Saturday, June 28, 2008
Malone and Roberts Traded to Tampa Bay
So much for Ryan Malone and his agent squashing the Penguins' chances of dealing him after announcing one week ago that he wouldn't sign with any team in advance of unrestricted free agency on July 1.
Today, the Penguins traded him and Gary Roberts to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a conditional draft pick. The pick will be a 4th round pick in 2009 unless the Lightning ultimately sign Malone, in which case the pick will become a 3rd rounder.
All things considered, this is not a bad return by Shero only 2 days before free agency for 2 players that he knew were not going to be with the club this year. Deals for negotiating rights are becoming more and more common, but you don't expect them to come so close to July 1.
Tampa's new ownership is obviously trying to make a big splash, so don't be surprised if they are prepared to throw big money to Malone -- over 5 million per season. I'm hearing that's exactly their plan. Whether Malone will actually sign there, however, remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, I'd be surprised if Gary Roberts finished his career in Tampa Bay. By all accounts, he should prefer to stay closer to home by playing in Ottawa or Toronto -- 2 teams that probably would make pitches for him on July 1 -- rather than play for a team that finished last overall the prior season. However, the Lightning players and management are reportedly already trying to woo Roberts, both by phone calls and the talk of a 2.25 million dollar contract for next season.
For the Penguins, the bigger issue remains whether Hossa stays or goes. They probably aren't going to know that until sometime later in the day on July 1. I don't expect Shero to wait around while other free agents are gobbled up by other teams. If Hossa doesn't stick with the club, look for him to go after Radim Vrbata, Brian Rolston, Michael Ryer or Marcus Naslund.
Besides Hossa, none of the Penguins' 3rd or 4th line free agents --- Ruutu, Dupuis, Hall or Laraque -- have re-signed yet, and there also hasn't been any reported progress with getting Brooks Orpik's name on a deal before Tuesday either. It sure would be nice for Shero to sign 1 or 2 of his own before the floodgates open.
It's going to be an interesting week for sure ...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Twas a Week Before Free Agency, And All Through the Penguins House
Not a creature was stirring ... not even Gary Roberts.
Things have been quiet for the Penguins, relatively speaking, the last few days. Weeks after the season ended and only 6 days before free agency, Penguins GM Ray Shero has not signed a single free agent of the 12 he has.
Besides providing an offer to Marion Hossa, the Penguins have reportedly offered a 4 year contract to defenseman Brooks Orpik averaging just over 3 million per year. Otherwise, nothing.
I have heard the Penguins intend to offer deals to forwards Adam Hall, George Laraque and Jarrko Ruutu. I am a bit skeptical about whether they'll pitch one to Ruutu, and I've heard that they don't plan on doing so with Pascual Dupuis either, waiting instead to see what the market brings for each on July 1.
It sure would be nice for Shero to ink someone before the mad dash in just under a week.
Meanwhile, Penguins cult legend Gary Roberts announced yesterday that he won't be back with the team next year. In the press, the parting seemed amicable, but behind the scenes, I'm not so sure. Apparently, Roberts was upset at having been a scratch in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. True or not, I don't believe that's the real reason he's decided to move on. More likely, he's hoping to make around the same money he made last season -- 2.5 million -- but the Penguins aren't prepared to pay him that much.
For as much as he brings to the team, his health and the Penguins salary cap really prohibit paying him a salary like that. I imagine (hope) Shero asked if he'd stick around for 1 million. The fact that Roberts didn't -- and stated his desire to continue playing next season -- suggests the two weren't on the same page as to either his role or his value. What else could it be? By even Roberts' own account, he loved playing in Pittsburgh.
The WWGRD questions and sayings about GR are already legendary in these parts after only 2 seasons on the squad.
If something breaks in the next few days, I'll speak on it. Otherwise, I'll check back in on the eve of free agency. I previously promised a posting on who the Penguins would (and should) target in free agency. It's still coming. I'm just teasing like Jenna Jameson here. Or for those fans of the new crop, think teasing like Nikki Benz.
On that good note ....
Things have been quiet for the Penguins, relatively speaking, the last few days. Weeks after the season ended and only 6 days before free agency, Penguins GM Ray Shero has not signed a single free agent of the 12 he has.
Besides providing an offer to Marion Hossa, the Penguins have reportedly offered a 4 year contract to defenseman Brooks Orpik averaging just over 3 million per year. Otherwise, nothing.
I have heard the Penguins intend to offer deals to forwards Adam Hall, George Laraque and Jarrko Ruutu. I am a bit skeptical about whether they'll pitch one to Ruutu, and I've heard that they don't plan on doing so with Pascual Dupuis either, waiting instead to see what the market brings for each on July 1.
It sure would be nice for Shero to ink someone before the mad dash in just under a week.
Meanwhile, Penguins cult legend Gary Roberts announced yesterday that he won't be back with the team next year. In the press, the parting seemed amicable, but behind the scenes, I'm not so sure. Apparently, Roberts was upset at having been a scratch in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. True or not, I don't believe that's the real reason he's decided to move on. More likely, he's hoping to make around the same money he made last season -- 2.5 million -- but the Penguins aren't prepared to pay him that much.
For as much as he brings to the team, his health and the Penguins salary cap really prohibit paying him a salary like that. I imagine (hope) Shero asked if he'd stick around for 1 million. The fact that Roberts didn't -- and stated his desire to continue playing next season -- suggests the two weren't on the same page as to either his role or his value. What else could it be? By even Roberts' own account, he loved playing in Pittsburgh.
The WWGRD questions and sayings about GR are already legendary in these parts after only 2 seasons on the squad.
If something breaks in the next few days, I'll speak on it. Otherwise, I'll check back in on the eve of free agency. I previously promised a posting on who the Penguins would (and should) target in free agency. It's still coming. I'm just teasing like Jenna Jameson here. Or for those fans of the new crop, think teasing like Nikki Benz.
On that good note ....
Saturday, June 21, 2008
GM Shero Says Hossa Will Test Free Agent Waters
Like Egan said about crossing the streams in Ghostbusters:
"It would be bad"
Kind of makes me think about how it would be if the Penguins don't sign free agent RW Marion Hossa to a contract before he reaches free agency on July 1.
That came a lot closer to reality today upon the news after the 2008 draft concluded that the Penguins and Hossa broke off negotiations, and that Hossa was going to test the waters in 9 days.
I must admit, this news surprised me. Although there had been some chatter the last few days, most signs suggested that the Penguins and Hossa were negotiating and, seemingly, moving towards a new deal. In fact, terms that had been publicly reported (even if denied by Hossa's agent, Rich Winter) were pretty much on par with what the Penguins would probably pay him -- 7 years, anywhere from 49 to 54 million. Those figures would represent a huge committment from the Penguins to keep Sid's big-time sidekick, although were undoubtedly less than what Hossa would get on the market.
Now, it looks like we'll find out whether that's really the case. Shero said that, although Hossa seems to have us as his #1 choice, he's going to test the market "just to be sure".
Undoubtedly, Hossa will receive offers greater than whatever the Penguins put on the table. The only question is how much. If I'm a betting man, it wouldn't surprise me to see some other team (The Rangers, Boston, Montreal, to name 3) throw 9 million (or even a bit more) a year at him. Will that be enough for him to walk away from what he spoke about so affectionately after the season ended?
I have to think that if Hossa solicits other offers on July 1, the chances of the Penguins keeping him drop significantly. Could he come back to us and sign whatever we offered? Yes. Is that likely? I don't believe so. At the very least, I would imagine he'll see if we can match (unlikely) or increase (perhaps) our last offer. Although I could see us upping our last offer, I can't see us doing so enough to meaningfully compete with what other teams are prepared to pay him. Realistically, Hossa is going to have to decide to accept probably 2 million a season less to play with us. For as much as I hope he remains a Penguin, I don't think that's likely. A million less? Maybe. 2 million? I'm not nearly as optimistic.
What may be most interesting about all of this is what the Penguins do now? Will they push harder to re-sign Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik? Will they go after several unrestricted free agents of their own on July 1? Will they sign a restricted free agent to an offer sheet? I don't see them throwing an offer sheet at someone, but I do see them re-signing Brooks Orpik. Unfortunately, regardless of the Penguins needs if Hossa doesn't re-sign, I don't think they're interested in meeting Malone's demands (reportedly 5 million per), even with more money to spend. More likely, they'll go the UFA route.
The only problem with the UFA route is that there aren't a lot of blue-chip wingers out there in this year's free agent crop. Brian Rolston, Andrew Brunette, Niklas Hagman, and Kristian Huselius top the list. Rolston has been talking with the Wild for more than a week now, but I don't know if he'll sign before July 1. I haven't heard much about any of the other guys. All would look good in a Penguin uniform.
Hopefully in the next week Hossa will realize how good he has it here. If not, the Penguins will have some work to do.
More on the draft -- which is really an afterthought around here this season -- in the next day or two.
"It would be bad"
Kind of makes me think about how it would be if the Penguins don't sign free agent RW Marion Hossa to a contract before he reaches free agency on July 1.
That came a lot closer to reality today upon the news after the 2008 draft concluded that the Penguins and Hossa broke off negotiations, and that Hossa was going to test the waters in 9 days.
I must admit, this news surprised me. Although there had been some chatter the last few days, most signs suggested that the Penguins and Hossa were negotiating and, seemingly, moving towards a new deal. In fact, terms that had been publicly reported (even if denied by Hossa's agent, Rich Winter) were pretty much on par with what the Penguins would probably pay him -- 7 years, anywhere from 49 to 54 million. Those figures would represent a huge committment from the Penguins to keep Sid's big-time sidekick, although were undoubtedly less than what Hossa would get on the market.
