Penguins @ Buffalo Sabres 3-4 OT - Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Zach Aston-Reese, Jay McClement and Olli Maatta all scored in the Penguins' 4-3 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres at Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State University. Thoughts, musings and observations from Pittsburgh's preseason opener…
* The facilities were fantastic, and I thought the coolest part was how many Pens fans were in the student section, called the Roar Zone. I counted just four Flyers jerseys, while the rest were dressed in Pens gear. They started loud "Let's Go Pens!" chants on numerous occasions. "It was awesome," Bryan Rust said. "Kind of felt like a home college game for us."
* The Pens opened the game with Daniel Sprong, Greg McKegg and Carl Hagelin on a line, and those three got off to a strong start. As Mike Sullivan told me after the game, Hagelin is a bonafide NHL player - and when young players have the chance to skate with someone like that, it gives them a chance to be successful. That was apparent tonight, as those two were flying out there, and McKegg didn't seem to have any trouble keeping up "I think I'm getting better every day, and playing with a guy like Hagelin who's experienced and really fast has really helped me along through each day," Sprong said. "I was excited to play with him and McKegg and I thought we created a lot of chances and did a lot of good things."
* I've been talking a lot about Sprong's shot ever since the Prospects Challenge - I mean, the kid had 20 attempts in one game that weekend! But for as much as he continued to put the puck on net, he also didn't hesitate to pass when there was an opening. Sprong has been seeing the ice so well and made a number of beautiful feeds to teammates, especially on the power play. Overall, he's been real impressive so far this training camp.
* Speaking of the power play, the Pens ended up with nine chances on the night. Both Josh Archibald and Thomas Di Pauli drew penalties by using their speed to get behind defenders and forcing them to drag them down. They haven't spent much time on special teams so far this training camp, save for the coaches going over it a little bit this morning. They put some units together they thought would be cohesive and told their guys just to stick with it. Sullivan said it was a good opportunity for the young players to get power-play time against NHL players, and I especially liked seeing Sprong on that half-wall looking a lot like Phil Kessel. And Teddy Blueger made a fantastic play at one point when he threaded a pass through sliding defenders and a tripped Aston-Reese over to Maatta at the back door for the goal.
* Tonight, I thought we saw more of what Aston-Reese's game is all about. And while Sullivan acknowledged that it's still early, he said it was the winger's best performance to this point. Aston-Reese is starting to get used to the pace of this level, and it showed with the timing of his goal. "I noticed at camp, I might have been in the wrong spot," he said. "Just like a step ahead or a step behind. I got a lucky bounce when I followed up the play just right and the puck landed right on my stick." Aston-Reese is at his best when he's working along the boards and around the net, and he was able to do that tonight.
* After skating with Kessel and Evgeni Malkin in the intersquad scrimmages, Aston-Reese played with Blueger - someone he spent time with in WBS at the end of last season and the Prospects Challenge - and Bryan Rust. Aston-Reese said Rust was talking to them all night, "giving us tips and giving us confidence." Even though Rust is only a couple years older than those two, to them he's a veteran and someone to look up to, and it's cool to see him embracing somewhat of a mentor role. "I know when I was in their situation, I had older guys who tried to give little tips here and there," said Rust, who wore an "A" on his jersey along with Hagelin and Matt Hunwick. "I think that helps, just a lot of encouragement and tips of things we could do better as a line."
* The Sabres dressed a lot of their star players, including Jack Eichel, Evander Kane and Jason Pominville, who played together on a line. Overall, it was a great experience for the Pens' young roster, going up against talent like that in a game situation.
* The Pens opened the game with Daniel Sprong, Greg McKegg and Carl Hagelin on a line, and those three got off to a strong start. As Mike Sullivan told me after the game, Hagelin is a bonafide NHL player - and when young players have the chance to skate with someone like that, it gives them a chance to be successful. That was apparent tonight, as those two were flying out there, and McKegg didn't seem to have any trouble keeping up "I think I'm getting better every day, and playing with a guy like Hagelin who's experienced and really fast has really helped me along through each day," Sprong said. "I was excited to play with him and McKegg and I thought we created a lot of chances and did a lot of good things."
* I've been talking a lot about Sprong's shot ever since the Prospects Challenge - I mean, the kid had 20 attempts in one game that weekend! But for as much as he continued to put the puck on net, he also didn't hesitate to pass when there was an opening. Sprong has been seeing the ice so well and made a number of beautiful feeds to teammates, especially on the power play. Overall, he's been real impressive so far this training camp.
