The measurables are quite impressive in this initial 1/24 of the compressed season. The Pens have yet to trail in a contest, and they've played with the lead in over 100 of the first 120 logged minutes. Newcomer Brandon Sutter may not have us forget Jordan Staal just yet, but his play through the first weekend shows that he'll be a great addition in the third center spot.
The Penguins' roster is displaying an abundance of speed and physicality, and both attributes should come in handy when the grind of the compressed schedule kicks in. Reserve goalie, Tomas Vocoun, acquired to add a 1A netminder behind Marc Andre Fleury, also looks like money well spent by the front office. Vocoun could prove critical in reducing MAFs' load throughout the regular season.
QUICK HITTERS:
- Nine goals in two games, with none scored by studs Crosby or Malkin.
- The reduced schedule may present a bit of bittersweet chagrin to winger James Neal, who already looks like a 50+ goal scorer during a full season.
- Penalty killing looking good so far.
- Despite the endless "Fleury" chants of the moronic Philadelphia natives, MAF looks like his hard drive has purged any residual data from last April. His third period poise in the opener was vintage Flower.
4 comments:
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I would have expected more from this group so far. Yes, they came out of the gate and beat PHL and NYR without 87 or 71 scoring a goal. Not to mention, the PP was humming along at 50%.
They seemed to have regressed at bit.
* They seem to be awful in the 2nd period (far bench for changes??).
* No D accountability on rushes. Seems to have a guy open all the time...even on even-man rushes.
* Not sure I am a fan of flip-flopping goalies.
* When 87 or 71 scores...no one else does....and vice versa.
* I get the whole "puck moving defensman" thing...but you still need a few "stay-at-home" defensman (like Gill or Scuds)
* and going back to last year. This team seems to play down to their competition. You have Crosby...every team and their fan-base is sick of hearing about him. They all bring their A-games to the rink when the Pens are in town. Pens need to understand this and deal with it.
* LASTLY - this team lacks grit! I almost want to say that they lack heart...but I want to see what happens over the next few weeks.
I'm no expert....this is just my $0.02.
OK - I had an attitude adjustment over night....and I'm not talking about a half Rumplemintz / half Jagermeister shot.
All teams in the NHL have shortcomings to their roster due to the salary cap.
I am just going to stay positive and back the boys the best I can. We'll see where the chips fall.
I'm not an X and O's guy as much as you or MP, but I would have thought that 6 points is a bit low thru 5 games. I like the new look lineup, and Sutter seems like a great fit. You got to believe that when the grind of the compressed schedule realy takes hold, the Pens' athleticism will begin to shine through. I'm ok with limiting MAF's regular season starts. At this point in his career, late 20's, you should expect that starting over 70+% of the games in a quick schedule may be too laborious. Two positives can come from V getting 18 to 20 starts: 1) MAF is fresher in Mid April 2) your #2 is sharp in case MAF lays another post season shit brick.
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