Game Thread: Pens vs BJ's

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Pittsburgh Penguins
Overall record: 10-4-0 (20 points, 0.833 ptpct)
Road record: 3-2-0 (6 points, 0.600 ptpct)
Last 10: 7-3-0 (14 points, 0.700 ptpct)
Streak: +3
GFA: 3.14
GAA: 2.36
Diff: +0.78
PP%: 80.0%
PK%:22.4%
Projected lineup:
L1: Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis
L2: Jussi Jokinen - Evgeni Malkin - Jayson Megna
L3: Tanner Glass - Brandon Sutter - Deryk Engelland
L4: Dustin Jeffrey - Joe Vitale - Craig Adams
D1: Brooks Orpik - Paul Martin
D2: Matt Niskanen - Kris Letang
D3: Olli Maatta - Robert Bortuzzo
G: Jeff Zatkoff

Columbus Blue Jackets
Overall record: 5-7-0 (10 points, 0.417 ptpct)
Home record: 3-3-0 (6 points, 0.500 ptpct)
Last 10: 4-6-0 (8 points, 0.400 ptpct)
Streak: -2
GFA:2.67
GAA: 2.75
Diff: -0.08
PP%: 18.2%
PK%: 75.6%
Projected lineup:
L1: Nick Foligno - Artem Anisimov - Marian Gaborik
L2: Mark Letestu - Brandon Dubinsky - Cam Atkinson
L3: Blake Comeau - Ryan Johansen - RJ Umberger
L4: Michael Chaput - Derek MacKenzie - Jared Boll
D1: Jack Johnson - David Savard
D2: Fedor Tyutin - Daulton Prout
D3: Ryan Murray - James Wisniewski
G: Curtis McElhinney

Series notes
All-time: Pens lead series 10-4-1
Last meeting: 11/1/13 @ Pittsburgh, Pens won 4-2

Doob's take
Pens really looked good yesterday against the Blue Jackets on our home ice, but I expect a tougher game tonight. For starters, the game will be at Columbus, the BJ's will be looking to avenge a loss, & we'll probably have Jeff Zatkoff in net. Either Jeff Zatkoff just doesn't have what it takes to be a reliable starters or the team just doesn't play good defense for him, but the Doobster has very little confidence in Jeff Zatkoff at this point. I have to pick the BJ's to win 4-3 in this one.

 

[forty_three]

The Pens bent last night, but didn't break. They got slowed down and capitalized on Bobrovsky trying to digest french fry sandwiches after the first period.

Fleury was the difference. The Jackets should have been up by 2 after the first, and they could have had two or three more after that. Fleury was, there's no other word for it, stellar.

The Jackets fought hard and should be rarin' to go tonight.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I don't like my Pens' chances. Based on what I saw yesterday plus Jeff Zatkoff being the likely goalie for the Pens makes me want to place a bet on the BJs.

 

[Cobiemonster]

I think the Jackets will bounce back tonight

 

[pixburgher66]

Zatkoff's in. The Jackets will most certainly win.

 

[forty_three]

Zatkoff's in. The Jackets will most certainly win.

Jackets are starting Tabasco. Should be plenty of goals scored.

 

[Darkstone42]

Jackets are starting Tabasco. Should be plenty of goals scored.

Tabasco? Must be a big bottle.

 

[Jims_Doors]

G: Curtis McElhinney

He's definitely starting? Figured with Bob getting the early hook that he would get the nod tonight.

 

[forty_three]

G: Curtis McElhinney

He's definitely starting? Figured with Bob getting the early hook that he would get the nod tonight.

Yeah Richards said that he made the decision on the plane and told Bob before they went home. Prompted Bob to stay out an extra hour with the goalie coach at the optional skate today.

It was a really disappointing game last year that lit the fire under Bob's ass. Mason took the next few starts after a poor showing by Bob and when Mason flubbed, Bob took it over. Let's hope it's the same this year.


Another guy getting back in is Niki Nikitin. He should be hungry. Let's hope he doesn't take out teammates and pass directly to the opposing team this time

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I think McElhinney is a better goalie than Zatkoff. We could just put a folding chair in the crease and it will probably be just as much an in net presence as Zatkoff.

 

[pixburgher66]

Zatkoff is just a perennial AHLer.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Zatkoff is just a perennial AHLer.

True, I would like to see us call up Jeff Deslaurier. He's a perennial AHLer as well, but he might do better as backup than Zatkoff.

 

[Jims_Doors]

Zatkoff is just a perennial AHLer.

He's only played 2 games. It's not like they were expecting prime Roy perfomances when they put him in net.

Still time to prove himself as a "backup"


Thanks for the update, 43

 

[pixburgher66]

He's only played 2 games. It's not like they were expecting prime Roy perfomances when they put him in net.

Still time to prove himself as a "backup"


Thanks for the update, 43

He could certainly make it as a backup...but for a guy that lead the AHL in GAA/SV% (I think...?), he doesn't appear to have much special. But you're right, really early.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

I'll give Zatkoff another chance, the team has played very poorly for him him both of his starts. Still tho, doubt if he has much of a future with the team, would be really surprised if we re-sign him after this season.

 

[pixburgher66]

From what twitter says...Nationwide is preparing for the invasion. They've been prepping the ushers over the intercom for "how to treat Pens fans".

 

[forty_three]

From what twitter says...Nationwide is preparing for the invasion. They've been prepping the ushers over the intercom for "how to treat Pens fans".

Does this mean watered down beer and french fries on sandwiches?

 

[dare2be]

Yuengling and Penn Pilsner are not watered down beers.

 

[DoobeeDoobeeDoo]

Blue Jacket fans are just jealous the Pens have the cheapest beer prices in the NHL

SaveOnBrew 2013 NHL Beer Pricing Report @ SaveOnBrew.com

 

[dare2be]

Good first period. Only 3 shots allowed.