Three powerplay goals...
Kudos to the Devils, seriously. They played a very disciplined game, giving the Pens only three attempts on the powerplay. Considering the Penguins' performance Saturday against the Flyers, I'm surprised they converted once on so few chances.
Pray tell loyal readers and/or Penguins fans, how do you solve this stifling problem?
Penguins Goals
1st Period
NONE
2nd Period
Crosby from Malone-Whitney
3rd Period
Malkin from Gonchar-Crosby
Sabourin - 18-21
Weekes - 23-25
Penguins vs Devils Game 3 Preview
Division rivals Devils and Penguins head in to Pittsburgh tonight with the guarantee of one team leaving with a division win. For both teams, this is a must-win situation for what has quickly become the division's two worst teams.
With an even matchup of 1-1 on the season, this game will pose as game three of an eight game season series for these two clubs. In the first meeting, New Jersey was victorious 5-4 in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, while the Penguins routed for their first victory at the Devils' new Prudential Center by the shutout score of 5-0. Dany Sabourin received his first NHL shutout that night, but has yet to really spark any such play since.
In fact, the only win this month for the Penguins has come against the Devils.
It would also seem these teams are both playing a bit out of character. The Devils, a team known for their intimidating defense and two way play have let in their share of goals. On a similar note, the Penguins, known for their offensive production and shootout approach, have been unable to tally more than two goals in their five losses this month.
Oh yes, and it's another record setting night. So far this season, that has not bode well for the Penguins. Carey Price won his first career start, Al Arbour won his 1500th start and tonight Martin Brodeur will try and win his 500th game. I almost want to say this game is over before it even starts...
But I'll remain positive not because I feel Brodeur won't win, but because I'm a self-righteous human being who never once believed in superstition anyways. It goes without saying that Brodeur will definitely get his 500th win and surpass Patrick Roy easily before the season's end, but I'm hoping it's not tonight.
On second thought - bring it. You know why? Throw all this crap at the Penguins now because they'll use it as a sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. This will all be for none when they pull themselves together and decide to play. And hopefully, a cup win this year will wipe clean any such instances of being on the receiving end of such records.
Puck drops 7ish...here's to a desperate Pens victory.
With an even matchup of 1-1 on the season, this game will pose as game three of an eight game season series for these two clubs. In the first meeting, New Jersey was victorious 5-4 in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, while the Penguins routed for their first victory at the Devils' new Prudential Center by the shutout score of 5-0. Dany Sabourin received his first NHL shutout that night, but has yet to really spark any such play since.
In fact, the only win this month for the Penguins has come against the Devils.
It would also seem these teams are both playing a bit out of character. The Devils, a team known for their intimidating defense and two way play have let in their share of goals. On a similar note, the Penguins, known for their offensive production and shootout approach, have been unable to tally more than two goals in their five losses this month.
Oh yes, and it's another record setting night. So far this season, that has not bode well for the Penguins. Carey Price won his first career start, Al Arbour won his 1500th start and tonight Martin Brodeur will try and win his 500th game. I almost want to say this game is over before it even starts...
But I'll remain positive not because I feel Brodeur won't win, but because I'm a self-righteous human being who never once believed in superstition anyways. It goes without saying that Brodeur will definitely get his 500th win and surpass Patrick Roy easily before the season's end, but I'm hoping it's not tonight.
On second thought - bring it. You know why? Throw all this crap at the Penguins now because they'll use it as a sense of accomplishment at the end of the season. This will all be for none when they pull themselves together and decide to play. And hopefully, a cup win this year will wipe clean any such instances of being on the receiving end of such records.
Puck drops 7ish...here's to a desperate Pens victory.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Penguins shutout Devils 5-0
What better way to end a four game road trip then with a shutout? Dany Sabourin - the key to Pittsburgh victories? I suppose it's too soon to say.
Now listen up guys. I've found the key to a Penguins victory. First, you must drive to your local liquor store and purchase three beers that go by the name of Red East; the 'classic' beer of Russia. You must thereby go about drinking one before the game, and during each intermission. Then and only then will you invoke the spirit of Malkin to lead the Penguins to a victory.