Now, it looks like we'll find out whether that's really the case. Shero said that, although Hossa seems to have us as his #1 choice, he's going to test the market "just to be sure".
Undoubtedly, Hossa will receive offers greater than whatever the Penguins put on the table. The only question is how much. If I'm a betting man, it wouldn't surprise me to see some other team (The Rangers, Boston, Montreal, to name 3) throw 9 million (or even a bit more) a year at him. Will that be enough for him to walk away from what he spoke about so affectionately after the season ended?
I have to think that if Hossa solicits other offers on July 1, the chances of the Penguins keeping him drop significantly. Could he come back to us and sign whatever we offered? Yes. Is that likely? I don't believe so. At the very least, I would imagine he'll see if we can match (unlikely) or increase (perhaps) our last offer. Although I could see us upping our last offer, I can't see us doing so enough to meaningfully compete with what other teams are prepared to pay him. Realistically, Hossa is going to have to decide to accept probably 2 million a season less to play with us. For as much as I hope he remains a Penguin, I don't think that's likely. A million less? Maybe. 2 million? I'm not nearly as optimistic.
What may be most interesting about all of this is what the Penguins do now? Will they push harder to re-sign Ryan Malone and Brooks Orpik? Will they go after several unrestricted free agents of their own on July 1? Will they sign a restricted free agent to an offer sheet? I don't see them throwing an offer sheet at someone, but I do see them re-signing Brooks Orpik. Unfortunately, regardless of the Penguins needs if Hossa doesn't re-sign, I don't think they're interested in meeting Malone's demands (reportedly 5 million per), even with more money to spend. More likely, they'll go the UFA route.
The only problem with the UFA route is that there aren't a lot of blue-chip wingers out there in this year's free agent crop. Brian Rolston, Andrew Brunette, Niklas Hagman, and Kristian Huselius top the list. Rolston has been talking with the Wild for more than a week now, but I don't know if he'll sign before July 1. I haven't heard much about any of the other guys. All would look good in a Penguin uniform.
Hopefully in the next week Hossa will realize how good he has it here. If not, the Penguins will have some work to do.
More on the draft -- which is really an afterthought around here this season -- in the next day or two.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Interested In Hockey Drama? Look No Further Than Pittsburgh
For a team not slated to pick until 120th in the 2008 Entry Draft this weekend (at least that's where they sit right now), the Penguins sure know how to be the talk of the National Hockey League.
Since losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Penguins have dominated the league's off-season news.
First, the Penguins reportedly open up serious discussions with the agent for the right winger everyone thought was strictly a rental player who they had no chance of re-signing, Marion Hossa.
Then talk circulates that they're looking to deal left winger Ryan Malone before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 so they can get something before him prior to him walking away for nothing, only to have Malone pour cold water on that reported effort by saying he isn't going to sign a contract with any team before that date.
Now, on the eve of the draft, the rumor is circulating that the Penguins are trying to obtain the #2 overall pick from the Los Angeles Kings and are offering Malkin in a deal which would also net Center Mike Cammalleri, an 80-point man in '06'/'07, but who's production dropped last year to 49 points in 63 games.
A few things about this rumor:
1) Although there has been increasing talk in the last week about whether the Penguins might deal (or consider trading) Malkin, this rumor is the most direct and intense one to-date;
2) The rumor originated from Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun -- a guy known for coming up with some baseless stuff. Here's his article on this:
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2008/06/19/5923271-sun.html
3) If Shero makes that deal, he should be fired.
Now, that's not to say that Malkin should never be traded. In the salary cap era, almost all options are on the table, including the possibility of dealing a player some regard as the best in the NHL, whether now, in 5 years, or somewhere in between.
However, Malkin is worth a heck of a lot more than a #2 overall pick and Cammalleri, no matter how much Malkin will cost-salary wise. Especially since the #2 pick is likely to be used to take one of the four stud defensemen available this year, likely 6'3" Peterborough Petes two-way reargard Zach Bogosian.
Many observers think that if the Penguins sign Hossa, they won't be able to afford Malkin. I disagree. I think the Penguins can, and should, keep both, even if it requires spending up to the league salary cap (something ownership seems willing to do).
Having Sid and Malkin gives the Penguins a 1-2 punch at center unmatched in the game, much like the Colorado Avalanche had when Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg patrolled center ice for them for years. They were in the mix for the better part of a decade because of that.
If Shero is that intent on getting the #2 pick and making a deal with the Kings, he should probably sacrifice a defenseman to do so -- likely Ryan Whitney. Besides that, there are other players on LA he should target in any such deal. First and foremost, winger Dustin Brown. After him, he should look to center Anze Kopitar, the runner-up to Malkin for the Calder Trophy 2 years ago, then to Sidney Crosby's best junior friend, two-way defenseman Jack Johnson, who was taken #3 overall behind Crosby in the 2005 draft.
Shero has proven to be pretty astute on the job so far. I'm hoping I can still use that word to describe him after this weekend.
Since losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Penguins have dominated the league's off-season news.
First, the Penguins reportedly open up serious discussions with the agent for the right winger everyone thought was strictly a rental player who they had no chance of re-signing, Marion Hossa.
Then talk circulates that they're looking to deal left winger Ryan Malone before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 so they can get something before him prior to him walking away for nothing, only to have Malone pour cold water on that reported effort by saying he isn't going to sign a contract with any team before that date.
Now, on the eve of the draft, the rumor is circulating that the Penguins are trying to obtain the #2 overall pick from the Los Angeles Kings and are offering Malkin in a deal which would also net Center Mike Cammalleri, an 80-point man in '06'/'07, but who's production dropped last year to 49 points in 63 games.
A few things about this rumor:
1) Although there has been increasing talk in the last week about whether the Penguins might deal (or consider trading) Malkin, this rumor is the most direct and intense one to-date;
2) The rumor originated from Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun -- a guy known for coming up with some baseless stuff. Here's his article on this:
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Draft/2008/06/19/5923271-sun.html
3) If Shero makes that deal, he should be fired.
Now, that's not to say that Malkin should never be traded. In the salary cap era, almost all options are on the table, including the possibility of dealing a player some regard as the best in the NHL, whether now, in 5 years, or somewhere in between.
However, Malkin is worth a heck of a lot more than a #2 overall pick and Cammalleri, no matter how much Malkin will cost-salary wise. Especially since the #2 pick is likely to be used to take one of the four stud defensemen available this year, likely 6'3" Peterborough Petes two-way reargard Zach Bogosian.
Many observers think that if the Penguins sign Hossa, they won't be able to afford Malkin. I disagree. I think the Penguins can, and should, keep both, even if it requires spending up to the league salary cap (something ownership seems willing to do).
Having Sid and Malkin gives the Penguins a 1-2 punch at center unmatched in the game, much like the Colorado Avalanche had when Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg patrolled center ice for them for years. They were in the mix for the better part of a decade because of that.
If Shero is that intent on getting the #2 pick and making a deal with the Kings, he should probably sacrifice a defenseman to do so -- likely Ryan Whitney. Besides that, there are other players on LA he should target in any such deal. First and foremost, winger Dustin Brown. After him, he should look to center Anze Kopitar, the runner-up to Malkin for the Calder Trophy 2 years ago, then to Sidney Crosby's best junior friend, two-way defenseman Jack Johnson, who was taken #3 overall behind Crosby in the 2005 draft.
Shero has proven to be pretty astute on the job so far. I'm hoping I can still use that word to describe him after this weekend.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Who Will Stay .. Who Will Go? The Latest Penguin Free Agent Talk
Talk began over the weekend that the Penguins have identified RW Marion Hossa as their #1 priority in the off-season and offered him a deal in the 6 to 7 year range, with the total payout averaging near 7 million per season.
It would be hard not to like a deal that keeps Hossa on Sidney Crosby's flank for that long, although the likely consequence of a deal like that will be to ship Ryan Malone out of town.
There already has been talk that, although the Penguins have made Malone 2 offers, his agent, former Hartford Whalers goaltender Mike Liut, has rejected them both. Apparently the Malone camp isn't happy over offers they feel are too low. That has led to rumors that the Penguins are seriously exploring trading Malone (rather than "his rights", as it's often erroneously stated) before he becomes a free agent, and perhaps even before the draft this weekend. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been labeled as the most likely destination. Coincidentally, they have 2 picks in the first round of the draft, at #6 and #19, although it's unlikely they would part with one of those for Malone. Edmonton also has been a rumored destination for Malone if he's moved.
With that, the entry draft may have more intrigue this weekend for the Penguins than most of us suspected for a team not slated to pick first until 120th overall.
In addition to the Hossa and Malone talk, most know by now that the Penguins opted for salary arbitration with starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. This was a good move by the Penguins. It means he will NOT become a restricted free agent on July 1, and thus won't put Pittsburgh in the position of having to match an expensive offer sheet if they had not signed him before then. The arbitration hearing will be scheduled for sometime between July 20 and August 4, and the Penguins have time to negotiate a long-term deal with him before then. If they don't reach an agreement, the arbitrator will issue an award for 1 year, and Fleury will have the choice of taking that amount for 2 years. Because the Penguins requested arbitration, they cannot walk away from the award.
At the very least, Fleury will be a Penguin for at least one more season. It's likely, however, that the team will reach an agreement with Fleury at some point. After this season's playoff run (despite an average Stanley Cup Final), he's established himself as the Penguins long-term, go-to man in the net.
