Game Thread: Penguins GDT/GNT's week 21 (Feb 23 - Mar 1)

[evolver115]

Nice answer by Kunitz! Bout time he did something

 

[element1286]

That's how you score a goal. Malkin breaks down the D, Comeau first man in, Kunitz pops in an easy rebound.

 

[element1286]

yeah, Scuds looks gassed. Might have something to do with the amount of penalties he's killed tonight.

Could be, watching it again though, Despres needs to step up there too. Both guys messed up.

 

[evolver115]

That's how you score a goal. Malkin breaks down the D, Comeau first man in, Kunitz pops in an easy rebound.

That was shades of how Kunitz played when he skated on Malkin's line in previous years. They should do well together. It's only been what, two games? And it looks effortless for that line, already.

 

[element1286]

That was shades of how Kunitz played when he skated on Malkin's line in previous years. They should do well together. It's only been what, two games? And it looks effortless for that line, already.

I honestly forget how those two played in the past, I know the results were really good.

I think the biggest upgrade is getting Kunitz away from Crosby, those two fling passes around like it's 1988, and when it doesn't work, which it hasn't for months, it's just a bunch of turnovers. Split them up, and they both simplify it seems.

 

[evolver115]

It was the year that he won the Ross I think. You're spot on about how Sid and Kunitz were playing. Low percentage passes became their specialty, and it wasn't getting better. Johnston made the right adjustment. Wonder if Bylsma would've done the same?

 

[element1286]

Welp, Fleury with a dumb penalty.

And Ovechkin scores of course.

 

[element1286]

Fleury has to save that puck.

 

[evolver115]

Damn

OV's release is insane.

 

[element1286]

It was a hard shot, but I'd still like to see him make that save. It was low enough. I suppose if Adams tipped it that's a little different though.

 

[evolver115]

It was a hard shot, but I'd still like to see him make that save. It was low enough. I suppose if Adams tipped it that's a little different though.

I think when OV really gets everything on it, it's probably pretty hard to see. Watching on TV it's invisible. I can't imagine any goalie can really track that. Just get in position and pray.

 

[element1286]

Good win, way to survive at the end. Pens again allergic to empty net goals.

 

[evolver115]

Great to salvage one against the Caps this season. Can't wait to see what Winnik can do on Sunday. It doesn't sound like Scuderi was able to finish the game. Just can't get everyone healthy can they? Story of this team for the past four years.

 

[element1286]

Yeah, I was liking the d pairs out there.

I'm wondering how they will work Winnik into the pk. Bennett played 7:45, low man on the totem pole, assume he will be scratched when Winnik gets here.

 

[3riverbabe]

I think that's the first time I've ever seen fighting on the bench!

 

[Burghfan]

Or that shot he took earlier.

Good game, too many penalties, wish the Pens could have gotten more than just one PP goal.

 

[Burghfan]

I think that's the first time I've ever seen fighting on the bench!

It doesn't happen that often, that's for sure. It seems that when anything goes down, and they're looking for a Pen to throw in the box its always Downie. He does earn a lot of penalties, but he gets picked on a lot too.

 

[pixburgher66]

Yeah, I was liking the d pairs out there.

I'm wondering how they will work Winnik into the pk. Bennett played 7:45, low man on the totem pole, assume he will be scratched when Winnik gets here.

Still hoping that he's replacing Adams more than Beau. I think I'd put Winnik up with Sutter-Bennett, then move Spaling down to the fourth line with Lapierre and Downie. That's a respectable fourth line. Winnik is a PK guy, so can't justify Adams' presence with just that any longer. Bennett has far more upside in the lineup than Adams.

EDIT: Also, bums me out how misused he seems to be lately. Fourth line? Bleh.

 

[pixburgher66]

It doesn't happen that often, that's for sure. It seems that when anything goes down, and they're looking for a Pen to throw in the box its always Downie. He does earn a lot of penalties, but he gets picked on a lot too.

That cracked me up. I even said on twitter "Whole Pens in a melee, and Downie is the guy in the box."

 

[element1286]

Still hoping that he's replacing Adams more than Beau. I think I'd put Winnik up with Sutter-Bennett, then move Spaling down to the fourth line with Lapierre and Downie. That's a respectable fourth line. Winnik is a PK guy, so can't justify Adams' presence with just that any longer. Bennett has far more upside in the lineup than Adams.

EDIT: Also, bums me out how misused he seems to be lately. Fourth line? Bleh.

Preaching to the choir. I'd like to think MJ will rotate a few guys in and out to see what works, ie Downie, Bennett, and Adams taking turns in the press box. No matter what we think of them, those are the three guys up for being scratched on any given night.