I suppose that's all a farce. Afterall, he only had a single assist on the night, but what an assist it was. From his knees on what would have been a tripping call, Malkin dished it off to Sykora who popped it into the net past his former teammate Brodeur for a 3-0 lead.
Sid was no doubt the star of the night, with two goals (eight and nine on the season) in his 13th consecutive game with a point. This was also his second two-goal performance on the season, the first coming against Colorado last week.
To be honest with you, I think the best goal of the night came on Adam Hall's re-direct in front of the net late in the first. On a shot that would have wound up in the corner of the rink, Hall re-directed an Orpik shot to net the second goal of the game.
I'd also like to know how an Ashom punch to the back of Laraque's head results in a Laraque penalty. I suppose it was balanced out in that Mottau high-sticking call.
Tonight's game also marks the second shutout of the season for the Penguins but the first of the year for Sabourin, whose play may very well have earned him a starting role.
I suppose it's safe to say the battle is on for the Pens' netminders. Sabourin vs Fleury in a fight to the death. Alot of talk has circulated with regards to the man between the pipes for the Pens. If you want my honest opinion, I say give the nod to Sabourin, pick up a veteran backup and ditch Fleury come contract negotiation time in January. With whatever money is left, try and secure a defensive-defenseman for the playoffs. Now please keep in mind, I'm saying this as an impartial fan. I will not forget Fleury's 40 wins from last season, but if wheeling and dealing in the way I just mentioned brings home the cup, then I'm all for it.
The powerplay clicked AGAIN tonight, for the 14th time in 14 games. Incredible.
And what's really better than a 5-0 shutout against the Devils? (Well almost better). Watching Brodeur get pulled in favor of Kevin Weekes. Sigh. Truly brings a tear of joy to my eye.
Better luck next time Devils. See you next Monday.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
Hall from Orpik-Talbot
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin
Christensen from Talbot-Laraque
3rd Period
Crosby from Orpik
Sabourin 20-20
Brodeur 19-24
Weekes 6-6
Now listen up guys. I've found the key to a Penguins victory. First, you must drive to your local liquor store and purchase three beers that go by the name of Red East; the 'classic' beer of Russia. You must thereby go about drinking one before the game, and during each intermission. Then and only then will you invoke the spirit of Malkin to lead the Penguins to a victory.
I suppose that's all a farce. Afterall, he only had a single assist on the night, but what an assist it was. From his knees on what would have been a tripping call, Malkin dished it off to Sykora who popped it into the net past his former teammate Brodeur for a 3-0 lead.
Sid was no doubt the star of the night, with two goals (eight and nine on the season) in his 13th consecutive game with a point. This was also his second two-goal performance on the season, the first coming against Colorado last week.
To be honest with you, I think the best goal of the night came on Adam Hall's re-direct in front of the net late in the first. On a shot that would have wound up in the corner of the rink, Hall re-directed an Orpik shot to net the second goal of the game.
I'd also like to know how an Ashom punch to the back of Laraque's head results in a Laraque penalty. I suppose it was balanced out in that Mottau high-sticking call.
Tonight's game also marks the second shutout of the season for the Penguins but the first of the year for Sabourin, whose play may very well have earned him a starting role.
I suppose it's safe to say the battle is on for the Pens' netminders. Sabourin vs Fleury in a fight to the death. Alot of talk has circulated with regards to the man between the pipes for the Pens. If you want my honest opinion, I say give the nod to Sabourin, pick up a veteran backup and ditch Fleury come contract negotiation time in January. With whatever money is left, try and secure a defensive-defenseman for the playoffs. Now please keep in mind, I'm saying this as an impartial fan. I will not forget Fleury's 40 wins from last season, but if wheeling and dealing in the way I just mentioned brings home the cup, then I'm all for it.
The powerplay clicked AGAIN tonight, for the 14th time in 14 games. Incredible.
And what's really better than a 5-0 shutout against the Devils? (Well almost better). Watching Brodeur get pulled in favor of Kevin Weekes. Sigh. Truly brings a tear of joy to my eye.
Better luck next time Devils. See you next Monday.