* Speaking of the power play, the Pens ended up with nine chances on the night. Both Josh Archibald and Thomas Di Pauli drew penalties by using their speed to get behind defenders and forcing them to drag them down. They haven't spent much time on special teams so far this training camp, save for the coaches going over it a little bit this morning. They put some units together they thought would be cohesive and told their guys just to stick with it. Sullivan said it was a good opportunity for the young players to get power-play time against NHL players, and I especially liked seeing Sprong on that half-wall looking a lot like Phil Kessel. And Teddy Blueger made a fantastic play at one point when he threaded a pass through sliding defenders and a tripped Aston-Reese over to Maatta at the back door for the goal.
* Tonight, I thought we saw more of what Aston-Reese's game is all about. And while Sullivan acknowledged that it's still early, he said it was the winger's best performance to this point. Aston-Reese is starting to get used to the pace of this level, and it showed with the timing of his goal. "I noticed at camp, I might have been in the wrong spot," he said. "Just like a step ahead or a step behind. I got a lucky bounce when I followed up the play just right and the puck landed right on my stick." Aston-Reese is at his best when he's working along the boards and around the net, and he was able to do that tonight.
* After skating with Kessel and Evgeni Malkin in the intersquad scrimmages, Aston-Reese played with Blueger - someone he spent time with in WBS at the end of last season and the Prospects Challenge - and Bryan Rust. Aston-Reese said Rust was talking to them all night, "giving us tips and giving us confidence." Even though Rust is only a couple years older than those two, to them he's a veteran and someone to look up to, and it's cool to see him embracing somewhat of a mentor role. "I know when I was in their situation, I had older guys who tried to give little tips here and there," said Rust, who wore an "A" on his jersey along with Hagelin and Matt Hunwick. "I think that helps, just a lot of encouragement and tips of things we could do better as a line."
* The Sabres dressed a lot of their star players, including Jack Eichel, Evander Kane and Jason Pominville, who played together on a line. Overall, it was a great experience for the Pens' young roster, going up against talent like that in a game situation.
Detroit Red Wings @ Penguins 5-6 OT - Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' 6-5 win against the Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena.
* There is no doubt the best player in the game was winger Jake Guentzel. He finished the game with one goal and four assists. More impressive is the way he accumulated those points.
Guentzel's first assist was the result of some grit and tenacity. He went into the end boards hard, separating Trevor Daley from the puck. Then he made a quick pass to Conor Sheary, whose shot was placed into the net on the rebound by Adam Johnson.
Guentzel's other two helpers were the result of some great vision. On a power play in the second period a Justin Schultz shot went off of the post. There was a scramble in front and the puck found Guentzel in the slot. While 90 percent of players in the league would have shot the puck, Guentzel saw Sheary (through two Red Wings) and slid him a perfect pass for the easy tap-in.
* Speaking of Johnson, he's one of five players in training camp that are fighting for the third-line center role on the team. No doubt he was the beneficiary of having Guentzel and Sheary as his linemates tonight, but he made the most of his opportunity. Johnson scored two goals in the game, one on a rebound and the other with a nasty shot into the corner of the net.
This preseason was the first taste of pro hockey in Johnson's career (he's played the past two seasons at Minnesota-Duluth). He definitely has a learning curve and would benefit from some time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. But with games like Wednesday, he's making that a hard decision for management.
* While we're on the topic of the third-line center role, don't count out Greg McKegg. He picked up an assist and had an impressive showing in Tuesday's contest against Buffalo at Penn State's Pegula Ice Arena. He made such a good impression on the coaching staff that they played him in back-to-back games.
McKegg, 25, has great offensive instincts, and the speed that it takes to really thrive in Mike Sullivan's system. He scored a goal against Detroit and nearly had a second (the puck went off the post). He also has some NHL experience which may help in the competition against some of the team's other younger prospects.
* Pens fans got their first look at newcomer Ryan Reaves, though it was a limited look. Mostly due to the large amount of special teams work in the game, Reaves' ice time was only 10:55. But he made quite an impact in those 11 minutes, registering seven hits.
* The NHL has made it clear that it's main two "points of emphasis" regarding officiating this season will be face-off violations and slashing. The crackdown, as it usually does, has begun in the preseason. The tightly-called game resulted in seven penalties in the first period alone. There were 16 penalties in total, seven slashing and two face-off violations.
