The Penguins have strung together 4 game winning streaks a couple of times already this season but none of them have been as impressive as this one. The Penguins have not only been winning, but dominating there opponents. This was never as noticeable as it was in the Rangers game when the Penguins out shot the Rangers 55 to 16. Not only have the Penguins looked great since the Olympic break, but they have now passed the Devils for first place in the division.
So why have to Penguins looked so good since the break? There are two reasons that answer this question, first the Penguins wingers and depth players have been chipping in goals and playing a physical game, second Shero found Malkin the winger he needs in the Poni express. If the Penguins are able to resign Poni after this season, it will go down as the best deal Shero has made since taking over as GM for the Penguins.
On a side note, how many games do you think Cooke will be suspended for the cheap shot he gave Savard? My guess is 8 games considering he is a repeat offender, if his suspension is that long it could really hurt the Penguins down the stretch.
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Losing Cooke does suck (my guess is 6 games), but we'll have enough forwards to cover his absence, provided Guerin's ready to go on Thursday. Just have Talbot fill-in for Cooke on the third, and roll 'em with confidence. Bylsma's probably happy he doesn't have to make a 'healthy scratch' decision :)
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna disagree a tad with the 'dominance' thing. I'm not taking away the fact that we looked good, but we had to comeback in 2 of the 4 games since the break (both two goal deficits). MAF/defensive breakdowns were mostly at fault, and the fact we still came back to win is a very good sign. But I'm not sure it's 'dominant'. When we're putting teams away 6-1 on a regular basis, then I'll throw the 'D' word around. Til then, I'll say we're "lookin' good"
And good God, what the hell happened to the Devils. Not that I'm complaining, but yeesh, no points on an Alberta swing, with a shutout against the woeful Oil. That's pretty awful.
I meant to say the Devils were shutout by the Oilers...what I said may have been confusing. AND they gave up 5 goals against the pop-gun offense of the Flames. Tough times in Jersey at the moment.
ReplyDeleteYea our defense is still suspect, but when you look at the way we are out shooting teams right now you have to be happy. And giving up the 4 goals in the Rangers game was 100% MAF's fault, he only saw like 12 shots. The fact that MAF hasn't played well recently doesn't worry me, we was unbelievable in the playoffs last year and he carried the Penguins earlier this season. Which tells me hes just in a little funk right now. by the time the playoffs start he will be back to form.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm definitely happy. You'll get no complaints out of me in regards to our recent play, outside of MAF playing..iffy. But I can't really fault him. He had three weeks off, and (from what I heard) really didn't even get on the ice to practice with the Olympic team. Not sure I believe that, but still, three weeks with no significant hockey play will leave anyone rusty. I agree with you, his play doesn't worry me at all, this is just what MAF does. I have no doubt he'll show up ready to roll come playoff time.
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