Later in the week, I'll post an update on Hossa, Malone, Orpik and whatever else is happening in Penguin free agency, then put my blindfold on and toss a few darts at what the Penguins may (and should) do on draft weekend. Normally I'd be able to throw out a few names they're considering, but with our Boys of Winter not picking until the 4th round, that type of prediction is pretty much out the window.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
As Hossa's World Turns
By now, most of us have heard the relevant quotes from Marion Hossa's 5-minute, end-of-season session with the media, where he talked of how great it was to be a Penguin and how he would consider less money (to a point) to stay in Pittsburgh and be on a contender.
Well, a separate article I recently read in The Hockey News from right before the Stanley Cup Final gives some additional insight into both what Hossa is thinking and what his agent, Rich Winter, is thinking about his upcoming free agency:
http://www.zinio.com/express3?issue=267120421&p=26&zoom=1&x=606&y=196
Hossa's comments are consistent with those he told the Pittsburgh media, but his agent's remarks run a little deeper. Looking at everything, I continue to believe there's a fair chance we'll still see #18 in Pittsburgh next season and beyond.
Monday, June 9, 2008
End Of Season Grades
As we look forward to the June 20-21 entry draft and, potentially, not look forward to the start of free agency beginning on at midnight on July 1, end of season Penguin player grades are in order.
These grades are given based on the player's contribution when compared to what was reasonably expected during the course of the year from the player, and includes consideration for playoff performance.
So, without further delay .........
Sidney Crosby: Sid was tied for the league lead in scoring when he went down, and probably would have ended up leading the league again had he stayed healthy. He did everything he did last season, but grew his leadership profile and even improved some on face-offs. About the only flaw in his game is the fact that he's never going to be a top-notch goal scorer. Even then, he's good for near 40 each year. He was the Penguins leading scorer in his first extended trip through the playoffs. It's hard to find fault with arguably the best player in the game: A
Evgeni Malkin: Following up on his Calder Trophy, Malkin only finished second in the league in scoring and made himself a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. When Crosby went down with his high-ankle sprain in mid-January, many predicted a playoff berth for the Penguins was in jeopardy. All he did was carry the team on his back and average nearly 2 points per game while the Captain was out. He ran out of steam again at the end of this season and that hurt the Penguins chances of winning the Stanley Cup, but like Crosby, it's really hard to find fault with Malkin. He's one of the top 3 players in the game, with Crosby and Ovechkin: A
Marion Hossa: Since he sprained his knee shortly after the Penguins acquired him at the trading deadline and only played about 6 regular season games, it's hard to judge him on anything but his playoff performance. But oh what a performance that was. He finished 3rd in playoff scoring with 12 goals and 14 assists, 1 point behind Crosby and Zetterberg for the league lead, shedding his prior (somewhat deserved, but frequently exaggerated) reputation for not being someone who can be counted on in the post-season. He scored big goals and was a defensive presence all over the ice each time he was out there. He's an ideal winger for Crosby. The only question remains is whether the Penguins will be able to sign the unrestricted free agent: A
Sergei Gonchar: What didn't Gonchar do this year? He finished 2nd in league scoring among defenseman with 65 points, and finished plus 13 after being matched up against the opponent's top lines most of the year. It was a shame he was not one of the 3 finalists for the Norris Trophy because this year may have been Sarge's best. His power play work is unmatched, and perhaps the best compliment about his game this year is that every partner he had -- Mark Eaton, Rob Scuderi and Brooks Orpik -- undoubtedly played their best hockey while next to him. Although he's 34 and, at $5 million a season, a potential salary cap casualty in the next year or two simply because of everyone else the Penguins need to keep, what he does for the Penguins can't be understated: A
Marc-Andre Fleury: Like the Penguins team, Fleury struggled to start the year, but had won 4 in a row before going down to the favorite team injury -- the high ankle sprain -- around Thanksgiving during a game in Calgary. After missing nearly 30 games, he came back and was the best goaltender in the league during the final 20 or so games, losing only twice in that span. He also was one of the best netminders in the league in the playoffs, finishing with a save percentage over 93% and a goals against average under 2. Although he was a big reason why the Penguins played for the Stanley Cup, he didn't show his best hockey in the final, allowing several questionable goals in the 6-game loss to the Red Wings. That said, he wasn't the reason why the Penguins lost, and has unquestionably established himself as the Penguins main man in the net. Saying the restricted free agent is the Penguins number 1 priority this off-season is not an understatement: A-
Ryan Malone: Malone grew up a lot this season -- clearly his best in the NHL thusfar. He finished with 27 goals, 51 points, over 100 penalty minutes and was plus 14 playing most of the season with Malkin. He does a good job killing penalties and is physical on the ice and in front of the opponent's net. His toughness is unquestionable, as evidenced by coming back from his 2nd broken nose of the Stanley Cup Final in the Penguins' legendary 3 OT triumph in game 5. There were other stretches in the Final, however, where he wasn't as much of an impact offensively, mainly because he depends on Malkin to generate a lot for him. When Malkin isn't going, Malone can be a non-factor at times. Overall, though, Malone had a good season. Like Hossa, he's an unrestricted free agent and there are questions as to whether the Penguins can sign him: A-
Petr Sykora: Sykora will largely be remebered this past season for his goal in triple overtime in game 5 against Detroit, but it shouldn't be forgotten that, like Malone and Malkin, he was a part of arguably the best line in the league at times this year. Like Malone, however (and perhaps even more so), Sykora depends on Malkin -- mainly to get him the puck. That said, his 28 goals and 63 points this year were pretty productive, and a bargain for a guy pulling down only 2.5 million: A-
Ty Conklin: Who can forget what Conklin did for the Penguins this year in Fleury's absence? Arguably, he was their MVP because they may have not even made the playoffs if he didn't step in and rise to the top of the heap in several goaltending statistical categories, going undefeated in his first 11 starts after being called up to the minors, and winning 9 in a row. When Fleury came back, he wasn't handed the job, and that's because of how Conklin performed in his absence. He was outstanding. Although there are questions as to whether he'll want to come back and be Fleury's backup, there's no denying his performance this year says he's capable of being a number 1 goalie in the league: A-
Jordan Staal: Staal's production dropped this year, but that doesn't mean he didn't improve as a player. Quite the contrary, he filled out the 3rd line center role almost to perfection. Although everyone knows he's capable of more than the 12 goals and 28 points he scored this season, he scored 6 goals in the post-season, and his defensive game improved this year -- and that's saying a lot for a 19 year old who is already known as one of the better two-way players in the league. The big question with Staal in the future is will he be content to stay where he is on the 3rd line behind the big 2: B+
Maxime Talbot: Talbot was another victim of the high-ankle sprain this past year, but put up a respectable 26 points in 63 games for a 3rd or 4th line player. Talbot is a great energy guy and is so valuable in the locker room. He's also good on the penalty kill and has the skill to fill in on the top lines in the short term, if necessary. He filled all of those roles well this past year, and scored arguably the 2nd biggest goal of the year in game 5 against Detroit with 35 seconds left to keep the Penguins season alive. B+
Hall Gill: Gill struggled in his first few games with the Penguins, but once he learned the team's defensive system, he really exceeded expectations. Sure, skating remains a weak part to his game, but his size, physicality, positioning and intelligence out there on the ice make up for that. He was a big (literally and figuratively) reason the Penguins penalty kill improved so much after the trade deadline: B+
Brooks Orpik: Orpik also had his struggles this year, even spending some time on left wing, but played exceedingly well down the stretch and throughout the playoffs, not looking out of place against the other team's top lines, and being one of the first 2 defensemen out on the penalty kill. He had a shift for the ages against Detroit in the Stanley Cup Final when he laid out for Red Wings in 15 seconds on 1 shift. As an unrestricted free agent, there is a legitimate question whether he'll be back, more because of the money some other team may throw at him if he's not signed by July 1, rather than any differences he has with Penguins coach Michel Therrein: B+
Rob Scuderi: The Penguins know what they get with Scuderi, and it's exactly what they need -- solid defensive play. His game grew several steps this year, and he finished plus 5 in the playoffs. As long as he stays within himself, he's a good complement to the Penguins group of skilled defensemen: B
Kris Letang: You didn't hear Letang's name much this year, which I believe is a good thing. Playing on the 3rd pairing, he didn't get to show off his offensive skill and finished with only 17 points. However, his defensive game -- which was the bad rap on him coming into the league -- exceed expectations. He also was pretty physical for a 5'11" player on the blueline, using low leverage to his advantage on opposing forwards. Letang's role is only likely to grow in future years: B
Gary Roberts: Roberts didn't play very much this season, missing a lot of time with a broken leg and, of course, high ankle sprain, but showed his value when he did get in the lineup. He scored the Penguins first playoff goal about 1 minute into the team's first game with Ottawa, setting a tone for how the Penguins would roll through the Eastern Conference. At 42, the conditioning nut also laid as big a beating on any opponent I've ever seen when he just pummeled Flyer forward Ben Eager -- about 1/2 Roberts' age -- in game in Philadelphia after Eager was running around a little too much. Eager was cut from the Flyers days later. There isn't a more intense player in the league, and he adds much to the Penguin locker room, but at his age and with the Penguins' salary cap issues, it's a fair question as to whether he'll return: B