The calls certainly slowed the pace of the game down. It's still preseason so both the referees and players are still feeling out the process. But hopefully the players adjust quickly.
Guentzel's first assist was the result of some grit and tenacity. He went into the end boards hard, separating Trevor Daley from the puck. Then he made a quick pass to Conor Sheary, whose shot was placed into the net on the rebound by Adam Johnson.
Guentzel's other two helpers were the result of some great vision. On a power play in the second period a Justin Schultz shot went off of the post. There was a scramble in front and the puck found Guentzel in the slot. While 90 percent of players in the league would have shot the puck, Guentzel saw Sheary (through two Red Wings) and slid him a perfect pass for the easy tap-in.
* Speaking of Johnson, he's one of five players in training camp that are fighting for the third-line center role on the team. No doubt he was the beneficiary of having Guentzel and Sheary as his linemates tonight, but he made the most of his opportunity. Johnson scored two goals in the game, one on a rebound and the other with a nasty shot into the corner of the net.
This preseason was the first taste of pro hockey in Johnson's career (he's played the past two seasons at Minnesota-Duluth). He definitely has a learning curve and would benefit from some time in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. But with games like Wednesday, he's making that a hard decision for management.
* While we're on the topic of the third-line center role, don't count out Greg McKegg. He picked up an assist and had an impressive showing in Tuesday's contest against Buffalo at Penn State's Pegula Ice Arena. He made such a good impression on the coaching staff that they played him in back-to-back games.
McKegg, 25, has great offensive instincts, and the speed that it takes to really thrive in Mike Sullivan's system. He scored a goal against Detroit and nearly had a second (the puck went off the post). He also has some NHL experience which may help in the competition against some of the team's other younger prospects.
* Pens fans got their first look at newcomer Ryan Reaves, though it was a limited look. Mostly due to the large amount of special teams work in the game, Reaves' ice time was only 10:55. But he made quite an impact in those 11 minutes, registering seven hits.
* The NHL has made it clear that it's main two "points of emphasis" regarding officiating this season will be face-off violations and slashing. The crackdown, as it usually does, has begun in the preseason. The tightly-called game resulted in seven penalties in the first period alone. There were 16 penalties in total, seven slashing and two face-off violations.
The calls certainly slowed the pace of the game down. It's still preseason so both the referees and players are still feeling out the process. But hopefully the players adjust quickly.
Penguins @ Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 - Friday, September 22, 2017
Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' 4-3 win against Columbus at Nationwide Arena.
* Pens fans are well aware of Daniel Sprong and his capabilities. But something that's really stood out to me watching him in the current preseason is his willingness to put the puck on net, at any time and any given situation. If there's a broken play, puck on net. If he's at a bad angle, puck on net. If he has no other play and no space, puck on net.
During a contest against Buffalo in the Prospects Challenge Sprong attempted 20 shots in the game, 15 of which ended up on net. Sprong has one of the nastiest releases on the entire Pens' roster. Any time he shoots the puck, good things will happen. Including his goal against Columbus.
* Another guy that was putting the puck on the net was forward Zach Aston-Reese. He picked up two points in the game with a goal and assist. Both of his points came on what appeared to be non-consequential plays. On the first, Aston-Reese sent a lazy backhander on net that Sergei Bobrovsky misplayed and Sprong poked in. For his tally, Aston-Reese took a bad angle shot from along the halfwall that sailed far post on Matiss Kivlenieks.
* Sam Miletic is trying to follow in the footsteps of Alex D'Orio and Jordan Bellerive. Both of those players went undrafted, attended the Pens' Development Camp and Prospects Challenge and earned themselves contracts with the team. Miletic also was undrafted, and attended the Development Camp and Prospects Challenge.
Miletic, 20, is an intriguing prospect. He has a knack for scoring goals, something he did 37 times last year with London of the Ontario Hockey League. He flashed some of those quick hands against the Blue Jackets, finding a pass-off-pads rebound and snapping home the rebound.
Miletic is a late-bloomer that was groomed in the USHL before arriving in London. He's a long-range prospect, but the payoff could be huge.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said, "He's the kind of player that grows on you." That he doesn't wow you but "he's always in the right places."
