Dave Molinari @MolinariPG
Early read on atmosphere at the Penguins' practice is that the players might be a bit subdued, but hardly are somber. Pretty normal, really.
Dave Molinari @MolinariPG Early read on atmosphere at the Penguins' practice is that the players might be a bit subdued, but hardly are somber. Pretty normal, really.
Good. They need to realize what happened but can't afford to dwell on it.
The Penguins have morphed into a team that plays on the rush. Somewhere between Crosby's return and the end of the season they decided to work less, less dumping the puck and punishing the D, less zone time, less battle, and will.
Last night in the first period they looked like the Pens who were on the long winning streak. The Dumped pucks, punished the D, forechecked, backchecked. Once they got the lead, they went back to coasting, giveaways, and no battle whatsoever. The Flyers played exactly like the Pens used to in the 2nd and 3rd. they completely hammered our D on the forecheck.
Until the Pens realize they need to match the effort of the other team, this will happen more often than not. You have to want it. The Flyers do right now...the Pens think they do.
The Penguins have morphed into a team that plays on the rush. Somewhere between Crosby's return and the end of the season they decided to work less, less dumping the puck and punishing the D, less zone time, less battle, and will.
Last night in the first period they looked like the Pens who were on the long winning streak. The Dumped pucks, punished the D, forechecked, backchecked. Once they got the lead, they went back to coasting, giveaways, and no battle whatsoever. The Flyers played exactly like the Pens used to in the 2nd and 3rd. they completely hammered are D on the forecheck.
Until the Pens realize they need to match the effort of the other team, this will happen more often than not. You have to want it. The Flyers do right now...the Pens think they do.
This is basically what it boils down to: a lack of intensity. We had it throughout the first period, but quickly lost it after going up 3-0.
Pens Inside Scoop @PensInsideScoop
#Pens using Sullivan and Letang on the points on PP. Malkin and Kunitz up front. Neal and Crosby are rotating -SK
Josh Yohe @JoshYohe_Trib
Pens practicing with either Neal or Crosby not on top power play.
Pens Inside Scoop @PensInsideScoop
Pretty spirited practice by the #Pens. Quite vocal on the ice. Putting the Game 1 loss behind them. Good sign of a veteran team -SK
Dave Molinari @MolinariPG
If Penguins were deflated by Game 1, they seem to be over it. Chirping, chatting and hooting during drills is pretty much at usual levels.
i screen capped these posts because in the event that the 2-unit PP thing doesn't work. Not forming an opinion either way but you guys seem pretty certain that this will fix everything.
i screen capped these posts because in the event that the 2-unit PP thing doesn't work. Not forming an opinion either way but you guys seem pretty certain that this will fix everything.
i screen capped these posts because in the event that the 2-unit PP thing doesn't work. Not forming an opinion either way but you guys seem pretty certain that this will fix everything.
Changing things is a good first step. Having Sully on the 1st unit with Tanger is another step. Separating Sid/Geno to simplify things, have it run through one guy and get shots on goal is another. And having a dangerous unit on the ice at the end of the penalty is another.
It's just funny how stubborn Bylsma can be sometimes. Many have mentioned splitting up the PP units for over a year (and probably much longer than that) and it's not until now that it's finally tried on a serious level. Of course, as fans we are usually to quick to jump the gun on changes.
Now that we got the first epic chokejob of the playoffs out of the way, let's play some hockey! Game 2 pretty much decides the series IMO. Flyers win it's a short series (5 games) with all that momentum up 2-0 heading home. Pens win game 2, it's a 7 game series.
Anyone think all that hate the Pens are getting is getting into their heads? Rise above the Hate, Pittsburgh. Rise above the hate.
I know we play better in Philly, but these are the playoffs, not the regular season. No reason to lose game 2, or you might aswell pack your bags and forfeit the playoffs for not rising to the pressure like winners do.
Now that we got the first epic chokejob of the playoffs out of the way, let's play some hockey! Game 2 pretty much decides the series IMO. Flyers win it's a short series (5 games) with all that momentum up 2-0 heading home. Pens win game 2, it's a 7 game series.
Anyone think all that hate the Pens are getting is getting into their heads? Rise above the Hate, Pittsburgh. Rise above the hate.
I know we play better in Philly, but these are the playoffs, not the regular season. No reason to lose game 2, or you might aswell pack your bags and forfeit the playoffs for not rising to the pressure like winners do.
Oh and Bylsma, use your timeouts for once. They can help decide games, you should know...it always does for the other team against the Pens. I'm not coach material, but even I know timeouts need to be called.
Dave Molinari @MolinariPG
For those asking, Paul Martin did not keep the puck he used to score on Fleury during practice today. Believe they let him have entire net.
Dave Molinari @MolinariPG
For those asking, Paul Martin did not keep the puck he used to score on Fleury during practice today. Believe they let him have entire net.
Look, I don't like Paul Martin. This year, he's been taking away from the team as much as he has contributed. But, making these sorts of comments about a guy that has never been a solid goal scorer at the blue line is a waste of time. Critique the parts of his game that are worth critiquing.
It doesn't take a ****ing genius or coach of the year or any other magical analysis to figure out Game 2.
If the Penguins play like they did in the first with speed, hitting, relentless pressure and puck pursuit...they will smoke Philly. If they don't, they will lose.
There's no other way of getting around this team. NONE. I mean...I feel for these superstars having to play a full 60 minutes...how dare Philly make them skate that long...but thats the price of greatness.
One thing I know for sure, we better win this one or else we're totally screwed.
Down 2-0 to Washington in 09
Down 2-0 to Detroit in 09
I'm not worried about the series right now...because the Penguins have the ability to win 4 straight on Philly. It's the urgency and the killer instinct to not let up that will determine if they are screwed or not.
I'm not worried about the series right now...because the Penguins have the ability to win 4 straight on Philly. It's the urgency and the killer instinct to not let up that will determine if they are screwed or not.
In those two we were down 0-2 on the road with 2 homes games upcoming. Totally different scenarios.
