Penguins/NHL
Game 3 Pre-Game Buzz
The NHL got the Brooks Orpik hit right with a three game suspension. They only reason they got it right, though, is because Olli Maatta’s injured.
If Maatta would have been fine and returned to the game, there’s no question Brooks Orpik would be in the lineup tonight for Game 3.
That’s what needs to change for the NHL to really take a step in the right direction. Injured or not, all head shots need to be ruled the same way. The NHL deserves some applause for taking action here but until action also happens when deliberate head shots happen for players who weren’t injured, nothing is really going to change.
Orlov or Weber?
Many will be watching which direction the Capitals go in replacing Orpik tonight.
Do they go with the quicker more skilled defenseman in Dmitry Orlov or Mike Weber who can add a physical element, penalty kill presence?
While the Penguins have torched Orlov this season, the easy call for the Capitals should still be Orlov and based off their morning skate, it appears Orlov will be in.
Weber being able to handle the Penguins speed would be quite the daunting task.
Washington went 30-6-4 without Orpik during the regular season.
Nate Schmidt who has also struggled mightily against the Penguins this season, played over 500 minutes with John Carlson this season and is the likely player to move into the top-4 with Orpik out.
During the regular season, when Schmidt – Carlson were on the ice together, the Capitals allowed 1.87 Goals Against/60. Orpik – Carlson together, Capitals allowed 2.21 Goals Against/60.
Orpik – Carlson have been on the ice together for 3 goals against vs the Penguins, Orpik individually on for 4 of the 5 goals against.
Still, Orpik’s going to be a loss for Washington.
Penguins ‘D’ Situation
Olli Maatta is, as expected, officially out of the lineup tonight. Mike Sullivan didn’t rule out him for the rest of Round 2.
The Penguins plan to play Brian Dumoulin and Trevor Daley with Kris Letang, though, the pairings figure to settle as Daley – Letang, Dumoulin – Lovejoy in the top-4.
Sullivan played coy on Sunday on which defenseman goes into the lineup for Maatta.
“We have a couple of guys that are with us right now that are good players that have helped us win,” Sullivan said. “The coaching staff is going to decide which guy we put in there that we think is the best to help us win.”
Monday’s morning skate pointed to Derrick Pouliot likely getting the nod over Schultz as Schultz stayed out late with the scratches.
Sullivan, though, has played some mind games with his morning skates during the post-season. He called his lineup a game-time decision moments ago, while saying he’s been pleased with how Pouliot’s progressing.
Guess that means Pouliot’s attention to details off the ice have improved to the coaches liking.
Pouliot played most this season with Ben Lovejoy, north of 145 minutes with the Penguins driving possession on 47% of their shot attempts when the two were paired together, Pittsburgh allowing 1.62 goals against/60.
Pouliot and Ian Cole were together this season for close to 90 minutes with the Penguins driving possession on 60% of their shot attempts, allowing just 0.69 goals against/60.
Latest Goaltending Buzz
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Not that it’s time to even really think about it, but fleury could have potentially played his last game as a penguin. Just kind of crazy to think about.
Love reading SAMs comments during the game… So Letang makes a stupid selfish play that could earn him a game off and then OV takes over and nearly steals the game. Classic
Id increase pouliots mins over shultz if letang is out
It’s funny everyone was calling Shultz “Letang insurance” today, because that’s probably going to be the case now
Not a great game by any means from the pens, but win is all that matters. Good chance they play better next game
Craig button just broke it down letang didnt leave his feet or throw shoulder/elbow. Hopefully nothing
He’s getting one game. If for no other reason Orpik got suspended. That’s how this goofy league works.
What’s Letamgs suspension history? That played a role in Orpiks time off
I don’t remember him ever being suspended. I could be wrong though. I know Orpik got 3 games, but letangs hit wasnt nearly as bad. Hopefully he gets the same thing Wilson got. I could see that happening. I actually thought that hit was worse.
Didn’t he get a warning already from the league for knocking Stalberg’s teeth out with his stick?
Ovechkin > Crosby …….by a LOT
Troll or idiot? The question that everyone asks when they see your comments.
This game it was accurate… Ovie nearly stole the game. Sid hasn’t shown that yet
Or he’s dead on for once.
Sid traded yet Sam?
Please no suspension for Letang so I can watch internet fanboys meltdown.
I’d be more concerned about stopping Ovechkin
Can’t wait to read Dejan’s press release about how tough the pens are. They are getting worn down. Caps style is working.
They played the whole game with 10 forwards, so yea theyre tired. Hopefully they get Rust and Crosby back next game.
