Penguins/NHL
Penguins lose out on getting 2 pts, Rust-Brassard-Kessel show early chemistry
PIT GAME LEADERS
Bryan Rust | Goal (11), 5 SOG, 62 CF%
Carl Hagelin | Goal (9), 2 SOG
Riley Sheahan | Goal (10), 55 CF%
Derrick Brassard | Assist, 3 SOG, 61 CF%
The Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers Wednesday night that saw the Rangers outscore Pittsburgh 4-1 over the final 14 minutes of the game, was nothing more than Pittsburgh letting their foot off the gas and playing down to their competition in the third period.
Pittsburgh blew leads of 2-0 and 3-2 in the third period.
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In the big picture when it comes to which opponents are the best matchups, it doesn’t really matter for the Penguins on where they finish in the Metropolitan Division as there’s no real separation between Philadelphia, Columbus or New Jersey, Pittsburgh’s most likely first round opponents at this point, but you always want home-ice, regardless of whether the statistics show home-ice isn’t that important in the NHL playoffs.
That was a game the Penguins had in the bag against a lowly opponent that tore down their roster at the deadline.
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
1. Washington Capitals | 69 GP – 85 Pts
2. Pittsburgh Penguins | 71 GP – 85 Pts
3. Philadelphia Flyers | 70 GP – 81 Pts
4. New Jersey Devils | 70 GP – 80 Pts (1st WC)
5. Columbus Blue Jackets | 70 GP – 79 Pts (2nd WC)
MORE BUZZ
— A bright spot for the Penguins in the loss was the immediate chemistry of the Bryan Rust – Derrick Brassard – Phil Kessel line.
The line produced a goal in the second period, Rust scoring from the slot 1:53 into the period off a feed from Brassard and the line as a whole was at 60% in possession and the Penguins had an 11-3 edge in shots during 5-on-5 play when Rust-Brassard-Kessel were on the ice together.
From the very first shift the line was on the ice, Rust provided some of the little things Pittsburgh’s third line had been missing.
His speed/angles on the forecheck to pressure the puck made an immediate impact leading to a turnover from Kevin Hayes and a high danger chance from Rust minutes into the game.
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The Rust goal saw Pittsburgh establish possession down low with Brassard setting Rust up in the slot for a goal.
— Carl Hagelin scored his 9th goal of the season and aside from the goal, his transformation over the last two months continues to be something else with the speed/offensive game he’s providing.
He was really good in the loss to the Rangers.
— Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel were flying early on in the game, had some highlight reel plays to setup scoring opportunities, but as the game progressed the Penguins top line spent a lot of time in their own end.
Crosby and Conor Sheary were at 27% in possession when on the ice together vs the Rangers.
It’s becoming more and more evident Pittsburgh could have used another competent top-9 type winger at the deadline, especially with the organization having no plans to introduce Daniel Sprong into an NHL role down the stretch.
Can Zach Aston-Reese when healthy be the viable option to plug next to Crosby when Sheary isn’t going well to allow Pittsburgh to keep their second and third lines together?
As well as Aston-Reese was playing prior to getting injured, he’s still an unknown when the adrenaline rush starts to wear off on young players who just come up.
The 4th line had a second straight positive game but that isn’t going to last.
Murray, Penguins targeting a return next week
Penguins goaltender Matt Murray is progressing really well and the player, team are targeting a return for the upcoming three game homestand next week.
Pittsburgh plays tonight vs Montreal and are then off until Tuesday when they play the Islanders on the road.
Pittsburgh is then home Wednesday night (3/21) vs Montreal which appears to be the primary target date at this point. [/hide]
Related posts:
Why Conor Sheary’s play on top-line will likely to be tied to whether Rust-Brassard-Kessel can stay together
Penguins – Capitals Fallout: Brassard line is building something
PIT – FLA Fallout: On mind-boggling decision to have Matt Cullen center the 2nd line; Options with Kessel limited & More Buzz
Preseason Game 5 Takeaways: Comfort level evolving for Brassard line; Where Sprong’s hold on 4th line spot stands & more buzz