Ryan Whitney: By all accounts, Whitney underachieved this season. After finishing 6th in league scoring among defensemen last season, he put up only 40 points this season. Whitney may be the favorite whipping boy among Penguin fans, but after finishing plus 8 (tied for best on the team, and best among all Penguin defensemen) in the playoffs and stepping up with 50 minutes of solid play in Gonchar's absence in the triple OT game 5 against Detroit, it's tough to be too hard on him. More will be expected of him next season, however. He needs to be more consistent and contribute more offensively. As Gonchar continues to get older, the Penguins would ideally like him to step up and show he can be their number one man on the blueline: B-
Jarkko Ruutu: Ruutu really improved his play down the stretch and was a visible player in the first few rounds of the playoffs. Balancing against that, however, was the fact that he was a non-factor for the first half of the year and didn't play much (or well) against Detroit in the Finals. The fans in Pittsburgh love him for his abrasive, in-your-face game, but he needs to bring that play more consistently. He's an unrestricted free agent and, although it would be nice to have him stick around, it's probably no more than a 50/50 bet that he will. 11-12 teams made him offers the last time he was a free agent and with Penguins' salary cap issues, they could be outbid for him by any number of other squads that would love to add him to their team: B-
Adam Hall: Hall was a depth player for most of this year, but brings a good 4th line game when he is in the lineup. He also added a few big goals in the playoffs, and is one of the Penguins better (and right-handed) face-off men -- even if that isn't saying much. Although not his fortay, it would be nice if he were able to generate a little more offense: B-
Pascal Dupuis: Dupuis, viewed by most as the throw-in to the Marion Hossa trade, was a decent player for the Penguins when he first arrived. He has the speed and defensive awareness to be a nice complement to a scoring line, and to be a good penalty-killer. The scoring touch that he did have abandoned him when the checking got tighter in the playoffs, however, and he mostly was a non-factor playing with Crosby and Hossa then: B-
Tyler Kennedy: Kennedy started off the season well, but struggled in the 2nd half and didn't have a goal in the post-season, despite getting regular time on the 3rd line. He brings good speed and tenacity, but needs to add consistency to his game: B-
Georges Laraque: Laraque is a great team player and is valuable in the regular season as the league's top enforcer. He has some skill and ability on the forecheck and when the team is cycling offensively, but when the speed and stakes rose throughout the playoffs, Laraque ended up being the odd-man out among forwards in the Stanley Cup Final. He's an unrestricted free agent, but the right price, should be back: B-
Darryl Sydor: Sydor was a steadying influence most of the time he was in the lineup, but was the odd man out in the playoffs. At $2.5 million a season, it's questionable as to whether the Penguins will bring him back: C
Jeff Taffe: Taffe was a scorer in the minor leagues, but has never been able to show that touch consistently at the NHL level. To compensate, he's developed a grittiness to his game, and didn't look entirely out of place as checker when he was in the lineup this year: C
Dany Sabourin: Sabourin played well enough at times this year to win 10 games, but struggled in others and demonstrated he clearly wasn't ready to take over the #1 role when Fleury went down, leading to Conklin's recall and record-setting run. He has talent, but needs to show it more consistently: C
Mark Eaton: After tearing his ACL 30 or so games into the season, many have forgotten about Eaton. He's a defensive defenseman and solid shot blocker who adds to the lineup when he's able to play. The problem is that he's injury prone. He should be fine for next year, but is an unrestricted free agent. He may be a good insurance policy, however, in the event that the Penguins are unable to sign Brooks Orpik: C
Kris Beech: In his 2nd go-round with the Penguins, Beech didn't stand out. He was brought in because of the rash of injuries that hit the team mid-season and pitched in 11 points in about 25 games, but is nothing more than a depth player and with the Penguins depth at the center ice position, may not be back: C
These grades are given based on the player's contribution when compared to what was reasonably expected during the course of the year from the player, and includes consideration for playoff performance.
So, without further delay .........
Sidney Crosby: Sid was tied for the league lead in scoring when he went down, and probably would have ended up leading the league again had he stayed healthy. He did everything he did last season, but grew his leadership profile and even improved some on face-offs. About the only flaw in his game is the fact that he's never going to be a top-notch goal scorer. Even then, he's good for near 40 each year. He was the Penguins leading scorer in his first extended trip through the playoffs. It's hard to find fault with arguably the best player in the game: A
Evgeni Malkin: Following up on his Calder Trophy, Malkin only finished second in the league in scoring and made himself a finalist for the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. When Crosby went down with his high-ankle sprain in mid-January, many predicted a playoff berth for the Penguins was in jeopardy. All he did was carry the team on his back and average nearly 2 points per game while the Captain was out. He ran out of steam again at the end of this season and that hurt the Penguins chances of winning the Stanley Cup, but like Crosby, it's really hard to find fault with Malkin. He's one of the top 3 players in the game, with Crosby and Ovechkin: A
Marion Hossa: Since he sprained his knee shortly after the Penguins acquired him at the trading deadline and only played about 6 regular season games, it's hard to judge him on anything but his playoff performance. But oh what a performance that was. He finished 3rd in playoff scoring with 12 goals and 14 assists, 1 point behind Crosby and Zetterberg for the league lead, shedding his prior (somewhat deserved, but frequently exaggerated) reputation for not being someone who can be counted on in the post-season. He scored big goals and was a defensive presence all over the ice each time he was out there. He's an ideal winger for Crosby. The only question remains is whether the Penguins will be able to sign the unrestricted free agent: A
Sergei Gonchar: What didn't Gonchar do this year? He finished 2nd in league scoring among defenseman with 65 points, and finished plus 13 after being matched up against the opponent's top lines most of the year. It was a shame he was not one of the 3 finalists for the Norris Trophy because this year may have been Sarge's best. His power play work is unmatched, and perhaps the best compliment about his game this year is that every partner he had -- Mark Eaton, Rob Scuderi and Brooks Orpik -- undoubtedly played their best hockey while next to him. Although he's 34 and, at $5 million a season, a potential salary cap casualty in the next year or two simply because of everyone else the Penguins need to keep, what he does for the Penguins can't be understated: A
Marc-Andre Fleury: Like the Penguins team, Fleury struggled to start the year, but had won 4 in a row before going down to the favorite team injury -- the high ankle sprain -- around Thanksgiving during a game in Calgary. After missing nearly 30 games, he came back and was the best goaltender in the league during the final 20 or so games, losing only twice in that span. He also was one of the best netminders in the league in the playoffs, finishing with a save percentage over 93% and a goals against average under 2. Although he was a big reason why the Penguins played for the Stanley Cup, he didn't show his best hockey in the final, allowing several questionable goals in the 6-game loss to the Red Wings. That said, he wasn't the reason why the Penguins lost, and has unquestionably established himself as the Penguins main man in the net. Saying the restricted free agent is the Penguins number 1 priority this off-season is not an understatement: A-
Ryan Malone: Malone grew up a lot this season -- clearly his best in the NHL thusfar. He finished with 27 goals, 51 points, over 100 penalty minutes and was plus 14 playing most of the season with Malkin. He does a good job killing penalties and is physical on the ice and in front of the opponent's net. His toughness is unquestionable, as evidenced by coming back from his 2nd broken nose of the Stanley Cup Final in the Penguins' legendary 3 OT triumph in game 5. There were other stretches in the Final, however, where he wasn't as much of an impact offensively, mainly because he depends on Malkin to generate a lot for him. When Malkin isn't going, Malone can be a non-factor at times. Overall, though, Malone had a good season. Like Hossa, he's an unrestricted free agent and there are questions as to whether the Penguins can sign him: A-
Petr Sykora: Sykora will largely be remebered this past season for his goal in triple overtime in game 5 against Detroit, but it shouldn't be forgotten that, like Malone and Malkin, he was a part of arguably the best line in the league at times this year. Like Malone, however (and perhaps even more so), Sykora depends on Malkin -- mainly to get him the puck. That said, his 28 goals and 63 points this year were pretty productive, and a bargain for a guy pulling down only 2.5 million: A-
Ty Conklin: Who can forget what Conklin did for the Penguins this year in Fleury's absence? Arguably, he was their MVP because they may have not even made the playoffs if he didn't step in and rise to the top of the heap in several goaltending statistical categories, going undefeated in his first 11 starts after being called up to the minors, and winning 9 in a row. When Fleury came back, he wasn't handed the job, and that's because of how Conklin performed in his absence. He was outstanding. Although there are questions as to whether he'll want to come back and be Fleury's backup, there's no denying his performance this year says he's capable of being a number 1 goalie in the league: A-
Jordan Staal: Staal's production dropped this year, but that doesn't mean he didn't improve as a player. Quite the contrary, he filled out the 3rd line center role almost to perfection. Although everyone knows he's capable of more than the 12 goals and 28 points he scored this season, he scored 6 goals in the post-season, and his defensive game improved this year -- and that's saying a lot for a 19 year old who is already known as one of the better two-way players in the league. The big question with Staal in the future is will he be content to stay where he is on the 3rd line behind the big 2: B+
Maxime Talbot: Talbot was another victim of the high-ankle sprain this past year, but put up a respectable 26 points in 63 games for a 3rd or 4th line player. Talbot is a great energy guy and is so valuable in the locker room. He's also good on the penalty kill and has the skill to fill in on the top lines in the short term, if necessary. He filled all of those roles well this past year, and scored arguably the 2nd biggest goal of the year in game 5 against Detroit with 35 seconds left to keep the Penguins season alive. B+
Hall Gill: Gill struggled in his first few games with the Penguins, but once he learned the team's defensive system, he really exceeded expectations. Sure, skating remains a weak part to his game, but his size, physicality, positioning and intelligence out there on the ice make up for that. He was a big (literally and figuratively) reason the Penguins penalty kill improved so much after the trade deadline: B+
