The Penguin Report #7:  By Fractalsteel

Penguins/Sabres 11-15


Marc-Andre Fleury is 3 and 1 after being pulled. I don't believe that Therrien sat the 'Flower' down as motivation for his young goaltender. More likely Fleury needed a seat on the bench to sort things out. The dude has been huge all year, he is allowed a bad period or game from time to time.
Old Jerseys were brought out.

I like watching Buffalo because of Ryan Miller, the Sabre's goaltender. The guy is nothing spectacular physically. He is a technique guy with incredible focus.

The Pens with first chance on a blazing take off by Sidney Crosby, who broke to the goal and left it for Satan, who couldn't get the shot off.  Captain Crosby took control of the puck again, fed it to the point but no shot was taken. The shift ended unceremoniously.  The Malkin line was next but that was short circuited when Sykora got hurt, killing any chance. During the change to get the second line off the Birdies were a bit confused and that led to decent chances for the Sabres. Buffalo kept the puck in the offensive zone for the entire shift, throwing shot after shot from varying angles on goal. Pin ball style.  Finally the Pens got another Malkin makeshift line on and Geno took the puck behind the Buffalo goal and tried to shoot off Miller. Good idea, never understood why more players don't try that ploy. Gretzky and Lemeiux were masters of it.

Six minutes into the first period and all we had was one whistle for icing. The action was back and forth, but Buffalo had the better jump. The Penguins were a bit off and it showed.  Therrien with a strange line out there a minute later. The Penguin coach put Dupius/Zigomanis/Satan together on a line. Right there you have a little bit of everything, speed, grit, and offensive flash. That said, they did nothing spectacular.

Buffalo gained the offensive zone along the boards and fed the puck across ice to the other point. Sekera shot on goal and the rebound found Pominville's stick and he flipped it in. Good goal by the Sabres who got the goal with some nifty quick work in the Pens zone.  Pens kill another Sabres power play and clamp onto the puck in their own end only to see not one but two Birdies skate by the puck leaving it exposed. Buffalo jumped on the loose puck and got a shot off. The play was almost comical, and the offering brought a good shot on goal. The Penguins were lucky they weren't down two. Orpik crushed someone along the boards drawing time for himself in the penalty box.

Afinogenov almost doubled the lead for Buffalo on the power play, jumping on a rebound, but Fleury was better. Tyler Kennedy came down later as the period was coming to an end and put a really nice shot on Miller. He tried to go top shelf on Miller but was denied. I am glad to see Kennedy shooting more, since his shot is more accurate as the season extends.

The period ended with Buffalo the stronger team and Fleury with a back door save that was outstanding.

Note: Malkin won 2 face offs in the period and at that point he had won 12 of the last 13 face offs he had taken in the offensive zone.


2nd period

The Pens had a carryover power play and one good chance transpired. Malkin got the puck to Talbot who struggled with it and just couldn't get a shot off. Max was worried about where he was on the ice, when he really should have just pushed it to the goal.  Fleury was called a minute later for a ticky tack slash. A Sabre was skating by and got right on MAF, and Fleury nipped him with the butt end of his stick. It was more a love tap and not a Ron Hextall type hatchet job. Bad call! Vanek could be seen crying on the bench following the goalie transgression.

The Pens got the first shot on the penalty when Staal and Zigomanis broke free and Staal fired from the circle. Easy save for miller, as his team mates looked sloppy and disorganized on the advantage.  Talbot and Dupuis, working short handed( I like them together on the penalty kill) saw Talbot lead Dupuis just a bit too much, thus the short handed attempt faded away. The kill was the important matter. The work by the short handed Pens was so good that Buffalo iced the puck with the extra man.

Malkin with a steal next to the boards, and walked in just missed as Miller got a stick on it. The Euro line(26,71,17) kept puck possession and got another shot on Miller. The Pens had come out of their funk and had tested the Buffalo net minder several times.

Immediately the Sabres were on a very fast rush and Fleury made the save look easy even though it wasn't.
The top line got a shot off and Miller gloved it along the ice and the whistle blew even though the puck squirted free at the whistle. Crosby shot it into the net, a no no.  Then a really bad call against Cooke and the Pens.  Rivet brought his stick down on Cooke's stick breaking it but the official saw it another way. Video replay embarrassed the Official.

Malkin had a brief chance on a breakaway , as he threw the puck past the defense man then tried to jet by but the defense man read the play and caught the pass and fed it the other way. You see Malkin and Crosby trying to the chip the puck up ice then go by the defender. Both are very good at it.  A Penguin power play was in order though the Pens didn't get a chance to get the extra man on because the official blew the whistle before Buffalo took control of the puck. WHY?  Malkin shot from the center point and scored . A very good feed from goligoski to #71.

