Rick Tocchet and Mike Johnston argue the referees’ call on a hit by Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien. — GETTY IMAGES
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — There’s something about the hockey soul that savors, that celebrates what the men inside the sport simply call “a good hockey game.”
When they cite the phrase, they do it with spirit.
They do it with respect.
They do it with … I guess you could call it reverence.
Who won and who lost, in the most genuine way imaginable, becomes secondary.
“That game had its own unique personality,” Paul Maurice, the Jets’ coach, was saying late Thursday night at MTS Centre. “Skating, speed, scoring, goaltending, heavy hits, lots of chirping on the benches … it was a good battle … fun to be a part of.”
He then slightly smiled.
“I just liked that game.”
And this was the guy whose team lost, 4-3 by shootout, to the Penguins.
“That was one well-played hockey game,” Mike Johnston was saying in a near-echo down the hall. “If you look at it from an entertainment point of view, it had everything. It had physical play, it had speed, it had scoring chances, it had big saves, it had special teams with both teams doing well on the penalty-kill. … I give Winnipeg a lot of credit. They came at us.”
And this was the guy whose team won preferring to talk about the competition as a whole.
I turned to Bill Guerin seeking a more Pittsburgh-specific perspective.
“It was a good hockey game,” he came right back.
Right, I persisted, but the Penguins stood tall against an aggressive opponent that had a 6-1-1 run at least comparable to their current six-game winning streak.
“Either team could have won,” Guerin interjected again. “It was a good hockey game.”
The players were no different.
Marc-Andre Fleury, he of 34 saves, several of them superlative: “Really good hockey game.”
Brandon Sutter, he of a goal and two assists: “Fun hockey game. Everything about it. Great, loud crowd. The tempo, the tough stuff. I don’t think there’s a person in this building who could have left here tonight disappointed.”
Evander Kane from Winnipeg, he of the Gordie Howe hat trick: “Really enjoyable hockey game. A lot of fun. A night like that is why you love playing the game.”
OK. It was, indeed, a good hockey game:
Wait, never mind. It was a great hockey game. At least in the context of a November meeting between franchises that are geographically, historically and in the conference alignments, solar systems apart. Or, as Sidney Crosby observed, “That was pretty emotional for a game between two teams that don’t face each other much.”
Well, wonderful, I say.
Not just for this game, the NHL and those fortunate enough to see it. But yes, for the Penguins.
They’ve beaten better teams than the Jets, who have been impressive of late but definitely don’t share a penthouse view with the likes of the Kings, Ducks or Wild, maybe not even the Predators, Devils or Islanders. They’ve outscored opponents, and they’ve shut down opponents. They’ve won systematically, and they’ve won on sheer skill. But the one challenge they hadn’t met until this was standing up to a purposeful plan to rattle them.
Make no mistake, that’s precisely what happened here.
There were whispers as early as Thursday morning in the home locker room that Maurice had seen enough video of the Penguins getting the soft treatment — their 4-1 victory Tuesday in Minnesota barely involved human contact — and aimed to have his players alter that. Their top-shelf guys were no exception: Kane dropped the gloves with Simon Despres, and then dropped Despres. Blake Wheeler fought Robert Bortuzzo. Dustin Byfuglien cheap-shotted Steve Downie after Downie’s second-period goal and laughably was assessed a minor penalty — Dale Hunter once famously got 20 games for the same act against Pierre Turgeon — but it still set an even snarlier tone.
The Jets don’t carry a lot of goonery baggage, but this was what Maurice wanted on this night.
“We played hard,” Maurice said, with another slight smile.
Add to that the NHL’s loudest crowd and a Winnipeg Sun headline that morning blaring “Are They For Real?” and the Jets had all kinds of abnormal November motivation.
“We didn’t want to be complacent with what we’ve done lately,” Kane said. “We know who Pittsburgh is, and we wanted to prove we could play with the best of the best.”
If the Penguins had a counter-mission, then, it was to prove to themselves that they could withstand this sort of assault, whether it comes from the Jets, the Flyers or the Charlestown Chiefs.
To a man, they insisted, emphatically, that they did.
“Look at the way guys stood up, everywhere,” Fleury said. “We knew right away what kind of game it was going to be, but our guys were pushing right back, fighting, whatever it took.”
I asked Crosby, Sutter and Johnston if that might serve the team well down the road:
The third line of Sutter, Downie and Nick Spaling again lifted the load, and other supporting cast members such as Craig Adams, Rob Scuderi, Blake Comeau and Despres rose up, as well. So did Fleury.
