Post-Practice Notes

Here are some tidbits from today’s optional skate.
— The power play as expected is a hot topic going into Game 7. The Penguins appear to be trying to put a good spin on their struggles or are in denial.
Kris Letang whose inability to become a factor at the point is among the Penguins longlist of issues on the power play, pretty much said today that the power play has been better than the numbers suggest..
Letang says the power play has “…generated, about , 27 good scoring chances in six games” but just hasn’t gotten any “lucky bounces.” He also says the power play hurt them in two games but…

“for the most part it has given them momentum, ” Letang said. The power play is 1-for-30 in the series and was 0-for-5 against Tampa Bay.
— Dan Bylsma says no change in Sid’s status for tomorrow night. He didn’t take the optional skate today and has not skated since last Wednesday.
— The following players skated: Martin, Comrie, Godard, Connor, Niskanen, Engelland, Tangradi, Cooke, Kennedy, Brent Johnson, Nick Johnson, Letestu, Lovejoy.
— Fleury skated in shorts and out of pads just to get loose, mess around and shoot some pucks.
— Byslma says both Tangradi and Engelland are “maybes” for tomorrow night. However, don’t look for Engelland to get into the lineup.
Engelland hasn’t played in 16 days and Bylsma hinted that will play a part in making his decision. “Difficult to come in cold, ” Bylsma said.
Indications are the team has also been pleased with the No. 3 pairing of Matt Niskanen and Ben Lovejoy, despite the uproar from fans.
— Bylsma went out of his way to point out how loud he thought the Tampa fans were last night and stated he is expected a similar reaction from Peguin fans for game 7
— Chris Conner says his skates were fine on that blown penalty shot in the second period. He says he lost the puck in a rut in the ice.

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