Possible Postseason Preview: Pens at 'Ning GNT

[pixburgher66]

So Letang is interfered with 5 seconds after the pass, is thrown offsides...and we have a faceoff outside. Blah.

 

[Darkstone42]

So Letang is interfered with 5 seconds after the pass, is thrown offsides...and we have a faceoff outside. Blah.

I couldn't see the replay. Incidental perhaps?

 

[pixburgher66]

Gosh our PP just can't do a thing. Got nothing.

 

[pixburgher66]

I couldn't see the replay. Incidental perhaps?

Not even close. Two hands to the chops to knock him down.

 

[pixburgher66]

Need one before the period. It'd be nice at least.

 

[Darkstone42]

It's just not a good powerplay. There's enough talent and the correct roles for it to be a good powerplay, but it isn't one. I think we need to put someone who's not Martin on the point, though.

 

[Darkstone42]

Another penalty on Tampa. A hook. Perhaps the refs are trying to make up for missed calls? I didn't see it.

But I'd rather penalties only be called on Tampa if it leads directly to a goal for them. I'd rather be 5-on-5.

 

[joe_baran]

Who knows... maybe tonight is the night where the Pens manage a come-from-behind victory in the 3rd.

I hope it doesn't take that long... but you have to believe that hard work will pay off. Sometime. Eventually.

 

[pixburgher66]

Letang needs his swag back...amongst other things. Well, another chance. I guess they're really just missing the big play maker. Our last 15 games have been horrific though. A NHL squad, no matter who is on it, needs to produce more than 3-70.

 

[pixburgher66]

They call that weak ass hook...but not the blatant hold that lead to a goal *sigh*

 

[Darkstone42]

Too much lateral passing on entry. Get that puck up ice.

 

[pixburgher66]

Even their entry into the zone sucks. Too much passing before they even get in.

 

[Darkstone42]

Tanger needs to stop trying to do it all himself. I think that's his problem. And Martin needs to freaking shoot the puck.

 

[joe_baran]

Maybe it's just me. But the work level seems to drop off after they draw a penalty. Unless it's just that much simpler to stop the Pens' attack of dump/chase when you can ice the puck at will... but they don't even try to get pucks on net quickly.

 

[pixburgher66]

Letang is horrible on the PP. Forcing too much.

 

[pixburgher66]

Maybe it's just me. But the work level seems to drop off after they draw a penalty. Unless it's just that much simpler to stop the Pens' attack of dump/chase when you can ice the puck at will... but they don't even try to get pucks on net quickly.

Agreed, puck pursuit sucks. But I think a lot has to do with the general style of a powerplay. More creativity than hard work.

 

[Darkstone42]

Maybe it's just me. But the work level seems to drop off after they draw a penalty. Unless it's just that much simpler to stop the Pens' attack of dump/chase when you can ice the puck at will... but they don't even try to get pucks on net quickly.

I think it's the latter. The Penguins don't come to the line together with speed the way a lot of teams do. That's why they have so much trouble on entry. When they get it in the zone, they're too slow and tentative. The need to move more and make their choices more quickly and decisively, keep the PKers on their toes.

 

[pixburgher66]

Rupp almost screened Fleury again on that save.

 

[pixburgher66]

I think it's the latter. The Penguins don't come to the line together with speed the way a lot of teams do. That's why they have so much trouble on entry. When they get it in the zone, they're too slow and tentative. The need to move more and make their choices more quickly and decisively, keep the PKers on their toes.

Dump and chase. Work hard to get possession and set it up.

 

[Darkstone42]

Dump and chase. Work hard to get possession and set it up.

In order for it to work, though, you've got to come with speed. Having the wingers stand at the blue line and then start skating after the dump in, that just gives the defensemen too much time to retrieve the puck. Start the wings at the red line and have them skate in hard after the puck on the dump in.