Yeah and malkin was on the ice for last 5 mins of the game. Also I Barely saw him in the game and I am sure some would agree with
What?
Concentrat on the correct things here Sam. Sid has missed three games. Not 5 minutes.
Playoff time. Crosby is out for year
How are the pens ever going to win without fleury.
Murray is more ready than a lot thought.. He’s 21… I mean he’s no Zatkoff but he’s far more mature than expected. Legitamitely if you honest thought he would look like this then I can honestly point out an incredible liar
Not my point. Pens can win without fleury. In fact, put fleury in net now and I guarantee they lose.
Matt F’ing Murray!
Is it possible to win a game and lose momentum in a series. Think the pens just did it.
SOMEBODY ELSE TAKE A FN FACEOFF
Chubby is pens new enforcer
hahaha, now you get it
Hilarious watching pens bounce off ovi.
Murray is now the official Pens front runner for any Conn Smythe if they go that far
Low bar
You almost jinxed us.
Haven’t seen kessel in awhile. Hurt?
He set up the third goal. I’ll worry when he misses three straight games like 87
No just got contaged what malkin has
Contaged!
If this series goes 7 Pens are screwed. There’s going to be nothing left of them.
Vancouver traded us Bonino for Sutter, that is all.
Cullen is pens best center. Bonino close second. Nobody else even close
Difference between pens ,this year and pens in DB era this team actually has a 3rd and 4th line. Back then .when you shut geno and sid. Series would’ve been over now you have depth and that’s something Pea brain Stan and npl don’t know about
I hope Sid dresses best game. Missing three games is rough.
Wasnt Sutter the 3rd center?
https://media.giphy.com/media/uq6ILNBI6g3As/giphy.gif
Pens look worn down
Put in Zak !
Well, there goes my theory that Crosby AND Ovechkin are invisible. One remains.
#NotACanadian.
Chimera looks like every other dude on your beer league softball team.
Holy fuck is Pouliot bad. Worse than Crosby
Not by much. But he is.
Must be playing bc he’s a LH shot
Who Crosby?
This team would be unstoppable if they had Tyler Bozak.
I haven’t heard Sam bitch about “gayjoy” much. Or tell me how great Despres was with his 0 points and -5 in 7 games….
If the Penguins can overcome Crosby they might be able to hang onto this win.
Youre just begging for a thumbs down arent you?
Thumbs down discourages people from posting.
I could be wrong, but i think some people on here play favorites…
He doesn’t need to beg for a thumbs down you or stan gives it anyways
DePaoli already has a “Letang suspended” headline up. Classic. Slow down.
He’s getting a minimum 1 match ban.
Crosby is unwatchable.
I dont see him on my TV either.
But to be fair, outside of a few charges Ovechkin could have been called for, hes been rather invisible as well.
I’very been critical of Murray at times during these playoffs but this is what excellent goaltending actually looks like, he isn’t overreacting to pucks that are outside the goal frame, he’s tracking the puck very well and his rebound control is much improved from the 1st 2 games.
Pens will never win without fleury. He’s their best player.
Hopefully Murray can continue playing this strong for next next 20 mins and then another 2 matches to close the caps out.
Glad you noticed when same said Murray will be next price. # Samknew
This Is the period letang needs protection but roster is full of American frauds
he needs protection! He’ll have it for a game or two while he’s in the press box because he’s a French retard
Typical frenchy. Expecting American muscle to protect French vaglnas.
What do the Pens do when Sid is ready to come back? Do they stick him back with his regular linemates or work him in slowly to try not to affect chemistry?
That’s a great question.
Chubby traded yet Sam? You fucking fool. Literally everything you say makes you look dumber.
http://imoviequotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/201-Dumb-and-Dumber-quotes.gif
Hagelin. #NotACanadian
Hes no Sutter, but hes pretty good.
Anyone notice how Geno had 3 Caps follow him when he had the puck, and then he found the wide open Kunitz? Crazy.
Is the leagues most expensive 3rd line center dressed for this game?
Do you read before you thumbs down, or do you just get hot dog rage and just thumbs down everything you see?
He thumbs down as long is not npl people get thumbs down by him and from npl
So NPL and Stan thumbs down each other?
Sid just whiffed on another one #boxscore
Dont say that you get thumbs down from sam maloni hot dog garble garble
ZeroFool any chance you watched Don cherry on ovechkin in the 1st intermission
Don Cherry isnt dead?
You mean the man that just about singlehandedly stole the game? No I missed that… What did he say about the performance of one of the best goal scorers in the game waking up and taking over?