* There was an interesting play in the third period with goaltender Antti Niemi. During a save Niemi lost his glove, which should draw an automatic whistle from the officials for a stoppage in play. However, the refs did not stop the game. Niemi, to his credit, continued to play. Instinctively, Niemi made a save with his exposed hand. Thankfully there was no damage done.
The referees told Niemi that this season officials will not stop play for goaltenders that lose a blocker or glove, though the rule will still be enforced with a lost helmet. That didn't give Sullivan any consolation. He said, "I wish they had blown the whistle."
* There were fewer penalties called in tonight's game than in the previous two. And only three slashing and zero face-off violations. Either the league figures that it made its point and is backing off the calls, or the players are adapting. Either way, it's a win for everybody, especially the pace of the game.
During a contest against Buffalo in the Prospects Challenge Sprong attempted 20 shots in the game, 15 of which ended up on net. Sprong has one of the nastiest releases on the entire Pens' roster. Any time he shoots the puck, good things will happen. Including his goal against Columbus.
* Another guy that was putting the puck on the net was forward Zach Aston-Reese. He picked up two points in the game with a goal and assist. Both of his points came on what appeared to be non-consequential plays. On the first, Aston-Reese sent a lazy backhander on net that Sergei Bobrovsky misplayed and Sprong poked in. For his tally, Aston-Reese took a bad angle shot from along the halfwall that sailed far post on Matiss Kivlenieks.
* Sam Miletic is trying to follow in the footsteps of Alex D'Orio and Jordan Bellerive. Both of those players went undrafted, attended the Pens' Development Camp and Prospects Challenge and earned themselves contracts with the team. Miletic also was undrafted, and attended the Development Camp and Prospects Challenge.
Miletic, 20, is an intriguing prospect. He has a knack for scoring goals, something he did 37 times last year with London of the Ontario Hockey League. He flashed some of those quick hands against the Blue Jackets, finding a pass-off-pads rebound and snapping home the rebound.
Miletic is a late-bloomer that was groomed in the USHL before arriving in London. He's a long-range prospect, but the payoff could be huge.
Head coach Mike Sullivan said, "He's the kind of player that grows on you." That he doesn't wow you but "he's always in the right places."
* There was an interesting play in the third period with goaltender Antti Niemi. During a save Niemi lost his glove, which should draw an automatic whistle from the officials for a stoppage in play. However, the refs did not stop the game. Niemi, to his credit, continued to play. Instinctively, Niemi made a save with his exposed hand. Thankfully there was no damage done.
The referees told Niemi that this season officials will not stop play for goaltenders that lose a blocker or glove, though the rule will still be enforced with a lost helmet. That didn't give Sullivan any consolation. He said, "I wish they had blown the whistle."
* There were fewer penalties called in tonight's game than in the previous two. And only three slashing and zero face-off violations. Either the league figures that it made its point and is backing off the calls, or the players are adapting. Either way, it's a win for everybody, especially the pace of the game.
Blues @ Penguins 4-1 - Sunday, September 24, 2017
Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' 4-1 loss against St. Louis in the Kraft Hockeyville USA game at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.
* The tandem of Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel were quite formidable last season, especially during the postseason during their Stanley Cup title run. They've picked up right where they left off during their first preseason action together.
Just 10 seconds into the game Guentzel collected a loose puck in the slot and whipped a backhander off of the post. Later in the first period Crosby and Guentzel were unleashed for a 2-on-1 rush. Crosby made a quick pass across to Guentzel, who buried a quick snap shot into the net for a goal.
* Also of note on the above mentioned goal was the bank pass from the defensive zone by Conor Sheary to Crosby to create that 2-on-1 opportunity. Sheary has flown under the radar a bit in this training camp and preseason. But I have a feeling he's got another 20-plus goals in him this season.
* Pens defenseman Kris Letang played in his first NHL game (albeit it the preseason) since Feb. 21 at Carolina, a little over seven months. It a great to Letang darting around the ice with his patented hanging string (tail) waffling in the wind.
Letang's skating was superb, as usual. Letang's passing was crisp, as usual. Letang played in all situations, and logged a lot of ice time, as usual. His timing was a bit off and sometimes he needed an extra second to make a play, but those aspects will return with a few games and muscle memory kicking in.
* The "A" on Letang's sweater is a nice addition. Well deserved. And long overdue.
* The Pens have stated that the top power-play unit will feature both Letang and Justin Schultz, who filled in for Letang after the D-man was sidelined in February of last season with a herniated disc in his neck.