Brooks Orpik: Orpik also had his struggles this year, even spending some time on left wing, but played exceedingly well down the stretch and throughout the playoffs, not looking out of place against the other team's top lines, and being one of the first 2 defensemen out on the penalty kill. He had a shift for the ages against Detroit in the Stanley Cup Final when he laid out for Red Wings in 15 seconds on 1 shift. As an unrestricted free agent, there is a legitimate question whether he'll be back, more because of the money some other team may throw at him if he's not signed by July 1, rather than any differences he has with Penguins coach Michel Therrein: B+
Rob Scuderi: The Penguins know what they get with Scuderi, and it's exactly what they need -- solid defensive play. His game grew several steps this year, and he finished plus 5 in the playoffs. As long as he stays within himself, he's a good complement to the Penguins group of skilled defensemen: B
Kris Letang: You didn't hear Letang's name much this year, which I believe is a good thing. Playing on the 3rd pairing, he didn't get to show off his offensive skill and finished with only 17 points. However, his defensive game -- which was the bad rap on him coming into the league -- exceed expectations. He also was pretty physical for a 5'11" player on the blueline, using low leverage to his advantage on opposing forwards. Letang's role is only likely to grow in future years: B
Gary Roberts: Roberts didn't play very much this season, missing a lot of time with a broken leg and, of course, high ankle sprain, but showed his value when he did get in the lineup. He scored the Penguins first playoff goal about 1 minute into the team's first game with Ottawa, setting a tone for how the Penguins would roll through the Eastern Conference. At 42, the conditioning nut also laid as big a beating on any opponent I've ever seen when he just pummeled Flyer forward Ben Eager -- about 1/2 Roberts' age -- in game in Philadelphia after Eager was running around a little too much. Eager was cut from the Flyers days later. There isn't a more intense player in the league, and he adds much to the Penguin locker room, but at his age and with the Penguins' salary cap issues, it's a fair question as to whether he'll return: B
Ryan Whitney: By all accounts, Whitney underachieved this season. After finishing 6th in league scoring among defensemen last season, he put up only 40 points this season. Whitney may be the favorite whipping boy among Penguin fans, but after finishing plus 8 (tied for best on the team, and best among all Penguin defensemen) in the playoffs and stepping up with 50 minutes of solid play in Gonchar's absence in the triple OT game 5 against Detroit, it's tough to be too hard on him. More will be expected of him next season, however. He needs to be more consistent and contribute more offensively. As Gonchar continues to get older, the Penguins would ideally like him to step up and show he can be their number one man on the blueline: B-
Jarkko Ruutu: Ruutu really improved his play down the stretch and was a visible player in the first few rounds of the playoffs. Balancing against that, however, was the fact that he was a non-factor for the first half of the year and didn't play much (or well) against Detroit in the Finals. The fans in Pittsburgh love him for his abrasive, in-your-face game, but he needs to bring that play more consistently. He's an unrestricted free agent and, although it would be nice to have him stick around, it's probably no more than a 50/50 bet that he will. 11-12 teams made him offers the last time he was a free agent and with Penguins' salary cap issues, they could be outbid for him by any number of other squads that would love to add him to their team: B-
Adam Hall: Hall was a depth player for most of this year, but brings a good 4th line game when he is in the lineup. He also added a few big goals in the playoffs, and is one of the Penguins better (and right-handed) face-off men -- even if that isn't saying much. Although not his fortay, it would be nice if he were able to generate a little more offense: B-
Pascal Dupuis: Dupuis, viewed by most as the throw-in to the Marion Hossa trade, was a decent player for the Penguins when he first arrived. He has the speed and defensive awareness to be a nice complement to a scoring line, and to be a good penalty-killer. The scoring touch that he did have abandoned him when the checking got tighter in the playoffs, however, and he mostly was a non-factor playing with Crosby and Hossa then: B-
Tyler Kennedy: Kennedy started off the season well, but struggled in the 2nd half and didn't have a goal in the post-season, despite getting regular time on the 3rd line. He brings good speed and tenacity, but needs to add consistency to his game: B-
Georges Laraque: Laraque is a great team player and is valuable in the regular season as the league's top enforcer. He has some skill and ability on the forecheck and when the team is cycling offensively, but when the speed and stakes rose throughout the playoffs, Laraque ended up being the odd-man out among forwards in the Stanley Cup Final. He's an unrestricted free agent, but the right price, should be back: B-
Darryl Sydor: Sydor was a steadying influence most of the time he was in the lineup, but was the odd man out in the playoffs. At $2.5 million a season, it's questionable as to whether the Penguins will bring him back: C
Jeff Taffe: Taffe was a scorer in the minor leagues, but has never been able to show that touch consistently at the NHL level. To compensate, he's developed a grittiness to his game, and didn't look entirely out of place as checker when he was in the lineup this year: C
Dany Sabourin: Sabourin played well enough at times this year to win 10 games, but struggled in others and demonstrated he clearly wasn't ready to take over the #1 role when Fleury went down, leading to Conklin's recall and record-setting run. He has talent, but needs to show it more consistently: C
Mark Eaton: After tearing his ACL 30 or so games into the season, many have forgotten about Eaton. He's a defensive defenseman and solid shot blocker who adds to the lineup when he's able to play. The problem is that he's injury prone. He should be fine for next year, but is an unrestricted free agent. He may be a good insurance policy, however, in the event that the Penguins are unable to sign Brooks Orpik: C
Kris Beech: In his 2nd go-round with the Penguins, Beech didn't stand out. He was brought in because of the rash of injuries that hit the team mid-season and pitched in 11 points in about 25 games, but is nothing more than a depth player and with the Penguins depth at the center ice position, may not be back: C
Friday, June 6, 2008
The Finals Post-Mortem
It still hurts.
I'll probably be saying that for weeks, if not most of the summer, but it's true. Getting so close to the Cup and not winning it is agonizing. And that's true regardless of what a lot of people are going to say in the aftermath of the Penguins Cup Final loss -- the Penguins had a great season .. they came very far in a short time .. they have a good chance of being a contender for many years because of their young talent.
Blah, blah, blah.
I don't want to hear that right now. All of that is probably true, of course. The Penguins accomplished a lot this year -- more than I expected. They did come very far in a short time. And, even if they sustain a few free agent losses (something probably likely), they have a good chance of being a contender for a while.
But there will be plenty of time later to put into proper perspective how fast their growth curve has progressed. Right now, I remain stuck on the fact that the Penguins lost in the finals.
Notice I didn't say Detroit won.
That's right. The Penguins lost. Contrary to popular opinion, I believe the Penguins were more than capable of beating the Red Wings. The Cup was there for them to take ... this year ... right now ... with all their young talent.
And that's true regardless of how well Detroit played. Make no mistake. The Red Wings played extraordinarily well. The Penguins didn't get a break having to face-off against them for the Cup. They were the best team in the league in the regular season and, for the most part, validated that record in the playoffs. They were a seasoned opponent that plays their system diligently.
But without taking anything away from Detroit, I don't believe the Penguins lost because the Red Wings were a superior team. They played better in the series, but that's different than being the better team. A lot of observers inappropriately mix the two.
Here are the reasons the Penguins lost out on carrying the Cup to the Red Wings, in no particular order:
1) Evgeni Malkin was a non-factor: After the final, it was revealed that Malkin was ill for the second part of the Flyers series and the first few games against Detroit. He supposedly couldn't keep food down. There also remained speculation (although not confirmed anywhere as far as I could tell) that he was suffering from some sort of injury as a result of the crushing hit he took into the wall behind the net from Philadelphia Flyers Center Mike Richards in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, right before he scored his 2nd goal on the breakaway slapshot he blew by Flyer goalie Martin Biron. Regardless of the reason, Malkin had only 3 points in the final, and didn't get on the scoresheet until the game 5 overtime power play winner by Petr Sykora.
When Malkin isn't a factor, his linemates, Sykora and Malone aren't either. Sykora had one point in the final (his winner in game 5) and Malone didn't score a single goal. For as solid as both are, they rely on Malkin to get them the puck (in Sykora's case) and to take advantage of the space they create (in Malone's case). Malkin makes that line hum, and when he's got nothing, Sykora and Malone aren't the type of players who can generate offense on their own. So when Malkin is a non-factor, the Penguins' entire second line goes in the toilet, allowing defenses to focus on Sidney Crosby's line. That's exactly what happened against the Red Wings. And it made a difference, because for as good as Detroit is systematically through all 4 lines, Henrik Zetterberg really is light-years above even the Red Wings other known defensive players. Kris Draper is one of those, and Draper was matched up against Malkin for a lot of the series. If Geno was rolling, he would have gotten the better of that matchup, and that's something the Penguins needed to beat Detroit. Malkin was a beast all season, and will continue to be for the Penguins (hopefully) for many years, but he didn't get it done for Pittsburgh when it mattered most. That's not to be overly critical -- it just states a fact
2) The Penguins didn't get enough scoring from their depth players: Late in the series, Pittsburgh's depth started to come around a little. Max Talbot scored. Adam Hall scored. But most of the offense the Penguins generated in this series was through Crosby and Marion Hossa, both of whom were outstanding. Where was Jordan Staal? He was good defensively, sure -- but Pittsburgh needed him to contribute on the scoreboard. Jarkko Ruutu was a non-factor too, although Penguins coach Michel Therrein really didn't give him much ice time during the entire final. Tyler Kennedy didn't score all playoffs, so it can't be a surprise he didn't get one against Detroit, but that didn't help the Penguins cause either.