Penguins Goals
1st Period
Crosby from Sykora-Gonchar
Hall from Orpik-Talbot
2nd Period
Sykora from Malkin
Christensen from Talbot-Laraque
3rd Period
Crosby from Orpik
Sabourin 20-20
Brodeur 19-24
Weekes 6-6
Penguins vs Devils preview
Tonight in new Jersey the Penguins hope to close out their 4 game road trip with a hopeful record of 2-2. The last time these two met it was in front of the Pittsburgh crowd, where the Devils proceeded to walk away victorious by the score of 5-4. Luckily Brodeur wasn't on top of his game (and hasn't really so far this year) but unfortunately for the Penguins Fleury wasn't doing too well either.
In two consecutive games the Penguins have lost by the score of 3-2. Even more coincidental is the sheer fact that in two consecutive games the Penguins have also had the lead at one point by the score of 2-0. If THAT wasn't enough, then bare with me. In two consecutive games the Penguins have also given up three unanswered goals to lose by the already mentioned score of 3-2.
Can it happen three games in a row? NO.
At least I'm hoping it can't.
Praying...
Captain Crosby has no doubt heated up since the last meeting with the Devs, whereby he had two assists on the night. In the most recent loss to the Islanders, he had one assist following a two goal game against Colorado.
The real thing that killed the Penguins the last time they faced off against the Devils was their insatiable ability to find a way into the penalty box. After coming off a penalty free first period, the Penguins accumulated eight - yes, EIGHT second period penalties. Coincidentally the Devils scored two powerplay goals in the second, converting 2 out of 7 in the game.
Perhaps, though, the Penguins' powerplay was a bit better. Although the Devils limited their penalties, the Penguins still managed to convert with the man advantage on 3 out of the 5 tries. With Crosby playing better (especially scoring more) I'd hope tonight's turnout to be a Penguins win.
In the most recent issue of The Hockey News, their is a story titled Sid vs the World. In it, fans basically conduct the interview with their questions. But one particular question that stood out actually pertains to this game. When asked who he hates playing against the most, Sid said none other than "New Jersey". As for reasons why, Sid cites their defensive game and ability to take away the ice as factors contributing towards his sub-par production against the Devils. If you're a die hard Penguins fan pick this issue up; it's worth the read.
Finally, I don't normally predict scores but I'm going to take a stab at it tonight. I'm not using any fancy machines, stats or good luck charms. I'm going based on what I've seen the Penguins do in the past four games and what I've seen (but more likely heard) the Devils do in their past four. So I'm going to say final score Penguins 4 Devils 3.
Feel free to challenge it.
In two consecutive games the Penguins have lost by the score of 3-2. Even more coincidental is the sheer fact that in two consecutive games the Penguins have also had the lead at one point by the score of 2-0. If THAT wasn't enough, then bare with me. In two consecutive games the Penguins have also given up three unanswered goals to lose by the already mentioned score of 3-2.
Can it happen three games in a row? NO.
At least I'm hoping it can't.
Praying...
Captain Crosby has no doubt heated up since the last meeting with the Devs, whereby he had two assists on the night. In the most recent loss to the Islanders, he had one assist following a two goal game against Colorado.
The real thing that killed the Penguins the last time they faced off against the Devils was their insatiable ability to find a way into the penalty box. After coming off a penalty free first period, the Penguins accumulated eight - yes, EIGHT second period penalties. Coincidentally the Devils scored two powerplay goals in the second, converting 2 out of 7 in the game.
Perhaps, though, the Penguins' powerplay was a bit better. Although the Devils limited their penalties, the Penguins still managed to convert with the man advantage on 3 out of the 5 tries. With Crosby playing better (especially scoring more) I'd hope tonight's turnout to be a Penguins win.
In the most recent issue of The Hockey News, their is a story titled Sid vs the World. In it, fans basically conduct the interview with their questions. But one particular question that stood out actually pertains to this game. When asked who he hates playing against the most, Sid said none other than "New Jersey". As for reasons why, Sid cites their defensive game and ability to take away the ice as factors contributing towards his sub-par production against the Devils. If you're a die hard Penguins fan pick this issue up; it's worth the read.
Finally, I don't normally predict scores but I'm going to take a stab at it tonight. I'm not using any fancy machines, stats or good luck charms. I'm going based on what I've seen the Penguins do in the past four games and what I've seen (but more likely heard) the Devils do in their past four. So I'm going to say final score Penguins 4 Devils 3.
Feel free to challenge it.
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