Though head coach Mike Sullivan said both defensemen will see time on that top unit, Letang took all of the shifts in tonight's game.
* A big question for the Pens this season will be which forwards will be on the penalty kill. There are obvious staples like Carl Hagelin and Tom Kuhnhackl. But a lot of other spots are open with many players vying for such positions. Tonight Carter Rowney, Garrett Wilson and Teddy Blueger made their case.
Pittsburgh finished an astounding 7 for 7, including a full two-minute 5-on-3. Thanks in a large part to its goaltender.
* Matt Murray was excellent in net for the Pens. He was never rattled and in perfect position for every shot. Murray saw a lot of rubber during the game, stopping 42 of 45 shots in the contest.
Just 10 seconds into the game Guentzel collected a loose puck in the slot and whipped a backhander off of the post. Later in the first period Crosby and Guentzel were unleashed for a 2-on-1 rush. Crosby made a quick pass across to Guentzel, who buried a quick snap shot into the net for a goal.
* Also of note on the above mentioned goal was the bank pass from the defensive zone by Conor Sheary to Crosby to create that 2-on-1 opportunity. Sheary has flown under the radar a bit in this training camp and preseason. But I have a feeling he's got another 20-plus goals in him this season.
* Pens defenseman Kris Letang played in his first NHL game (albeit it the preseason) since Feb. 21 at Carolina, a little over seven months. It a great to Letang darting around the ice with his patented hanging string (tail) waffling in the wind.
Letang's skating was superb, as usual. Letang's passing was crisp, as usual. Letang played in all situations, and logged a lot of ice time, as usual. His timing was a bit off and sometimes he needed an extra second to make a play, but those aspects will return with a few games and muscle memory kicking in.
* The "A" on Letang's sweater is a nice addition. Well deserved. And long overdue.
* The Pens have stated that the top power-play unit will feature both Letang and Justin Schultz, who filled in for Letang after the D-man was sidelined in February of last season with a herniated disc in his neck.
Though head coach Mike Sullivan said both defensemen will see time on that top unit, Letang took all of the shifts in tonight's game.
* A big question for the Pens this season will be which forwards will be on the penalty kill. There are obvious staples like Carl Hagelin and Tom Kuhnhackl. But a lot of other spots are open with many players vying for such positions. Tonight Carter Rowney, Garrett Wilson and Teddy Blueger made their case.
Pittsburgh finished an astounding 7 for 7, including a full two-minute 5-on-3. Thanks in a large part to its goaltender.
* Matt Murray was excellent in net for the Pens. He was never rattled and in perfect position for every shot. Murray saw a lot of rubber during the game, stopping 42 of 45 shots in the contest.
Penguins @ Detroit Red Wings 1-4 - Monday, September 25, 2017
Thoughts, musings, and observations from the Pens' 4-1 loss against the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.
* First of all, it was fantastic getting the chance to play at Little Caesars Arena. When we first got to the building, players went straight to the visitors bench to get their first look. What stood out the most was just how, well, red everything is, as every seat in the entire bowl is a vivid shade of crimson. After that, we toured the concourse and were impressed by the mix of old and new. They brought over all of the statues of Red Wings greats like Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay from Joe Louis Arena, which were spread out on the concourse by a bunch of cool Detroit-themed restaurants and bars and other sleek, sophisticated elements. Just a cool atmosphere.
* Joe Louis Arena was infamous for its bouncy back boards, and the players joked that they made sure to test out the back boards here to make sure they didn't have the same elasticity. "Some of the guys mentioned the first thing they wanted to test out were how the boards reacted, so you saw a couple guys shooting pucks against the boards and seeing what was happening," goalie Tristan Jarry said. "I did a couple times too to make sure."
* Tonight was Jarry's first full game of the preseason, and I thought he looked solid while facing a lot of quality chances against, including a few odd-man rushes. He was in net for three of the goals, as the fourth was an empty-netter, and some of them were just skilled hockey plays. "I thought he made some real good saves at times during the game for us," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "I thought he might have lost his focus on one of those goals. But overall, I thought he made some real good saves."
* Sullivan wasn't as pleased with the play of the guys in front of Jarry. "I thought at times, we were competing hard. Didn't like the second period at all. I thought the second period, we got outcompeted and we talked about that in between periods. That's the one thing that we can control out there. It starts with puck battles and wall play and just being more determined than the guy you're playing against. I thought the second period we got outcompeted. I thought the first period we had a pretty strong period. In the third period I thought we played pretty well."