Detroit, on the other hand, got goals all up and down their roster. Their big scorers, Zetterburg and Datsyuk, combined for only 3 or 4 goals in the series. Red Wings winger Mikael Samuelsson had 3 by himself, but the Red Wings also got goals from other depth players like Jiri Hudler, Valteri Filppula and even defenseman Brad Stuart, not to mention a few others from the backline from some guys named Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski. Those latter two guys are expected to score, but while we're talking about offense from the blueline, the Penguins defense, in contrast, didn't produce at all in this series. Ryan Whitney hasn't scored in 37 games, and this is a guy who finished 6th among defenseman in points during the regular season just one year ago. Up and down the roster, the Penguins just didn't get enough.
3) Marc-Andre Fleury allowed too many soft goals: I'm not afraid to come out and be critical of Fleury's performance in the final. He was a big reason why the Penguins got as far as they did, and there were stretches where he kept the Penguins in games against Detroit. Also, as everyone knows, he was brilliant in helping the Penguins win game 5 on the road to keep their chances alive. But in just about every other game besides that one, Fleury let up a weak goal that he can't allow to go in if the Penguins were going to win -- especially against a team like the Red Wings.
In game 6, it was the 2nd goal by Filppula that squeaked between his legs. In game 4, it was the winning goal by Hudler that went under his arm. In game 1, arguably every goal except Detroit's last top corner shot in the final minute by Zetterberg was questionable, especially Dan Cleary's backhand (the 3rd goal). He just wasn't consistent for the Penguins when it was needed most. Now, is Fleury the reason the Penguins lost against Detroit? No. As I said above, the Penguins may not have been in the final without Fleury. He was solid almost the whole playoffs. But he wasn't at his best against the Red Wings and it was a big factor in the Penguins falling in the series. Remember, the last 4 games of the series were 1 goal games, with Pittsburgh winning 2 and Detroit winning 2. Take a few of those soft goals away from the Red Wings and things may have been different.
4) The Penguins came out of the gate in the series slow, in awe, or both: After games 1 and 2, I said to someone that the Red Wings were overachieving. I felt they were playing better than I've ever seen them play. I stick by that, but it didn't help that it took Pittsburgh a few games to get going in the final. Several Penguin players were saying after the series that they didn't know what to expect from playing Detroit and being in the Cup championship round. Then, once they realized they could play with the Red Wings, they got better as the series went along. They did improve throughout the series, but the hole their play in the first 2 games put them in was too much to recover from against such an accomplished Detroit team. What the Penguins did the rest of the series says a lot for them, and says that the difference between the two clubs wasn't as great as many observers think. But it also says that they arguably lost the series simply by not being ready to go in games 1 and 2.
5) The Penguins didn't find a way to generate enough shots: The Red Wings came into the series averaging around 20 or so shots against per game, and the Cup Finals were no different. They are an accomplished defensive club, so they deserve some credit for this. But it's a good thing they are so airtight defensively because their goaltender, Chris Osgood, is mediocre on a good day. The Penguins didn't test him enough in this series. I can't think of one spectacular save Osgood made. Again, although that's a testament to Detroit, the Penguins didn't make him work hard enough. Pittsburgh didn't crash the net enough for scoring chances and didn't make Osgood have to move side-to-side. Osgood was there to be had in this series. The Penguins didn't do enough to break through the Detroit wall and get pucks to the goal, whether by supporting each other as they moved up ice, or by making smart dumps, chasing the puck down, banging the Detroit defensemen, creating turnovers, and generating scoring opportunies from that.
If the Penguins look back on the Stanley Cup Final, they'll see that, despite Detroit playing so well, they could have won the Silver Chalice this year. It was there for them. They just didn't play to their capabilities.
Although the Penguins undoubtedly learned a lot from losing to the Red Wings, I hope the one thing they don't forget is that Detroit wasn't the better team ... they just played better when it mattered most.
I'll probably be saying that for weeks, if not most of the summer, but it's true. Getting so close to the Cup and not winning it is agonizing. And that's true regardless of what a lot of people are going to say in the aftermath of the Penguins Cup Final loss -- the Penguins had a great season .. they came very far in a short time .. they have a good chance of being a contender for many years because of their young talent.
Blah, blah, blah.
I don't want to hear that right now. All of that is probably true, of course. The Penguins accomplished a lot this year -- more than I expected. They did come very far in a short time. And, even if they sustain a few free agent losses (something probably likely), they have a good chance of being a contender for a while.
But there will be plenty of time later to put into proper perspective how fast their growth curve has progressed. Right now, I remain stuck on the fact that the Penguins lost in the finals.
Notice I didn't say Detroit won.
That's right. The Penguins lost. Contrary to popular opinion, I believe the Penguins were more than capable of beating the Red Wings. The Cup was there for them to take ... this year ... right now ... with all their young talent.
And that's true regardless of how well Detroit played. Make no mistake. The Red Wings played extraordinarily well. The Penguins didn't get a break having to face-off against them for the Cup. They were the best team in the league in the regular season and, for the most part, validated that record in the playoffs. They were a seasoned opponent that plays their system diligently.
But without taking anything away from Detroit, I don't believe the Penguins lost because the Red Wings were a superior team. They played better in the series, but that's different than being the better team. A lot of observers inappropriately mix the two.
Here are the reasons the Penguins lost out on carrying the Cup to the Red Wings, in no particular order:
1) Evgeni Malkin was a non-factor: After the final, it was revealed that Malkin was ill for the second part of the Flyers series and the first few games against Detroit. He supposedly couldn't keep food down. There also remained speculation (although not confirmed anywhere as far as I could tell) that he was suffering from some sort of injury as a result of the crushing hit he took into the wall behind the net from Philadelphia Flyers Center Mike Richards in game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, right before he scored his 2nd goal on the breakaway slapshot he blew by Flyer goalie Martin Biron. Regardless of the reason, Malkin had only 3 points in the final, and didn't get on the scoresheet until the game 5 overtime power play winner by Petr Sykora.
When Malkin isn't a factor, his linemates, Sykora and Malone aren't either. Sykora had one point in the final (his winner in game 5) and Malone didn't score a single goal. For as solid as both are, they rely on Malkin to get them the puck (in Sykora's case) and to take advantage of the space they create (in Malone's case). Malkin makes that line hum, and when he's got nothing, Sykora and Malone aren't the type of players who can generate offense on their own. So when Malkin is a non-factor, the Penguins' entire second line goes in the toilet, allowing defenses to focus on Sidney Crosby's line. That's exactly what happened against the Red Wings. And it made a difference, because for as good as Detroit is systematically through all 4 lines, Henrik Zetterberg really is light-years above even the Red Wings other known defensive players. Kris Draper is one of those, and Draper was matched up against Malkin for a lot of the series. If Geno was rolling, he would have gotten the better of that matchup, and that's something the Penguins needed to beat Detroit. Malkin was a beast all season, and will continue to be for the Penguins (hopefully) for many years, but he didn't get it done for Pittsburgh when it mattered most. That's not to be overly critical -- it just states a fact
2) The Penguins didn't get enough scoring from their depth players: Late in the series, Pittsburgh's depth started to come around a little. Max Talbot scored. Adam Hall scored. But most of the offense the Penguins generated in this series was through Crosby and Marion Hossa, both of whom were outstanding. Where was Jordan Staal? He was good defensively, sure -- but Pittsburgh needed him to contribute on the scoreboard. Jarkko Ruutu was a non-factor too, although Penguins coach Michel Therrein really didn't give him much ice time during the entire final. Tyler Kennedy didn't score all playoffs, so it can't be a surprise he didn't get one against Detroit, but that didn't help the Penguins cause either.
Detroit, on the other hand, got goals all up and down their roster. Their big scorers, Zetterburg and Datsyuk, combined for only 3 or 4 goals in the series. Red Wings winger Mikael Samuelsson had 3 by himself, but the Red Wings also got goals from other depth players like Jiri Hudler, Valteri Filppula and even defenseman Brad Stuart, not to mention a few others from the backline from some guys named Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski. Those latter two guys are expected to score, but while we're talking about offense from the blueline, the Penguins defense, in contrast, didn't produce at all in this series. Ryan Whitney hasn't scored in 37 games, and this is a guy who finished 6th among defenseman in points during the regular season just one year ago. Up and down the roster, the Penguins just didn't get enough.
3) Marc-Andre Fleury allowed too many soft goals: I'm not afraid to come out and be critical of Fleury's performance in the final. He was a big reason why the Penguins got as far as they did, and there were stretches where he kept the Penguins in games against Detroit. Also, as everyone knows, he was brilliant in helping the Penguins win game 5 on the road to keep their chances alive. But in just about every other game besides that one, Fleury let up a weak goal that he can't allow to go in if the Penguins were going to win -- especially against a team like the Red Wings.
In game 6, it was the 2nd goal by Filppula that squeaked between his legs. In game 4, it was the winning goal by Hudler that went under his arm. In game 1, arguably every goal except Detroit's last top corner shot in the final minute by Zetterberg was questionable, especially Dan Cleary's backhand (the 3rd goal). He just wasn't consistent for the Penguins when it was needed most. Now, is Fleury the reason the Penguins lost against Detroit? No. As I said above, the Penguins may not have been in the final without Fleury. He was solid almost the whole playoffs. But he wasn't at his best against the Red Wings and it was a big factor in the Penguins falling in the series. Remember, the last 4 games of the series were 1 goal games, with Pittsburgh winning 2 and Detroit winning 2. Take a few of those soft goals away from the Red Wings and things may have been different.