Good for all of them. No, great for all of them, for they represented Pittsburgh’s primary contribution to the great hockey game.
Call me greedy, but I find myself watching games like this and waiting for Crosby and/or Malkin to make the difference. Not a difference, but the difference. I find myself recalling punishing games from the past in which one or both went all but missing from the second intermission and beyond. That would be far too harsh an assessment on this night — neither had a point but each registered five shots, and each buried his shootout attempt behind Ondrej Pavelec — but it still just feels like a pivotal moment worth awaiting.
Put another way, we’ve seen this act before, including the one where Sutter is by far the best forward when the stakes are highest. There shouldn’t be a sequel.
That said …
“I liked this one,” Fleury was telling me as the locker room closed. “I liked it a lot.”
Pens still need top six wing help, and more than one to be true contenders. 9 and 14 are straight line players but have no creativity whatsoever. Watching guys like Blake and Wheeler, I can't help but think how much better 71 & 87 would be with legit "self starters" at wing.
That was one helluva game! And how great was it to see the Pens not unravel in the face of adversity? They gave as good as they got, period! If anyone had any doubt about the impact of a Rick Tocchet, it was put to rest last night. I got one word for ya...sandpaper!
Ya Plaz, Tocchet has positively had an impact on this team.
I never really thought asst coaches made much difference. The last few games have changed my mind. Players certainly must respect him. Heck he still looks like ya give him any lip and he will drop the gloves w/ya! lol
"Dustin Byfuglien cheap-shotted Steve Downie after Downie’s second-period goal and laughably was assessed a minor penalty — Dale Hunter once famously got 20 games for the same act against Pierre Turgeon"
Thought the exact same thing! How the hell did he remain in the game?
It wasn't quite as heinous as Hunter's, but certainly was worth at least a major. But it was Devorski. I wonder how many games he's lost control of through the years.
And that's why the refs lost control of this game. It was ridiculous. The Downies (penalties called while being Downie/against Downie to even up) were worse in this game than in others, if possible.
Buff should have been gone long before Downie got ejected…
Strong stand by the PK at the end of regulation and in OT; timely in light of Johnston's comments earlier about this Pens team not being just an offensive squad. Only Nov but a common theme thus far has been identity; road win like this goes a long way toward building that.
A healthy SCUDERI is an effective player, MAF already earning his new deal, and the Pens can win any way you want to play, this team is quite impressive. As are your columns!
DK what did Downie do to get tossed while sitting in the box. I presume he said something to a ref when Scuds was put in? Also do you think Buff. will hear from the league? Also glad the Pens didn't back down. I wish Sid could have found that extra gear, just a tad off all night
Heard in press box he was mouthing off. That's the term that was used. No other explanation. And Downie wasn't in Penguins locker room while it was open for me to ask.
I love Brandon Sutter....so so so good...steady as can be...does everything well...what a fun game to watch...I love what Steve Downie brings to the table, and a nice goal added...Rutherford did a great job this offseason...all 4 lines helping out
While point at end about Sid/Geno is true, didn't have same feel as playoff no-shows, especially Sid who battled / showed power moves with guys draped all over him.
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Came away focused on contributions of 3rd line -- shaping up rather nicely.
Getty photo a good one. No, great one.
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Hornie and Goc have universal "You're out of your effin mind, ref" looks after Big Buff on Downie hit. Except in Swedish and German.
Jets were another BIG Western Conf. Team. Seems like the west just gobbles up all the big guys; how'd we end up with Bortuzzo? Martin did make a great recovery; he was lousy early. Traffic in front of Flower was disturbing, but it was a great game, as Dejan writes it,
The Jets lack a big time center but have big time forwards and some young mobile defense men. Goalie is playing with more confidence. Nice win on a night of a team playing with confidence and desire.
If Downie lays along boards after that hit there's no doubt Buff in box with 5-minute major. And with our PP, likely game time.
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That said, love what he's bringing to team. Just what the doctor ordered.
Column captures action and feeling of game masterfully!
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I almost crawled through my TV when Despres cross-checked that Jet right in front of ref with 2:30 to go! What the heck?!?!
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But Martin and Adams and Scuderi and Dupuis and Letang—and especially Fleury—stood strong!
Dejan,
Since I am a newspaper freak and love to hold one in my hand, I absolutely loved the picture of the two Winnipeg daily Headlines.
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Thanks for sharing that.
a couple of random thoughts:
I'm not a bloodlust guy and don't care about fighting, but if the linesmen don't intervene with Downie and Buff after the hit then they get their go and we don't see the 3rd period misconduct calls. Losing Downie off the 3rd line hurt the Pens...
