GoPenguins
10-31-2003, 08:26 PM
Wilkes-Barre 4 (Kostopoulos, Endicott, Lupaschuk, Kostopoulos)
Albany 4 (Giroux, Bicek, Redlihs, Kariya)
Just got back in from watching the Baby Pens skate to a 4-4 tie with the Albany River Rats. Game was entertaining, and I thought I'd share my observations if anyone was interested.
The Baby Pens power play is eerily similar to Pittsburgh's in that they seem to want to pass the puck into the net and not shoot. Lupaschuk was the only point man who was always willing to pull the trigger.
Chiodo started in goal but was pulled after the Rats scored their 4th goal to go up 4-2 early in the 3rd period. Chiodo showed good reactions and movement. He was left without help on 3 of the 4 goals. The last goal, which was the last shot he faced, was one he should stop. Aubin came in in relief and did well.
The Baby Pens outshot the Rats 29-27. Nice to outshoot someone.
Beech is certainly filled out sizewise. He looks like one of our bigger centers now after Endicott.
Our penalty killing was not too good. However, down a man for the final three minutes of regulation due to a spearing major (a real BS call), the Baby Pens and Aubin kept the tie and earned a point.
Individual Player Observations
Endicott was great tonight, including scoring a wonderful short handed tally. He duked the last defender four or fie times before burying the shot to tie the score at 2.
Lupaschuk was the best defenseman for the Pens, both offensively and also defensively. His play impressed me a lot. I kept a close eye on those I hope are most likely to get called up.
Scuderi played solid. Along with Boileau, he showcased some defensive skills that show why he earned a long look for the big Pens job last year.
Surovy and Murley buzzed around and showed nice touches. Surovy carved up the defense at times only to either fail to get a shot through to goal, or to lose the puck just at the wrong second. Along with TK, Endicott and Lupaschuk, Surovy was one of our best players.
TK got two goals from puck scrambles in the crease. He is lacking a little speed but must commend his hustle and play in front of the net.
Darcy Robinson and David Koci are huge. They tend to tower over people, but unlike former D man Mike Wilson, they can skate a little, play some D, and do good work in front of the net. Koci had a big fight which lasted for a couple of mins. Refs let them fight til they dropped.
Speaking of the refs, they sucked. Somehow they called a Baby Pen for a 5 min major whilst his opponent got a 2 minute roughing call.This was with 4 mins left in a 4-4 game. We thought the call was a fighting major and were baffled how he can get a fighting major penalty on his own. It takes to to make a fight. Overall, the refs ran the game similar to the NHL. No consistency through each period. WB had 4 PPs. Albany had 6 and scored 3 goals off them.
Endicott was surprisingly good at PK.
Lefebvre didnt get as much ice time, but am hoping he can respond and improve.
Meloche didnt shut up all evening. He was constantly jawing with officials and Rats players.
Toby Petersen still seems to have his targeter out of alignment. But at least he shoots.
Michel Oullet looked dangerous at times but anonymous at other times.
Reid Simpson didnt fight anyone, but he was an enthusiastic watcher and forechecker.
To conclude, the best Pens on show were Lupaschuk, Surovy, TK and Endicott. One or two of these Pens could realistically expect a callup from the big club. Am tried and gonna crash. Sorry for the disjointed review. Will elaborate tomorrow if needed.
Albany 4 (Giroux, Bicek, Redlihs, Kariya)
Just got back in from watching the Baby Pens skate to a 4-4 tie with the Albany River Rats. Game was entertaining, and I thought I'd share my observations if anyone was interested.
The Baby Pens power play is eerily similar to Pittsburgh's in that they seem to want to pass the puck into the net and not shoot. Lupaschuk was the only point man who was always willing to pull the trigger.
Chiodo started in goal but was pulled after the Rats scored their 4th goal to go up 4-2 early in the 3rd period. Chiodo showed good reactions and movement. He was left without help on 3 of the 4 goals. The last goal, which was the last shot he faced, was one he should stop. Aubin came in in relief and did well.
The Baby Pens outshot the Rats 29-27. Nice to outshoot someone.
Beech is certainly filled out sizewise. He looks like one of our bigger centers now after Endicott.
Our penalty killing was not too good. However, down a man for the final three minutes of regulation due to a spearing major (a real BS call), the Baby Pens and Aubin kept the tie and earned a point.
Individual Player Observations
Endicott was great tonight, including scoring a wonderful short handed tally. He duked the last defender four or fie times before burying the shot to tie the score at 2.
Lupaschuk was the best defenseman for the Pens, both offensively and also defensively. His play impressed me a lot. I kept a close eye on those I hope are most likely to get called up.
Scuderi played solid. Along with Boileau, he showcased some defensive skills that show why he earned a long look for the big Pens job last year.
Surovy and Murley buzzed around and showed nice touches. Surovy carved up the defense at times only to either fail to get a shot through to goal, or to lose the puck just at the wrong second. Along with TK, Endicott and Lupaschuk, Surovy was one of our best players.
TK got two goals from puck scrambles in the crease. He is lacking a little speed but must commend his hustle and play in front of the net.
Darcy Robinson and David Koci are huge. They tend to tower over people, but unlike former D man Mike Wilson, they can skate a little, play some D, and do good work in front of the net. Koci had a big fight which lasted for a couple of mins. Refs let them fight til they dropped.
Speaking of the refs, they sucked. Somehow they called a Baby Pen for a 5 min major whilst his opponent got a 2 minute roughing call.This was with 4 mins left in a 4-4 game. We thought the call was a fighting major and were baffled how he can get a fighting major penalty on his own. It takes to to make a fight. Overall, the refs ran the game similar to the NHL. No consistency through each period. WB had 4 PPs. Albany had 6 and scored 3 goals off them.
Endicott was surprisingly good at PK.
Lefebvre didnt get as much ice time, but am hoping he can respond and improve.
Meloche didnt shut up all evening. He was constantly jawing with officials and Rats players.
Toby Petersen still seems to have his targeter out of alignment. But at least he shoots.
Michel Oullet looked dangerous at times but anonymous at other times.
Reid Simpson didnt fight anyone, but he was an enthusiastic watcher and forechecker.
To conclude, the best Pens on show were Lupaschuk, Surovy, TK and Endicott. One or two of these Pens could realistically expect a callup from the big club. Am tried and gonna crash. Sorry for the disjointed review. Will elaborate tomorrow if needed.