* Pittsburgh's lone goal of the game came off the stick of Scott Wilson on a heads-up play. A Wings player, who was the last man back, lost his footing while in possession of the puck. Wilson jumped on it and went in alone on Jimmy Howard, beating him five-hole.
* The Pens had another tremendous scoring chance thanks to a phenomenal play from Thomas Di Pauli. Di Pauli got tripped, but managed to reach out and force a turnover while flat on his stomach. He got the puck right to Freddie Tiffels alone in front, who tried to deke but got denied. If they could have finished off that play, it would have been incredible.
* Greg McKegg continues to impress. He was in and around the net all night making plays. He has so much speed and uses it to be so hard on pucks, and creates a lot for himself and his teammates as a result. At one point he overtook a defender to force a turnover and get the puck to Chad Ruhwedel for a scoring opportunity, and at another point he received a nice pass, gained the zone and started a strong O-zone shift. It feels like McKegg keeps building on every game, and right now, it feels like he's the top contender for that third-line center position.
* Joe Louis Arena was infamous for its bouncy back boards, and the players joked that they made sure to test out the back boards here to make sure they didn't have the same elasticity. "Some of the guys mentioned the first thing they wanted to test out were how the boards reacted, so you saw a couple guys shooting pucks against the boards and seeing what was happening," goalie Tristan Jarry said. "I did a couple times too to make sure."
* Tonight was Jarry's first full game of the preseason, and I thought he looked solid while facing a lot of quality chances against, including a few odd-man rushes. He was in net for three of the goals, as the fourth was an empty-netter, and some of them were just skilled hockey plays. "I thought he made some real good saves at times during the game for us," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "I thought he might have lost his focus on one of those goals. But overall, I thought he made some real good saves."
* Sullivan wasn't as pleased with the play of the guys in front of Jarry. "I thought at times, we were competing hard. Didn't like the second period at all. I thought the second period, we got outcompeted and we talked about that in between periods. That's the one thing that we can control out there. It starts with puck battles and wall play and just being more determined than the guy you're playing against. I thought the second period we got outcompeted. I thought the first period we had a pretty strong period. In the third period I thought we played pretty well."
* Pittsburgh's lone goal of the game came off the stick of Scott Wilson on a heads-up play. A Wings player, who was the last man back, lost his footing while in possession of the puck. Wilson jumped on it and went in alone on Jimmy Howard, beating him five-hole.
* The Pens had another tremendous scoring chance thanks to a phenomenal play from Thomas Di Pauli. Di Pauli got tripped, but managed to reach out and force a turnover while flat on his stomach. He got the puck right to Freddie Tiffels alone in front, who tried to deke but got denied. If they could have finished off that play, it would have been incredible.
* Greg McKegg continues to impress. He was in and around the net all night making plays. He has so much speed and uses it to be so hard on pucks, and creates a lot for himself and his teammates as a result. At one point he overtook a defender to force a turnover and get the puck to Chad Ruhwedel for a scoring opportunity, and at another point he received a nice pass, gained the zone and started a strong O-zone shift. It feels like McKegg keeps building on every game, and right now, it feels like he's the top contender for that third-line center position.
Buffalo Sabres @ Penguins 4-5 - Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Thoughts, musings, and observations from the Penguins' 5-4 win against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena.
* Tonight, we got a look at what could potentially be Pittsburgh's opening-night roster. And of course, the line of Conor Sheary, Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel starred for the Pens. The three of them combined for two goals and eight points, and it's truly impressive to watch how they read and react off each other across the entire length of the ice. I know 'Sid and the Kids' hit a rough patch in the playoffs, with Patric Hornqvist filling in for a stretch, but they seem to have rediscovered what made them the NHL's best line at the end of the 2016-17 regular season.
* Guentzel's goal was a perfect example of their chemistry. After they chipped the puck in the offensive zone, Sheary dug the puck out from along the boards and sent a short, crisp pass to Crosby, who moved into the slot. Guentzel, who had drifted behind the net, recognized the play unfolding and jumped out to the side of the net. Crosby put it right on his stick, and he one timed it without hesitation. It's like these guys have ESPN or something.