4) The Penguins came out of the gate in the series slow, in awe, or both: After games 1 and 2, I said to someone that the Red Wings were overachieving. I felt they were playing better than I've ever seen them play. I stick by that, but it didn't help that it took Pittsburgh a few games to get going in the final. Several Penguin players were saying after the series that they didn't know what to expect from playing Detroit and being in the Cup championship round. Then, once they realized they could play with the Red Wings, they got better as the series went along. They did improve throughout the series, but the hole their play in the first 2 games put them in was too much to recover from against such an accomplished Detroit team. What the Penguins did the rest of the series says a lot for them, and says that the difference between the two clubs wasn't as great as many observers think. But it also says that they arguably lost the series simply by not being ready to go in games 1 and 2.
5) The Penguins didn't find a way to generate enough shots: The Red Wings came into the series averaging around 20 or so shots against per game, and the Cup Finals were no different. They are an accomplished defensive club, so they deserve some credit for this. But it's a good thing they are so airtight defensively because their goaltender, Chris Osgood, is mediocre on a good day. The Penguins didn't test him enough in this series. I can't think of one spectacular save Osgood made. Again, although that's a testament to Detroit, the Penguins didn't make him work hard enough. Pittsburgh didn't crash the net enough for scoring chances and didn't make Osgood have to move side-to-side. Osgood was there to be had in this series. The Penguins didn't do enough to break through the Detroit wall and get pucks to the goal, whether by supporting each other as they moved up ice, or by making smart dumps, chasing the puck down, banging the Detroit defensemen, creating turnovers, and generating scoring opportunies from that.
If the Penguins look back on the Stanley Cup Final, they'll see that, despite Detroit playing so well, they could have won the Silver Chalice this year. It was there for them. They just didn't play to their capabilities.
Although the Penguins undoubtedly learned a lot from losing to the Red Wings, I hope the one thing they don't forget is that Detroit wasn't the better team ... they just played better when it mattered most.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Penguins Season Ends With 3-2 Loss to Red Wings in Game 6
"Let's Go Pens"
That was the chant from the fans in the stands in the venerable Igloo after the Penguins lost game 6 -- and the chance to win the Stanley Cup -- to the Detroit Red Wings last night.
"Let's Go Pens"
It was a marvelous ride for the Penguins this year -- a ride that came to a crashing halt under the unrelenting Big Red Machine. Detroit took a 2-0 lead on a first period goal by Brad Stuart and then a second period soft goal by Valteri Filppula, had their lead cut to one on Penguins Center Evgeni Malkin's first goal of the series in the 2nd, ran the lead to 3-1 on a goal by Red Wings Center Henrik Zetterberg that Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury accidentally knocked into his own net, then survived a late rally by the Penguins in the final 90 seconds -- a rally which included a 6-on-4 power play goal by Marion Hossa with Fleury pulled, then last second attempts by Center Sidney Crosby and Hossa that resulted in the puck going behind Detroit goaltender Osgood, but through the crease and not across the goal line before time expired.
And with that, it was over.
The Red Wings Celebrated.
The Penguins were stunned.
They were stung from the loss, no more evident than in seeing Hossa slumped on the ice along the boards after the game, or in the red swelling in Crosby's eyes in the locker room.
Zetterburg won the Conn Smythe trophy as a deserving MVP. Osgood, who I have referred to in this space as Mr. Unimpressive, became the least deserving Stanley Cup winning goalie of all time -- at least in this writer's opinion.
The Penguins will have a long time to think about this series, including how hard it was to get this far and lose, as well as what they gained from the playoff run. Although it can only benefit them in the future, that's hard to appreciate at this point when the wounds from losing are so fresh.
Bigger questions await the Penguins in the summer, as they have 12 or 13 players eligible for free agency. I'll discuss that more in the coming week or so, after I talk more in the next few days about why the Penguins lost this series.
For now, it's all about the pain.
Seeing the Red Wings carry the Cup on Mellon Arena ice sickened me. The only reason I stayed to see the first part of that before I couldn't stand it anymore was to hear the crowd chant for our beloved team, saluting their heart, determination, and desire this season, while the Red Wings celebrated. They chanted repeatedly in a tremendous display of support while Detroit was trying to bask in victory.
"Let's Go Pens". "Let's Go Pens". "Let's Go Pens".
I don't know that I've been prouder.
That was the chant from the fans in the stands in the venerable Igloo after the Penguins lost game 6 -- and the chance to win the Stanley Cup -- to the Detroit Red Wings last night.
"Let's Go Pens"
It was a marvelous ride for the Penguins this year -- a ride that came to a crashing halt under the unrelenting Big Red Machine. Detroit took a 2-0 lead on a first period goal by Brad Stuart and then a second period soft goal by Valteri Filppula, had their lead cut to one on Penguins Center Evgeni Malkin's first goal of the series in the 2nd, ran the lead to 3-1 on a goal by Red Wings Center Henrik Zetterberg that Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury accidentally knocked into his own net, then survived a late rally by the Penguins in the final 90 seconds -- a rally which included a 6-on-4 power play goal by Marion Hossa with Fleury pulled, then last second attempts by Center Sidney Crosby and Hossa that resulted in the puck going behind Detroit goaltender Osgood, but through the crease and not across the goal line before time expired.
And with that, it was over.
The Red Wings Celebrated.
The Penguins were stunned.
They were stung from the loss, no more evident than in seeing Hossa slumped on the ice along the boards after the game, or in the red swelling in Crosby's eyes in the locker room.
Zetterburg won the Conn Smythe trophy as a deserving MVP. Osgood, who I have referred to in this space as Mr. Unimpressive, became the least deserving Stanley Cup winning goalie of all time -- at least in this writer's opinion.
The Penguins will have a long time to think about this series, including how hard it was to get this far and lose, as well as what they gained from the playoff run. Although it can only benefit them in the future, that's hard to appreciate at this point when the wounds from losing are so fresh.
Bigger questions await the Penguins in the summer, as they have 12 or 13 players eligible for free agency. I'll discuss that more in the coming week or so, after I talk more in the next few days about why the Penguins lost this series.
For now, it's all about the pain.
Seeing the Red Wings carry the Cup on Mellon Arena ice sickened me. The only reason I stayed to see the first part of that before I couldn't stand it anymore was to hear the crowd chant for our beloved team, saluting their heart, determination, and desire this season, while the Red Wings celebrated. They chanted repeatedly in a tremendous display of support while Detroit was trying to bask in victory.
"Let's Go Pens". "Let's Go Pens". "Let's Go Pens".
I don't know that I've been prouder.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Game 5 Recap: PENGUINS WIN IN TRIPLE OT
To quote U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy after brain surgery yesterday:
"I feel like a million bucks. I think I'll do that again tomorrow"
That just about sums up the Penguins virtuoso performance last night in game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings -- an epic game for the ages that ended at 9:57 of the third overtime on a power play, when one half of the Penguins MIA duo, Evgeni Malkin, passed to the other half, Petr Sykora, who drilled a laser top corner over Mr. Unimpressive, Chris Osgood, cutting the Red Wings series lead to 3-2 and sending this series back to the venerable Igloo for game 6 Wednesday night.
Anyone who has been around hockey for a long time, or been around the Penguins for a while, knows what type of lasting memories come from a win like this. I'll talk more in a bit about the impact of this victory for the Penguins going into game 6 but for now, I have to bask in the many things that stood out in this one:
- Marc Andre-Fleury's 55 saves, many of which were of the spectacular variety and none better than the toe save he had, splitting to kick out Red Wings' forward Mikael Samuelsson's chance in the second period
- Petr Sykora playing Babe Ruth, calling his shot to NBC between-the-bench reporter Pierre McGuire before the third OT started, saying he was "going to get one" before going out and delivering the game winner
- Sergei Gonchar leaving the game late in the 2nd period with back spasms after going into the boards harder than Georges Laraque pummels people, then trying to return in the 3rd to no avail, then appearing again next for the 3rd overtime, getting on the ice for the 4-minute power play, and assisting on Sykora's game winner
- Max Talbot joining the ice as the 6th attacker late in regulation with Fleury pulled, saving the Penguins season and keeping the Red Wings from claiming the Cup by scoring the tying goal with 35 seconds left in the 3rd period
- Ryan Whitney playing more than 50 total minutes and leading one of the gutsiest performances I have seen from a defense who was down to only 5 guys for, essentially the last 4 periods of this game
- Ryan Malone taking a Hal Gill slapshot right in the mug in the 2nd period, re-breaking the nose that was broken on a hit by Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Kronwall in game 1 and now (again) looking like he got beat up in a back alley, but showing incredible toughness in coming right back out for the 3rd period.
I can't say enough about the heart and will and determination of the Penguins team in coming back to send the game to overtime, hanging in there for 50 minutes of sudden-death hockey, then winning it. Although they played pretty well in the first half of the game and raced out to the 2-0 lead, the Red Wings dominated them in the 3rd period. Once Detroit had taken the lead, I thought the game was just about over. And who woudn't have? The Penguins had shown nothing in that period to suggest they would tie the game and give themselves a chance in extra time.
A game like this can give the Penguins some momentum. They are returning to their own building for game 6 and will have an energetic crowd unlike any the Mellon Arena has ever seen. But they have to do it on the ice, because if they don't win game 6, their incredible effort last night will have been wasted. And don't think the Red Wings will go easily. They will bounce back and be strong Wednesday night, just like they were on the road in game 6 in Dallas of the Western Conference Fianls after having a chance -- and failing -- to close out the Stars at home in game 5. We'll have to come with a better game to win and send the series back to Detroit for an anything-can-happen game 7.
