What's Wrong?

The question around Pittsburgh and in hockey circles being asked most these days is: "What's wrong with the Penguins?"  Down three zip to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the playoffs, and worse, being outscored 20-12, losing two games buy more than three goals.  One answer is so simple, I'm not sure why Penguin's fans have not noticed it.

They are playing ghosts.

Ghosts of Penguin past.  The early 90's teams, where you score 7 or 8 goals on the rush, knowing you can stop your opponent from scoring 6.  The Flyers have a talented Claude Girouix leading the way with a very good cast around him.  One of the highest scoring teams all year, they do not depend on one player or one line.  They roll three very good lines that can score at will, usually after a turnover or a missed shot 200 feet away.

But, it's not exactly like the old Penguins, as scoring isn't all they do.  They are still the Broadstreet Bulies.   Leading the league in penalties, 472, and penalty minutes, 1318.  A rare mix of toughness and scoring.  Dirty play?  Sure.  It wouldn't be Philadelphia.  

But this team has learned how to make it work, even with two goalies who have not had the best years, though they have played well down the stretch.   Able to kill off all those penalties, score the occasional short-handed goal, and score more than your opponent is what makes these Flyers click.

I thought only one team had the best chance to beat the Penguins.  It is sad that of these two teams, one will be going home early.

Time Heals All

A few years ago, I started writing this blog.  It was a endevour to put into words my thoughts and feelings about hockey and my team, the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Due to certain circumstances, I was unable to continue.  Since then, the Penguins have won another Stanley Cup and have become one of the most popular and yet most hated team on ice. 
I have decided to try and restart this blog with my usual insight and humor that only a crazy old man like me could have. Once a week I hope to update this with news, facts, and commentary hoping to bring a new, interesting point of view.
I hope to keep you reading.
Thanks.

At the Break (Not the Leg Kind)

The “official” midway break in the season is here and it’s time to look at what has happened to the Pittsburgh Penguins and what needs to happen. First a look at where the Pens stand in the league. With a home record of 11-11-2 and 12-10-2 away from the Mellon Arena, they sit at slightly above .500, just barely average. And that sums up how they have played. Average.
Out of the playoff picture in tenth place, it is way too easy to blame their lack of success to the injuries they have had to key players. There were fewer emergency runs to M.A.S.H’s medical tent during its total time on the air than what the Penguins have had to endure. But, that happens every season and although it is a factor, there a few more that can be controlled. Such as the special teams’ play. With the talent that is on the ice, a 22nd ranking and a 16.7% conversion rate on the PP is asinine. Combine that with a 23rd ranking on the PK, you can see why it is called “special”.
The other big factor is the goaltending which went from near the tops in the league to slightly better than having a kid with a stick in goal. Again, the talent here suggests the goalies should be able to steal a game or two. Marc-Andre Fleury has just begun to look like his pre-injury self so that good news may help in the second half. Mathieu Garon, a proven veteran backup, could help push Fleury to being a steadier player.
And now the injuries. With key players having the time to rest and recuperate, the second half should be more of what the Penguins thought the whole season would be like. Gonchar and Whitney on the points, Crosby, Malkin and Stall passing and shooting like they know how to. Yes, shooting. It’s become a dirty word again in the Steel City. Shooting is where the puck leaves a player’s stick and has a chance to hit the 4’ X 6’ area between the bright red pipes that are at either end of the ice, just a refresher course in case any Penguins read this. (And it’s NOT the shooting done by the former VP, better aim and away from friends is required.)
So, will Pittsburgh be in the playoffs at years’ end? Probably. Too much has gone wrong for it to continue the same way the rest of the year. They may not win the conference or the division, but they may be able to make some noise and play two or more series in the post season.