* On if that line has elevated their play since last year, Mike Sullivan had this to say: "I thought they were dynamic tonight. They have a certain chemistry, I think, that makes them a real good line. They all think the game at a high level, they have quickness, they have great puck skills and all three of them, they're brave. They play in the battle areas, they're as good a line as I've seen below the goal line and playing in tight space and I think they play that give and go game extremely well. I thought they were dynamic tonight, I'm not sure they were any different than they were in the playoffs or in the past. They've been dynamic for us here since we put them together at the end of last season."
* The chemistry hasn't come back as quick for Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, but it's shown at times. In the third period, Malkin sprung Kessel with a perfect pass, allowing him to split the defensemen, go in and snap a snipe past Chad Johnson. Before that, they had gotten denied on a 2-on-1. The chances are certainly there for those two.
* The Pens may have won by a decent margin, but overall, it wasn't their best effort - and they still have some stuff to work on heading into the season opener on Oct. 4. I think the biggest thing is just tightening up. They were sloppy with both their decision-making and execution, and relied on their elite talents to make up for that in the offensive zone.
* The Pens drew three penalties of their own, and found the back of the net twice. The Pens have the luxury of deploying so much elite talent throughout both units, particularly with Letang and Justin Schultz, who scored along with Malkin.
* Now in the sixth game of the preseason, the number of penalties called has gone way down compared to the first couple. For the most part, the Pens did a good job of staying disciplined, and didn't get called for any slashing penalties or faceoff violations. Carl Hagelin, Carter Rowney, Greg McKegg and Scott Wilson all saw shorthanded time up top.
* Letang made a play in the first period where I think we all thought to ourselves, 'Man, it's so good to have him back.' The Pens turned the puck over in the neutral zone and the Sabres were about to head off on a 2-on-0 or a breakaway, until Letang decided to join the party. He sprinted back and broke up the play, preventing a Grade-A scoring chance.
* Ryan Reaves made his presence felt tonight. First, when he and Evander Kane - who had been in each others' faces all night - finally exchanged blows. And second, when he stood up Zemgus Girgensons and sent the big boy flying to the ice. The fans definitely showed their appreciation for the newest Penguin.
* Guentzel's goal was a perfect example of their chemistry. After they chipped the puck in the offensive zone, Sheary dug the puck out from along the boards and sent a short, crisp pass to Crosby, who moved into the slot. Guentzel, who had drifted behind the net, recognized the play unfolding and jumped out to the side of the net. Crosby put it right on his stick, and he one timed it without hesitation. It's like these guys have ESPN or something.
* On if that line has elevated their play since last year, Mike Sullivan had this to say: "I thought they were dynamic tonight. They have a certain chemistry, I think, that makes them a real good line. They all think the game at a high level, they have quickness, they have great puck skills and all three of them, they're brave. They play in the battle areas, they're as good a line as I've seen below the goal line and playing in tight space and I think they play that give and go game extremely well. I thought they were dynamic tonight, I'm not sure they were any different than they were in the playoffs or in the past. They've been dynamic for us here since we put them together at the end of last season."
* The chemistry hasn't come back as quick for Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, but it's shown at times. In the third period, Malkin sprung Kessel with a perfect pass, allowing him to split the defensemen, go in and snap a snipe past Chad Johnson. Before that, they had gotten denied on a 2-on-1. The chances are certainly there for those two.
* The Pens may have won by a decent margin, but overall, it wasn't their best effort - and they still have some stuff to work on heading into the season opener on Oct. 4. I think the biggest thing is just tightening up. They were sloppy with both their decision-making and execution, and relied on their elite talents to make up for that in the offensive zone.
* The Pens drew three penalties of their own, and found the back of the net twice. The Pens have the luxury of deploying so much elite talent throughout both units, particularly with Letang and Justin Schultz, who scored along with Malkin.
* Now in the sixth game of the preseason, the number of penalties called has gone way down compared to the first couple. For the most part, the Pens did a good job of staying disciplined, and didn't get called for any slashing penalties or faceoff violations. Carl Hagelin, Carter Rowney, Greg McKegg and Scott Wilson all saw shorthanded time up top.
* Letang made a play in the first period where I think we all thought to ourselves, 'Man, it's so good to have him back.' The Pens turned the puck over in the neutral zone and the Sabres were about to head off on a 2-on-0 or a breakaway, until Letang decided to join the party. He sprinted back and broke up the play, preventing a Grade-A scoring chance.