Sid has been terrible. And thats not a joke. Awful.
You only read the box score!!!!!!
The Pens cannot afford losing Letang for even one game. Their not playing smart collectively.
Another frog with a $.02 brain. They’re a dime a dozen.
NHL has to suspend him 1 or 2 games. Its fucked up if they don’t.
Don’t say that you might get a thumbs down from npl or stan
This is what happens when you sign dumb FROGS to contracts.
Wow out of everybody Michelin tire kessel to letang’s rescue. When Orpig hit maatta no pens wen after Orpig now caps have a target on letang and no one to defend I guess letang will fight his own battle thanks to the sisi lineup
Nice dumb play by your French lover Sam
Letang, you dumbfuck
There goes Sam. Giving thumbs down again. Hell bitch about others later.
Yoda trade holtby 2 goals on 4 shots so far
Mooseknuckl. #NotACanadian
Can pens go 5 game 3’s in a row with a win vs the caps? 16-5 the goals
Sam, you’re killing it with stats. I almost tough you were Gaydog….but the post was too short.
Ditto. I tough it too
I think scuderi did a good job training letang to be th shut down guy vs OVI what do you think stan? Remember scuderi was the guy to teach and be the shut down guy for ovi?
Scuderi. #America
That’s a big first goal. #NotACanadian
Here’s to hoping Sid can win more than 10% of these handicap face offs he’s forced to take. Per Sam.
I’m predicting Sid shows up tonight
Wrong again
This is FLEURY’s TEAM. Put him in there and put the kid on the bench. He’ll get his chance in 5 years.
I have a feeling caps will find a way to beat Murray tonight an Fleury will be in. Williams an kuznerzov are due to score
Sam, you’re one of the few guys on this board that actually gets it.
Moron
Pouliot over Schultz. That’s interesting.
Really? Schultz is out there warming up.
Stanch, need Sam to explain what’s going on during the game tonight? I know you only read the box score the next day. “Did Crosby score”
Won’t change anything. Talking to npl or Stan about hockey is like talking to a wall
I’d rather talk to a hot dog.
Or to a hot dog water
This is always the best. The guy widely regarded as dumber than a road cone claiming intelligence. The. Best.
I think it’s possible you have no idea what a box score is.
FLEURY!!! FLEURY!!! FLEURY!!! FLEURY!!!
Sucks
He’s the hot goalie, put his ass in there.
Pens have won 4 straight game 3’s vs caps out scoring them 14 to 5
If Bozak is not good enough for the Leafs, he should be out of the league.
Sutter for Bonino was a great trade. Did Sutter even play this year?
in case you havent watched pens playoff hockey last 2 years sutter was the best player for the pens in the playoffs 2 years in a row
Lol best player on a team that was ousted in 5 games. Bonino looks a whole lot better, and hes on a cup contender.
you do also realize bonino has better wingers then sutter had also plays more minutes then sutter
bonino 2nd line while sutter did same work on 3rd line
Your argument for why Sutter is better, is that Bonino plays more minutes on a more skilled team? Tough to argue that point.
I thought sutter had a chance to blow up this year with McDavid. But nope – he just sucks.
McDavid is on the Canucks?
McDavid is a Canuck in the same way that Zatkoff and Ladd Hudler are Panthers.
True that
Ended up being Staal for Bonino, Dumoulin and Pouliot!
It’s so refreshing to know that I don’t have to login in to know exactly where the conversation is, I think I’m switching to a new playoff strategy, if Sam/Yoda are more than 50% of the post, log back off and hope for a better day tomorrow.
Don’t leave out Mrchady coming on here and tough -talking people that he has a 0% chance of ever seeing.
If i ever saw Sam in public, id thumb wrestle him so hard he’d lose before he even attempted to count to 4 and declare a thumb war. Thats how i roll.
the only way you have to roll is roll your self out of public you fat slob
Whammy.
Come on. Sam is the Thumb Master.
I actually find that very entertaining. I’m actually upset he disappeared like a fat in the wind, I was going to post my address for him in case he ever wanted to stop by and chat sports.
Leafs might get rid of Bozak what do you guys think bozak to pittsburgh and play with kessel
So we want to trade Malkin and all he can do at 9.5M because he is too old at 29 and replace him with 30 year old Tyler Bozak who is making like 5+ million and has only even been north of 20 goals once in his career? FFS
did i say trade malkin to toronto ? NO
but if i were to trade malkin i would make sure to get JVR and bozak along with a pick since leafs have 12 this up coming draft and there is a decent balanced 2nd line for you at least bozak can win faceoffs in the offensive zone
but bozak can be a better fit with kessel then malkin was
seems to me the russian doesnt connect with any player other then neal since they both had in common and liked taking dumb penalties in the 3rd periods in the offensive zone
If we traded Malkin, he’d have the same number of points as Crosby has in this series. And would won 2 less faceoffs against Backstrom last game. That’s how good Sid has been.
