It’s only the second unit, but Lars Eller’s smarts are more than welcome on the power play.
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11 Comments
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Tell him DK I don't know what he's looking at but they are still flying around. I mentioned it a few weeks ago about Letang still flying around like a kid. 😂 Ohh to be Young Again, now I'm old and slow but I'll surprise you with Quickness and agility. They don't look Old in my eyes. Just not getting good bounces on the puck. That one goal in front of the Goalie when Cid turned his guy on purpose in my eyes and used his back side to bank it on the net 🥅 and in great Play by Cid 😎. Still don't know how he plays with a straight stick. Great Show DK
It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Excited to see the Pens tonight at Amalie. Last year was Granlund’s debut…. What a difference a GM makes! Let’s go Pens!
DK, you didn’t mention Reirden during your PP observations. Does he not have responsibility in this? Why is he still breathing Penguin air?!
although as bad as the powerplay has been. we're still not last in the league. 🤨
Age doesn't always means slow, but lazy and complacent are big side effects. Problem is, they don't have a stat for that yet. There's obviously truth to the old dog – new trick saying, or it wouldn't be a saying , would it?
Eller's timely goals, defensive smarts, and good decision making reminds me of prime Bonino with the Pens. (And they have not been able to find since with other 3rd line centers)
Also, age doesn't necessarily reduce the speed aspect, it greatly affects quickness which is way more important in hockey because of the small spaces you need to make plays in
The pens have actually fluctuated between 5th fastest and 11th, give or take who’s in the lineup. I’ve looked at that stat too dejan. I got your back on that one. That same site had them projected 5th before camp given their estimated starting lineup. Speed or the perceived lack-thereof isn’t the problem. This team can’t finish on the power play and gets lackluster after they score five on five. Which another stat in their favor is they are one of the best teams despite giving up the “next one” five on five. If they solve the power play this team will thrive. Maybe not cup contenders given the roster but they’ll be a tough team to beat. Jarry being better on breakaways would help a little too but he’s been mostly solid lately in net.
Pens have shown no purpose to their PP. Maybe they should decline penalties like football and stick with 5 on 5.
I agree with your JIQ person…athletes do slow down as they age. thats pretty undeniable other than the occasional anomaly. I and many others will attest. Stats are stats..They often do not reveal what you are really trying to find out and are interpreted to suit a persons opinion.. And in the NHL it only takes being half a step slow in team speed to make a big difference. How fast do the stats show the Pens were last year? the year before? and when you combine marginally slower with not being very physical there ya go. Do we think Dumo slowing down didnt have an adverse affect on his play just as one individual example. The Pens have several players around Dumo status. Malkin is sometimes fast..he is sometimes lumbering.
What I see on the power play and play in general is that opposing D are having less trouble keeping up speedwise and that MIGHT be a reason why opposing teams dont have to take as many penalties.