13 straight games with a point for Malkin.

Buffalo came right back and got a shot and it was stopped and held by Fluery which was good because Hess for the Sabres was open in front of the net. Orpik was the only one on the other side of the net.
The Pens fourth line followed that with a nice cycle and Satan came down the slot looking for the puck and almost had a wide open net. If Satan could have gathered that puck he had a third of the net to work with as Miller was slow getting back into position.

Talbot took a puck to the face and had a cut under his left eye. The Penguins corner man did a nice job controlling the bleeding and Max was back on the ice minutes later.  The Pens were surging after the power play goal and Kennedy broke across the goal about fifteen feet out and got off a back hand that hit the bar. Miller had no idea of the shot.  The Sabres took another penalty and the Penguins did little on it. The Birdies took most of the 2 minutes and used it trying to setup the power play.

Kennedy was called for hooking and the Sabres had a chance to make something of the period. Vanek took a great setup from across the goal and buried it. Very nice play and Scuderi just missed on lifting Vaneks stick.
The Pens got a power play opportunity at the end of the period and the only shot, by Sykora, was stopped by Miller.


3rd Period

Pens still on the power play at the start of the final period. Not much happened as the Pens were basically sloppy and disorganized on the advantage.  It was a full two minutes in before Buffalo got possession of the puck in the Pens end. Buffalo didn't look like they wanted to press the issue. They were dumping the puck trying for quick changes. The Sabres also cranked up the trap hoping to confuse and cause the Pens to become impatient. I don't understand why some teams just go conservative against the Pens, who can score goals in bunches. Gotta keep attacking them, forcing mistakes.  A few minutes later and some lazy work by the Sabres , and Malkin took advantage when he pushed the puck out to an open Godard who got off a good shot.


Buffalo was taking very short shifts at this point.  Buffalo broke out on a rare rush and Vanek put a long pass out for Pominville who just pushed it wide. Cooke destroyed Spacek behind the Sabres goal a moment later.

Malkin and Crosby were out on the ice with Talbot as Therrien mixed the lines looking for a spark. Bang, bang, Malkin from the wall found Crosby behind the goal and the Penguin captain found Fedotenko alone and a good shot was taken.  Satan drew a tripping call and the Pens were on the power play.  Goligoski was free lancing on the power play leaving Satan on the point from time to time with Malkin. Another missed call from the officials when Staal was speared. The Pens should have been on a 5 on 3 advantage. Goligoski tied the game when Crosby made the perfect pass across the ice and Go go buried it on the back side. Goligoski gathered himself and took the foot wide opening and tucked the puck against the post for a very nice score.

Buffalo started to think offense with seven minutes to go. Some action in the Sabres end, then Roy took a chip up ice and had a slight breakaway against Fleury who choked off the only angle Roy had and made the save.  Alertly, Fleury kept his body on the post because Roy got the puck back and tried to shoot it off the Pens goalie.  Crosby with a backhander that missed and Buffalo got the zone and two shots on Fleury.

The third line gave the Pens the lead with Cooke feeding red hot Jordan Staal and the lanky center man beat Miller. Therrien kept the third line out on the ice and Staal got off another good shot. Miller stopped it but the Pens were ready to feed.  The roof came off as the European line scored. Malkin looked off the defense as he kept his eyes on the first Penguin(sykora) coming towards the goal and the defense read it, but Malkin was waiting for Fedotenko to come open. Fedotenko beat Miller and the Pens were up two.

The Sabres were desperate and it was a bit too late.  Vanek to a Pominville and the tip was on goal but Fleury made the save at a very crucial time.  Miller was pulled. Malkin took the puck and fed a blind pass to his team mate Staal who finished the contest off with the empty netter.

Buffalo complained later that they gave the game to the Pens the last seven or eight minutes. Whoa... they went into the tank much earlier and the Pens just kept coming securing the two points. Chasing Miller doesn't happen often.

There is no write up for the Minnesota Wild game nor the Atlanta Thrashers game. Sorry, but my DVR never engaged for the Wild game and I was too busy watching the Steelers game on Thursday evening(DVR still broken).
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A Penguin breakdown- one persons opinion. A Fussing if you will.

I will offer a breakdown of the season to this point.