Stan please do me a favor when you watch Hockey tonight for once
pay attention when sid has the puck how many players are always on to him
and when malkin has the puck
and see also who crosby is againts and who malkin your 3rd liner is againt
see if you can do that if its not too much to ask or if the game is not too fast to follow
Ah – too many guys on him. Well, hell. We should get rid of him then. And get a guy that won’t be defended by as many people. Because the fact that he’s doing nothing is useless.
We pay him $12 million to be completely neutralized! What an asset!
They probably had two guys taking faceoffs against him too. But obviously i missed it – because I don’t “pay attention.” The whole world is against Sid!
because of sid gettin the attentionon the ice that bonino and other secondary players are stepping in
just like canadian media said with sid and ovi canceling each other this is where your teams dept guy steps in and who ever teams dept guy shows up will have the last answer now go sell a hot dog with npl
If it was 87 cancelling out 8 you can make that argument… irt’s not… it’s 58 doing his job. 87 needs to step up while OV is being shut down because its unlikely that he will stay quiet for the whole series.
Sheery has no business doing on the first line
TK 2.0
We employ a $12 million decoy. Amazing.
you only judge players based on points when malkin was playing shitt all game and was good on one shft that led to fehr’s goal
other then that when kunitz was dumbing the puck russian was skating away when malkin was dumbing in kunitz and him were looking each other who to go after the puck and right away puck was out from the other end .obviously you missed that because you were too busy with Orpiggs situation and booking a reservation with him hope 3 games suspension is enough for you two
I don’t know what “dumbing a puck” means.
Why do you expect all that return for a bum?
No but you have said Trade Malkin several times because according to you he under-performed and was too old. Yet you wanna bring in a older under-performer.
i wanted malkin in a pakage deal for burns pavelski type back then remember
also i said package deal from mcdavid last year before oilers picked mcdavid now his value went more up since he played in the nhl
If Malkin is such a huge piece of crap how do you expect to see any of this as a return?
because there is always a suckerr to think he will have a new beginning based in his passed performance.
Gomez was another example
heatly teams always gave him chances based his past with the sens
Sam wants to trade malkin because he doesnt understand hockey beyond nationality….and Yoda isnt a pens fan hes only a fan of goalies HE deems acceptable right or wrong, mostly wrong…..Ok…now….talk about something else
no sam wants to trade malkin because of business view
when you can replace him with few younger players but people here make me look like i am a malkin hater
i dont hate malkin but if i have to chose between sid or geno
Sid is the complete player and the Franchise not malkin
they shouldve trade malkin maatta bennett for Mcdavid pick last year
the russian is on the decline of his career he wont have same value every year while sid still had value even if he hits 30 that is the diffrence between those 2 but some of you dont see that way specially bandwagon Stan
Do you think Vancouver would have taken that deal?
Sam doing trade scenarios and talking about personnel is like watching a monkey try to fuck a football.
I trust Sam’s notable business acumen.
You have been speaking this exact same nonsense since Malkin was 26 which utterly destroys your own argument. Dumbass
because pens were having 1st round exits year after year and the lines werent as DEEP as today cap space was low and pens had players like poni,fedo as second line
So 5 years ago when Sids future was uncertain why were you not thinking move Sid? At the time Malkin was healthier with a more certain future? Come on… I have to hear this
The topics never changes on these boards, Fleury vs Murray, Sid vs Geno, F all that just win! Knock these bums out of the playoffs and move on. They just need to get into Holtby’s head with a few goals and then hopefully the wheels fall off the caps.
There’s just a couple morons (yoda, sam) that post 24/7 about the same stuff. Yoda would rather lose if fleury was in net. To each their own though. I don’t care who does what as long as we win. I’m really beginning to hate the Capitals. They have a dirty team and their fans act entitled for some reason. We need to continue to keep Ovy out of the third round.
don’t kid yourself, tbj. there are a few more than that.
yeah stan and npl that hates crosby and letang
what do you expect TBJ with his agenda and always defending those 2 bozos
Haha my agenda? I’m actually kind of impressed you used that word in the right context. What is my agenda? And the Russian was our playoff MVP and currently our best forward. I have no agenda. I just want the pens to win. All you do is cry about everyone who isn’t Canadian. That’s an agenda.
quite ridiculous, so spoiled we get 2 of the best players of the last 20 years but still have to find a problem with them
the russian must be gone his 31 and he wont have more value after this and cant keep those 2 forever
29… his only 29
Balth sums it up perfectly here!
right now murray is the pens conn smyth winner and the fans will be screaming for st.blurry. hahaha!