...in the 3rd. I hope that I misread this, but Crosby didn't seem as engaged after he took that hit along the boards in the second. Not reading too much in to it, but may be worth watching the next time. Very entertaining game. Monster hits, scoring chances and nastiness.
I actually thought it was a pretty Meh game from Sid, and his line, all game...some poor puck mgmt and decisions both Crsoby and also Letang...thank goodness for MAF and the bottom 6!!
Fleury stole this game, several times point blank. Sid & Geno were close a few times. Both hit the outside of the post later in 3rd. Pavelec, by accident, got that double deflection Sid threw off a Jet. A couple of those blind-pass TO's were mind numbing, but didn't play badly.
Agree DK that he can be a very good center, but for now, the jets lack a real deal maker. why they would't trade Kane or the two others for one makes sense to me.
I certainly hope it's not Adams.
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With Fleury playing lights out and Rob Scuderi playing some of Pens' best D, if Adams sits out the COMPLAINERS will have no one to bash!
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Oh, perish the thought!!!
Would hope its Adams. Although there are flashes, he's been the least effective. Then Spaling can drop back to the 4th and put Bennett w/ Sutter & Downie. They looked great together in preseason.
Missed the game last night but got to see the highlights. One thing no one mentioned is Letang pinching in with a 3-2 lead allowing Kane to get loose on that break away, leaving Martin as the lone man back and having to take the puck carrier with Letang caught out of position.
Your kidding right Adams? He is so slow it is amazing he can stay in the camera. He is terrible on the penalty kill as he simply can't cover any space anymore. He will be a nice addition to the players box in the sky box.
Is it me or did Malkin and Crosby disappear like they did in the playoffs? Do you guys have confidence these two can get it done in the playoffs? Look at people like Toews, he seals the deal quite often, when it counts. Thoughts?
DK, I keep hearing all of the talk about Geno needing a winger and I agree. My questions are what are the odds of getting Kane? Is he even available ? Would it take too many bright prospects or could it be done with a Martin trade?
The Jets are doing too well to get a player trade like that for Kane. Also, that would be a terrible trade for the Jets. Martin is good but not worth a top player like that.
Really great game to watch. Seeing the pens not lose their heads was very satisfying. Also, they were pretty disciplined in their play tonight, in that these teams have hit double digit goals a few times over recent years.
Martin for Kane is wishful thinking on my part but I was thinking more of Martin and a top prospect. I like Kane as a player and think he would strengthen the Pens. Just wondering if it could even be possible?
Kane would be a great piece, but would require something bigger than Martin. The Jets would want young, high-end talent. I'd guess they'd ask for Pouliot, but maybe would settle for a random combo of Harrington/Despres/Dumoulin.
I have to admit I feel like I watched a different game than most. Looked like the Pens were making a lot of "hope" passes and getting caught too far up ice when they shouldn't have. Jets had a lot of opportunities but Fleury was excellent. Not a game I'd be looking to duplicate.
I question Paul Maurice's characterization of the game. Good? Kane fighting Despres, Wheeler fighting Bortozzo, and anyone Adams is not good. Byfuglien's 12 mins in the box and turning a PP into a PK b/c you want to mix it up with Sill isn't good.
Their poor performance vs. the Flyers over the past few years does concern me as well, mcg. I hope they can turn that around this season. But, the truth is, even the best teams have opponents they struggle with. It isn't a given they would even play Philly in the playoffs.
Thanks, Dejan. Articles and video like this makes my subscription to your site the best value in sports. Otherwise I would be stuck in the hockey abyss of SW Ohio.
November 7, 2014
Column: Penguins breathe fire right back
by Dejan Kovacevic • Columns • Penguins, Winnipeg Jets
Rick Tocchet and Mike Johnston argue the referees’ call on a hit by Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien. — GETTY IMAGES
BY DEJAN KOVACEVIC
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — There’s something about the hockey soul that savors, that celebrates what the men inside the sport simply call “a good hockey game.”
When they cite the phrase, they do it with spirit.
They do it with respect.
They do it with … I guess you could call it reverence.
Who won and who lost, in the most genuine way imaginable, becomes secondary.
“That game had its own unique personality,” Paul Maurice, the Jets’ coach, was saying late Thursday night at MTS Centre. “Skating, speed, scoring, goaltending, heavy hits, lots of chirping on the benches … it was a good battle … fun to be a part of.”
He then slightly smiled.
“I just liked that game.”
And this was the guy whose team lost, 4-3 by shootout, to the Penguins.