The Penguins are off to one of the best starts in franchise history. Considering that the past two seasons they got off to less than stellar starts this should be encouraging. When the season started the Pens were without the services of Gonchar and Whitney, two defense man that comprise the core of the blue line. Throw in the defection of Hossa and the loss of Roberts, Malone and Conklin and the off season became contentious.

The front office came up with two acquisitions in the free agency market. Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan. Neither were the caliber of Hossa, but they weren't dogs either. The question was, could they play next to both franchise players and produce? If they didn't jell with the top centers then the Penguins would suffer.

All was not bleak, the team still had Malkin, Crosby, Staal and Fleury and several other younger players that comprised a core that was equal if not superior to most teams in the NHL.

So where are the Birdies right now? Right where they need to be. Close to the top of the conference, relatively healthy and Whitney is practicing. Gonchar will be back by spring and Fleury is on the shelf for another week.

Consider this, Crosby is coming on and Malkin is on a pace to exceed his runner up MVP season from last year. Also, Staal has found the scoring touch that went absent last season. Couple that with Talbot improving, Kennedy turning into a very good two way player and the offense should be solid.

The defense has been the big surprise. Orpik still crushes anything that moves while still being quite mobile. Gill is still solid on the penalty kill, Scuderi is serviceable and Eaton is recovering from injury. What should have Penguin fans excited are the young blue liners Letang and Goligoski. Both are offensive defense men but neither is a hack when defense is called upon. Letang is progressing and shows flashes of being an outstanding player. He is strong for a smaller man, skates well and anticipates the play before it happens. Goligoski has many of those traits but his upside is so huge that in a few seasons he could be an all star. When Gonchar and Whitney return the Penguins will scratch a good defenseman. That fans, is a good problem.

OK, on the downside the Birdies have blown leads on several occasions. That should be troublesome,but a look around the league shows that teams are giving up multiple goal leads on most nights. The league made some rule changes and the consensus is that the changes have lead to no advantage being safe. It is agonizing watching your team surrender large leads but it will ultimately make the NHL more exciting. The Pens still miss that physical presence in front of the opponents net. The only way to rectify that would be at the trading deadline. Lastly the power play is good at home for long bits then it goes into a funk. On the road the penalty kill is solid for stretches but the power play has been retched for the most part.

Crosby and Malkin aren't scoring goals at the pace they have in the past, yet others have stepped up in that regard. Satan has been scoring at a nice pace and Fedotenko has chipped in with a few timely goals. Talbot has shown he is capable of contributing on a line with world class talent and Kennedy's game has really taken a big step forward. The third and fourth lines have been good as well. Cooke provides instant energy and Godard protects his team mates backs. The player that was brought in that has been the biggest impact is Zigomanis. An after thought by most when acquired, the center man has been more then solid. His face off prowess, tenacity on the penalty kill and now a scoring touch have made him a valuable member on this team. Zigomanis is also working with Malkin on his face offs. It has shown the past few weeks, as Malkin has improved dramatically in the circle.

I'm not forgetting coaching. Therrien is not afraid to rankle the lines, prior to the game or mid game. His imagination in this matter is often very interesting and the results, so far, have spoken well of his machinations.

The Penguins most valuable player to this point has been Marc-Andre Fleury. Until he got hurt, Fleury was easily the most consistent player on the team. Toss in several performances where he was beyond outstanding and you see why he is an MVP candidate. MAF's numbers don't lie as well.
8-3 record, 2.86 Goals against average and a very respectful .907 Save percentage.
Luckily for the franchise, Fleury's backup, Dany Sabourin has been equally stout, with numbers that exceed what Fleury has done.

Marc-Andre Fleury, has improved his game in the last year to the point that he is a easily a top ten goalie. With more experience and further improvement he will shortly be top five. The NHL draft class of 2003 is one of the best in league history and MAF topped that class. NO doubts that the Pens chose the right guy that year.

Captain Crosby- the young stud is not having his best statistical season, nor has he taken over games like in the past. Cause for worry? No way, he is still operating at a very high level. We all know he is bound for a streak where he does things that make us shake our heads in wonderment. I think Sidney has been fighting injuries most of the season. Has the Kid reached his plateau?

Malkin- the other part of the franchise equation. Malkin is on pace to exceed his point total from last year, something he has done each year in the league. Malkin has worked on his defense and face offs and it shows. Now consistency is the next big hurdle for the center man to work on. Has anyone else noticed when Therrien pairs Crosby and Malkin together, that Malkin seems to be running things on the ice? I have casually taken notice of this and will scrutinize it more as the two work together. Not bad when the league's scoring leader is second fiddle.