It will be interesting to see if Gonchar is able to play on Wednesday. Back spasms (assuming, indeed, that is what is bothering him) can be tricky. If he's not full strength, what does Penguin coach Michel Therrein do? Play him? Not play him? Play him and dress an extra "D"? Whitney did a fantastic job last night assuming some of Gonchar's responsibilities in #55's absence, but the 2 chances we had on the power play for goalie interference in the first and second overtimes last night, respectively, demonstrated that the Penguins aren't the same without Sarge quarterbacking the effort back there. The Penguins need him to control the puck and get it up the ice on the man-advantage, and given how tough Detroit is defensively, the power play takes on extra importance.
It also will be interesting to see if Red Wings coach Mike Babcock sticks with the line changes he made, separating Henrik Zetterburg and Pavel Datsyuk. Having those 2 on separate lines seemed to give Detroit some energy and greater scoring depth.
To win game 6, the Penguins are going to have to continue getting the puck deep and bang on the Red Wings defenseman. Both of their first 2 goals last night resulted from that, and arguably, Talbot's did as well. Detroit's defense is showing that it is susceptible to turning the puck over. The Penguins need to dump the puck smart and go get it.
I'll be in the house for game 6. When it's over, I want to leave the Igloo and downtown with 20,000+ other Penguin fans, knowing we are going to Detroit for game 7 while we collectively chant:
"WE WANT THE CUP!!!"
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Game 4 Recap: Red Wings Win 2-1, Lead Series 3-1
For as behind as the Penguins have seemed to be in a lot of the Stanley Cup Final so far, they had the chance in game 4 last night to, perhaps, erase all of that and move on in what would amount to a best-of-three series for the Cup.
Instead, they now face elimination.
Behind 22 saves from maybe the most unimpressive goalie to be this close to winning a championship, and a soft, third-period, game winner from Red Wing Jiri Hudler, the Red Wings defeated the Penguins last night, 2-1, to take a 3-1 stranglehold in the series.
They can wrap things up and win the Stanley Cup Monday night in Detroit.
This game was there for the Penguins.
They had more power play chances, including a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:27 two-thirds of the way into the final frame, trailing 2-1.
They failed to get a shot.
They took the lead again for the second time in a row 3 minutes into the game on a goal from winger Marion Hossa.
They failed to hold it.
They had won 17 straight on home ice, not losing in more than 3 months. Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury hadn't lost there since November.
They failed to maintain both streaks.
Although the Red Wings continued to get zero offensive production from their supposed stars, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk -- who have combined for 1 whole goal in the series -- the Penguins are losing this series because they aren't getting scoring from anyone other than their top line, while Detroit is getting contributions from its other players.
Well, that's not the only reason they are losing, but it's a big part of it.
Again, Evegeni Malkin failed to show up on the scoresheet. He had 5 shots, but couldn't deliver when it counted most. He's got only 2 points in his last 8 games and is minus 3 in the final. He claimed going into game 4 that he had all his energy back, but I'm not seeing it. He's skating well at times, but he doesn't have that extra gear he needs, especially against a team as defensively suffocating as Detroit. Without him, it's been extremely hard to stay in this series.
Not only that, if he isn't making an impact, he essentially renders useless 2 of the Penguins' other offensive players -- his wingers, Petr Sykora and Ryan Malone. Neither have been factors in this series. Without Malkin, they just have no impact out there.
The Penguins also haven't gotten the big goal from guys like Jordan Staal (who Darren Dreger from TSN Canada reported to be seen walking around with a significant limp after the game), Max Talbot, or Pascal Dupuis. Malone sprung Dupuis behind the defense in the 2nd period last night, but he just couldn't corral the puck. Those are chances the Penguins can't miss against Detroit.
Another thing the Penguins can't do is fail to do the little things properly. Like clear the puck out of their zone. Their failure to do that led to Hudler's game winning goal in the 3rd period.
They also can't take stupid penalties, like the one Dupuis took for cross-checking in the first period. That's the penalty that allowed Lidstrom to score. Although it wasn't a power-play goal, it might as well have been, since it was scored only 2 seconds after the penalty expired. Dupuis made a selfish play on that one, plain-and-simple. He cross-checked one Red Wing in plain sight in front of everyone and got away with it, and then did it again, once more in plain sight, 5 seconds later. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He has to know not to do that, especially after obviously getting away with one.
Marc-Andre Fleury didn't have his best game, again. He can't be faulted on the Lidstrom goal, but the Hudler goal early in the 3rd period was one he had to have, and he knows it. Every little thing makes the difference. We really needed him to slam the door there, and he just didn't do it.
In reality, Fleury's having his worst series of the playoffs, at the worst possible time. I'm not happy about his performance, but it's also really hard to pin that much blame on him when it's hard to get much going offensively. That said, there are going to be close games in the playoffs. 2-1 games. You have to be able to win those. He hasn't given the Penguins the goaltending they need in this series to do that. And even though Osgood hasn't gone it either, the Penguins haven't tested him nearly enough to prove it.
Although coming back from a 3-1 deficit can be done, only one team has ever done it in the final, and that was the same Toronto Maple Leafs team that came back from 3-0 down against -- yes, the Red Wings. It's not going to be easy, especially going on the road for the next game, but the Penguins only have to win 1. They can't win 3 games at a time. If they survive, they'll come back home with a chance to push the series to an anything-can-happen game 7.
But if the Penguins are going to win, they are going to have to find ways to bury their chances. They also are going to need Fleury to just slam the door. If they can't do BOTH in the next game, the Red Wings are going to win their franchise's 11th Stanley Cup at the Penguins' expense.
Instead, they now face elimination.
Behind 22 saves from maybe the most unimpressive goalie to be this close to winning a championship, and a soft, third-period, game winner from Red Wing Jiri Hudler, the Red Wings defeated the Penguins last night, 2-1, to take a 3-1 stranglehold in the series.
They can wrap things up and win the Stanley Cup Monday night in Detroit.
This game was there for the Penguins.
They had more power play chances, including a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:27 two-thirds of the way into the final frame, trailing 2-1.
They failed to get a shot.
They took the lead again for the second time in a row 3 minutes into the game on a goal from winger Marion Hossa.
They failed to hold it.
They had won 17 straight on home ice, not losing in more than 3 months. Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury hadn't lost there since November.
They failed to maintain both streaks.
Although the Red Wings continued to get zero offensive production from their supposed stars, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk -- who have combined for 1 whole goal in the series -- the Penguins are losing this series because they aren't getting scoring from anyone other than their top line, while Detroit is getting contributions from its other players.
Well, that's not the only reason they are losing, but it's a big part of it.
Again, Evegeni Malkin failed to show up on the scoresheet. He had 5 shots, but couldn't deliver when it counted most. He's got only 2 points in his last 8 games and is minus 3 in the final. He claimed going into game 4 that he had all his energy back, but I'm not seeing it. He's skating well at times, but he doesn't have that extra gear he needs, especially against a team as defensively suffocating as Detroit. Without him, it's been extremely hard to stay in this series.
Not only that, if he isn't making an impact, he essentially renders useless 2 of the Penguins' other offensive players -- his wingers, Petr Sykora and Ryan Malone. Neither have been factors in this series. Without Malkin, they just have no impact out there.
The Penguins also haven't gotten the big goal from guys like Jordan Staal (who Darren Dreger from TSN Canada reported to be seen walking around with a significant limp after the game), Max Talbot, or Pascal Dupuis. Malone sprung Dupuis behind the defense in the 2nd period last night, but he just couldn't corral the puck. Those are chances the Penguins can't miss against Detroit.
Another thing the Penguins can't do is fail to do the little things properly. Like clear the puck out of their zone. Their failure to do that led to Hudler's game winning goal in the 3rd period.
They also can't take stupid penalties, like the one Dupuis took for cross-checking in the first period. That's the penalty that allowed Lidstrom to score. Although it wasn't a power-play goal, it might as well have been, since it was scored only 2 seconds after the penalty expired. Dupuis made a selfish play on that one, plain-and-simple. He cross-checked one Red Wing in plain sight in front of everyone and got away with it, and then did it again, once more in plain sight, 5 seconds later. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He has to know not to do that, especially after obviously getting away with one.
Marc-Andre Fleury didn't have his best game, again. He can't be faulted on the Lidstrom goal, but the Hudler goal early in the 3rd period was one he had to have, and he knows it. Every little thing makes the difference. We really needed him to slam the door there, and he just didn't do it.
In reality, Fleury's having his worst series of the playoffs, at the worst possible time. I'm not happy about his performance, but it's also really hard to pin that much blame on him when it's hard to get much going offensively. That said, there are going to be close games in the playoffs. 2-1 games. You have to be able to win those. He hasn't given the Penguins the goaltending they need in this series to do that. And even though Osgood hasn't gone it either, the Penguins haven't tested him nearly enough to prove it.
Although coming back from a 3-1 deficit can be done, only one team has ever done it in the final, and that was the same Toronto Maple Leafs team that came back from 3-0 down against -- yes, the Red Wings. It's not going to be easy, especially going on the road for the next game, but the Penguins only have to win 1. They can't win 3 games at a time. If they survive, they'll come back home with a chance to push the series to an anything-can-happen game 7.
But if the Penguins are going to win, they are going to have to find ways to bury their chances. They also are going to need Fleury to just slam the door. If they can't do BOTH in the next game, the Red Wings are going to win their franchise's 11th Stanley Cup at the Penguins' expense.
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