* Ryan Reaves made his presence felt tonight. First, when he and Evander Kane - who had been in each others' faces all night - finally exchanged blows. And second, when he stood up Zemgus Girgensons and sent the big boy flying to the ice. The fans definitely showed their appreciation for the newest Penguin.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Penguins 0-3 - Saturday, September 30, 2017
Thoughts, musings and observations from the Pens' 3-0 loss against Columbus at PPG Paints Arena in the Free Game for Kids.
* The Pens and Blue Jackets both concluded their respective preseason campaigns against each other. It was the perfect final tune-up before the regular season as both squads dressed what could likely be their opening-day lineups.
Despite that, the game still definitely had a preseason feel to it, lacking some intensity, especially the type that we expect from these two rivals. It wasn't a pretty game for Pittsburgh, but probably more importantly they it escaped the preseason without any injuries.
In my book, the biggest victory of any preseason calendar is getting in some work and getting out injury free.
* Pens goalie Matt Murray was criticized last year for his glove hand. He was certainly flashing the leather against the Blue Jackets, and sometimes in demonstrative fashion. If there are any lingering questions about his glovehand, Murray made sure to put them to rest.
* Though the Pens couldn't muster a goal on the board, it wasn't like they had a lack of chances. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky showed why he was last year's Vezina Trophy recipient, his second such piece of hardware.
Bobrovsky stopped everything the Pens threw his way, including a pair of spectacular stops on forward Jake Guentzel. On the first he reached back with an outstretched pad to deny an open net. On the second, Bobrovsky stoned Guentzel in the slot from point blank.
Pittsburgh generated its chances. But the guy between the pipes was just too good.
* Any time a goalie pitches a shutout, it's due to a lot of skill and a little luck. That was also the case tonight for Bobrovsky. Pens captain Sidney Crosby had two glorious opportunities that mirrored each other. On both occasions, Crosby carried down the far side and snapped off a shot that clanked off the post. Final post count for Crosby was: 2.
* Although most people have penciled in Carter Rowney as the Pens' fourth-line center, don't count out Jay McClement. He's in camp on a tryout, but he's a veteran player and, more importantly, a good penalty killer. Pittsburgh right now is looking for bodies at forward to help the PK. Look no further than McClement.
* Ryan Reaves collided with Brandon Dubinsky in the first period and both players were knocked off of their skates. Reaves got up and added a cross check to Dubinsky. I'm sure those two will get to know each other pretty well over the course of the season.
Despite that, the game still definitely had a preseason feel to it, lacking some intensity, especially the type that we expect from these two rivals. It wasn't a pretty game for Pittsburgh, but probably more importantly they it escaped the preseason without any injuries.
In my book, the biggest victory of any preseason calendar is getting in some work and getting out injury free.
* Pens goalie Matt Murray was criticized last year for his glove hand. He was certainly flashing the leather against the Blue Jackets, and sometimes in demonstrative fashion. If there are any lingering questions about his glovehand, Murray made sure to put them to rest.
* Though the Pens couldn't muster a goal on the board, it wasn't like they had a lack of chances. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky showed why he was last year's Vezina Trophy recipient, his second such piece of hardware.
Bobrovsky stopped everything the Pens threw his way, including a pair of spectacular stops on forward Jake Guentzel. On the first he reached back with an outstretched pad to deny an open net. On the second, Bobrovsky stoned Guentzel in the slot from point blank.
Pittsburgh generated its chances. But the guy between the pipes was just too good.
* Any time a goalie pitches a shutout, it's due to a lot of skill and a little luck. That was also the case tonight for Bobrovsky. Pens captain Sidney Crosby had two glorious opportunities that mirrored each other. On both occasions, Crosby carried down the far side and snapped off a shot that clanked off the post. Final post count for Crosby was: 2.
* Although most people have penciled in Carter Rowney as the Pens' fourth-line center, don't count out Jay McClement. He's in camp on a tryout, but he's a veteran player and, more importantly, a good penalty killer. Pittsburgh right now is looking for bodies at forward to help the PK. Look no further than McClement.
* Ryan Reaves collided with Brandon Dubinsky in the first period and both players were knocked off of their skates. Reaves got up and added a cross check to Dubinsky. I'm sure those two will get to know each other pretty well over the course of the season.
The Penguins have released forward Jay McClement from his professional tryout contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Jim Rutherford.The Penguins have 24 players remaining on their training camp roster (14 forwards; 8 defensemen; 2 goalies).
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