Jordan Staal- is what we have seen from him the past few weeks the real Staal? I would venture yes, last year being an aberration. We focus on his scoring too much considering all the other things he does so well. To date this season, he is the only Penguin to take a game over and render the other team helpless. If that continues, the time from time domination, then the rest of the league is in trouble. Speculation has centered on if the Pens can keep him. I think they must find a way to. He might be our most versatile player, and on the verge of stardom.

Maxime Talbot- warrior, leader, comic, and the guts of the team. I can't imagine the Penguins without him. In many ways he is the spirit of the team. Another player that has improved each year in the league. Max, you are the man!

Brooks Orpik- willing to hit anything, anytime. Add skill and some jets and you have a defense man that is beyond reliable. Orpik has not come close to playing his best hockey this season. He has been prone to lapses in his own end but to date none of those gaffes have cost the Pens a game. He is jumping up more in the offensive end(at least to me) and in the past that brought reserved thought. Now I expect it from him and the results are for the most part, very good.

Hal Gill- the big guy shows up every night and now is a leader off the ice for the Pens. He remains calm in the face of uncertainty and strife.

Rob Scuderi- give the guy his dues for all the blocked shots, but seeing him trying to get the puck on net when in the offensive zone is painful. His lack of wheels hasn't really cost the Pens this season so keep those fingers crossed.

Mark Eaton- incomplete since he is still working back from injury and has been a popular scratch recently.

Christopher Letang- still a kid but his game is rounding up and continued progress and improvement will make him an integral part of the team for years. Letang has a big heart and rarely quits when the situation drips with adversity. I would like to see him shoot more. Plays bigger then his frame.

Alex Goligoski- the upside for this guy is huge, maybe as big as any member of the Penguins. Go Go is an offensive defenseman first, second and third . Goligoski has a stunner of a slap shot, that gets on net quickly and accurately. I foresee him as the eventual replacement to Gonchar. When his 'defensive' part of the game catches up with the other aspects he brings to the ice, you will have a complete player.

Pascal Dupius- the Penguins utility guy. Put him on the top line or have him muck it up on the fourth line, he comes through. A very good penalty killer and a good accurate shot. He lacks strength at times in space with bigger opponents. The residual from the Hossa trade, he still is a quality piece to the team.

Petr Sykora- Malkin's side kick. He is best suited with the Pens second center man. Very good shot, a slick player who can kill penalties as well. Has a bit of a dirty streak that comes out when agitated. Player capable of getting hot and going on a goal scoring streak.

Eric Godard- not a bumbling hack as some would characterize him. He has some skill and a burst on occasion. His value to the team is toughness and fighting. So far he has taken apart some guys that were considerably bigger then him. Not the fighter that Laraque is, but he has good technique and an understanding of boxing. Put a few guys on nap duty so far this season.

Miroslav Satan- somewhat of a pleasant surprise. Leading goal scorer on the team that is in the right place at the right time. Figures on the power play with his skilled hands around the net. Still takes shifts off defensively, especially in his own end. See Datsyku's goal earlier several weeks ago. Satan had a chance to make a play on it but he was cheating up ice looking for a cheapie. Might score 40 goals for the Penguins this season.

Ruslan Fedotenko- up and down player. Takes a stupid penalty one moment then is a force on the defensive side a shift later. I was hoping for more scoring from him. To be fair, he has been juggled on all the lines and maybe he hasn't developed any chemistry with his teammates.

Matt Cooke- love his energy and he has been a solid player for the Penguins. He seems much more comfortable now then at the beginning of the season. Crunches guys at a regular rate and has skill to setup his fellow line mates. Third or fourth line, matters not, he brings it every shift.

The last two Penguins are in the Max Talbot category:

Michael Zigomanis- probably the best pickup this year by the front office. He is a master on face offs, has enough skill to play on any line and is a very good penalty killer. Under his tutelage, Malkin has improved on face offs. Zig Zag should be locked up by the FO for the next couple of years.

Tyler Kennedy- madman on the ice. This guy will do anything for the team cause. He might be the most improved player on the team from last season. Fan favorite, TK needs to improve his shooting accuracy. When he hits the net more often goals will be the result.

It is hard to complain about what the Penguins have accomplished so far. The good start is unusual considering the past two seasons. Lets hope that they finish as strong as they did a year ago. This team can win a championship and certainly they can compete with any team in the NHL. The core of this team is still so young, the future is so bright!

All of you have a great holiday. If travel is called for, do so safely and if it gets strange, hope for good strange.