How are your wife and his kids doing?
my wife and kid. only got 1. real good. how’s your mom and dad doing? what are you going to do for your 8th grade graduation this year?
Missing the point, per usual.
You are such a rube dude… give it a rest. And NO… Murray is NOT the COnn Smyth winner. Bonino is probably the most likely Penguin to get the nod if it was picked today. Thats literally how little you get about this game!
Zero just because bonino put some points doesnt mean he is the best
so far Letang has been good and without letang pens loses series without bonino they can still manage to win somehow
Bonino has been the best player on the team so far period. Letang has been solid shutting OV down yes but Bonino has come up big when we need him and is doing a lot of the little things right now. His point totals are a result of all the good hockey he is playing!
If I had to look up and down the roster… Bonino has arguably been the best and most consistent player on the team night in and out… thats how that award is won. Malkin has made a case with some dominant play but has hurt himself in other respects. Letang has been dynamite in his own end but hasnt been as consistent overall as Bonino and Murray is another from a purely statistical POV but he is getting a lot of help from the blueline right now. I said before I think this team can win with him but the… Read more »
If letang gets hurt that could change also and possibly end pens stanley cup journey
Without question… same thing can be said about every player I named including the guy making the Kessel line go while doing a great job killing penalties and sitting with the teams highest +/- for forwards
End of the day, the reality of the situation is that none of our guys have been overwhelmingly good enough to warrant this discussion! If a Penguin was to win that award this year it is still very much up for grabs
Fleury been the only consistent player if it wasnt for him specially beginning of the season this team wouldve have not made the playoffs and yoda wouldve been right pens in 10th place he miss calculated with fleury they will make playoffs
Fleury has played a grand total of ZERO GAMES thus far… you do understand that the Conn Smyth is a trophy given to high PLAYOFF performance right? If MAF has not played yet he is not gonna win… even if he comes in now it would have to be quite the legendary performance to pull it off
i know i was saying about the season fleury been only consistent player
playoffs it has been letang and bonino so far
That’s probably how they pick the conn smythe winner. By who is most detrimental to the team if they get injured. That’s literally in the description of what the award is for.
the second st.blurry sits on the bench all of the fans will be screaming for him to start. it’s a bad idea. have zatkoff backup and then insurt blurry if murray gets injured.
So you’re saying to dress the inferior player as a backup to keep the fans quiet? Is that correct?
Great trade for Schultz lol. Guy was decent for us but clearly there is little room for him on this team if he cannot crack the line up with an injury. Another wasted pick. I like how Schultz played for the team down the stretch, I guess there is that but it seems unlikely we will build on that going forward. The guy wants to play and if he feels there is no room for him to play here there is zero incentive to come back.
Long road to the Cup. You never know, Schultz might end up playing a pivotal role. Kinda like Zak,
True, on the Schultz piece anyway. That noted I still think him being treated as the emergency fallback option has solidified his status as nothing more than a rental.
If Schultz can’t Crack into pens shitt defense then hard to imagine him be in another teams top 6 defense unit
Most pens top 6 defense were uselss in other teams. Scuderi,ehroff,while with pens they were regulars
Except Schultz actually played really well. He was a failure of the Edmonton Oilers development system not of his own pure ability. Kid will never live up to the number one billing that he was listed at when the Oilers signed him but he could still possibly round out into a decent top four. Niskanen was a late bloomer too
If you think your team is really good then giving up a 3rd round pick for Kris Letang insurance is not a bad idea. Remember when he was injured during last year’s playoffs. Plus, if we sign Schultz for a cap friendly deal we would have our seven D set for next season (Letang, Maata, Daley, Dumoulin, Cole, Pouliot and Schultz). Again, its good to have options. I’m not sure that is the direction I would go because we would literally have 6 of 7 offensive Dmen, but I can’t argue with the results since HCMS has taken over.
I don’t think we will resign him, would you wanna stay if you couldnt crack the top 6 after injury?
Add the swedish kid to that list. I imagine he will get a good look in camp
Schultz = insurance. At worst he’s our 7d right now. One more injury and he’s in the game. 4 playoff rounds and the likelihood that you need 8 defenseman at some point is pretty damn high.
shultz cant play defense thats why you have gayjoy still in the lineup