“That was one well-played hockey game,” Mike Johnston was saying in a near-echo down the hall. “If you look at it from an entertainment point of view, it had everything. It had physical play, it had speed, it had scoring chances, it had big saves, it had special teams with both teams doing well on the penalty-kill. … I give Winnipeg a lot of credit. They came at us.”
And this was the guy whose team won preferring to talk about the competition as a whole.
I turned to Bill Guerin seeking a more Pittsburgh-specific perspective.
“It was a good hockey game,” he came right back.
Right, I persisted, but the Penguins stood tall against an aggressive opponent that had a 6-1-1 run at least comparable to their current six-game winning streak.
“Either team could have won,” Guerin interjected again. “It was a good hockey game.”
The players were no different.
Marc-Andre Fleury, he of 34 saves, several of them superlative: “Really good hockey game.”
Brandon Sutter, he of a goal and two assists: “Fun hockey game. Everything about it. Great, loud crowd. The tempo, the tough stuff. I don’t think there’s a person in this building who could have left here tonight disappointed.”
Evander Kane from Winnipeg, he of the Gordie Howe hat trick: “Really enjoyable hockey game. A lot of fun. A night like that is why you love playing the game.”
OK. It was, indeed, a good hockey game:
Wait, never mind. It was a great hockey game. At least in the context of a November meeting between franchises that are geographically, historically and in the conference alignments, solar systems apart. Or, as Sidney Crosby observed, “That was pretty emotional for a game between two teams that don’t face each other much.”
Well, wonderful, I say.
Not just for this game, the NHL and those fortunate enough to see it. But yes, for the Penguins.
They’ve beaten better teams than the Jets, who have been impressive of late but definitely don’t share a penthouse view with the likes of the Kings, Ducks or Wild, maybe not even the Predators, Devils or Islanders. They’ve outscored opponents, and they’ve shut down opponents. They’ve won systematically, and they’ve won on sheer skill. But the one challenge they hadn’t met until this was standing up to a purposeful plan to rattle them.
Make no mistake, that’s precisely what happened here.
There were whispers as early as Thursday morning in the home locker room that Maurice had seen enough video of the Penguins getting the soft treatment — their 4-1 victory Tuesday in Minnesota barely involved human contact — and aimed to have his players alter that. Their top-shelf guys were no exception: Kane dropped the gloves with Simon Despres, and then dropped Despres. Blake Wheeler fought Robert Bortuzzo. Dustin Byfuglien cheap-shotted Steve Downie after Downie’s second-period goal and laughably was assessed a minor penalty — Dale Hunter once famously got 20 games for the same act against Pierre Turgeon — but it still set an even snarlier tone.
The Jets don’t carry a lot of goonery baggage, but this was what Maurice wanted on this night.
“We played hard,” Maurice said, with another slight smile.
Add to that the NHL’s loudest crowd and a Winnipeg Sun headline that morning blaring “Are They For Real?” and the Jets had all kinds of abnormal November motivation.
“We didn’t want to be complacent with what we’ve done lately,” Kane said. “We know who Pittsburgh is, and we wanted to prove we could play with the best of the best.”
If the Penguins had a counter-mission, then, it was to prove to themselves that they could withstand this sort of assault, whether it comes from the Jets, the Flyers or the Charlestown Chiefs.
To a man, they insisted, emphatically, that they did.
“Look at the way guys stood up, everywhere,” Fleury said. “We knew right away what kind of game it was going to be, but our guys were pushing right back, fighting, whatever it took.”
I asked Crosby, Sutter and Johnston if that might serve the team well down the road:
The third line of Sutter, Downie and Nick Spaling again lifted the load, and other supporting cast members such as Craig Adams, Rob Scuderi, Blake Comeau and Despres rose up, as well. So did Fleury.
Good for all of them. No, great for all of them, for they represented Pittsburgh’s primary contribution to the great hockey game.
Call me greedy, but I find myself watching games like this and waiting for Crosby and/or Malkin to make the difference. Not a difference, but the difference. I find myself recalling punishing games from the past in which one or both went all but missing from the second intermission and beyond. That would be far too harsh an assessment on this night — neither had a point but each registered five shots, and each buried his shootout attempt behind Ondrej Pavelec — but it still just feels like a pivotal moment worth awaiting.
Put another way, we’ve seen this act before, including the one where Sutter is by far the best forward when the stakes are highest. There shouldn’t be a sequel.
That said …
“I liked this one,” Fleury was telling me as the locker room closed. “I liked it a lot.”
So did everyone.