Covering in Ottawa: Senators 4, Penguins 3, OT

Can anyone think of a bigger Pittsburgh collapse if the Pens fail to make the playoffs this year?

Hopefully the pull their shit together and win tonight and we won't have to worry about it.

Even if they get the two points tonight, I think the last two are must wins just confidence wise. Isles could come up in the playoffs and they need to at least show they can beat them. And Buffalo is an easy victory. It needs to be decisive and not a problem for them. Big week

This is going to go 1 of 2 ways. 1. Penguins look good and win we all relax or 2. Penguins look dead and get smashed and we all burn down Consol.

Also maybe it's good for the Pens to have playoff style hockey and these games to mean something before the playoffs. Every other year these games were meaningless because they were already in playoffs and just playing for seeds. Maybe playing for real will get them better prepared for playoffs

No matter what they do tonight, I will not be convinced of anything

Another Vezina Trophy candidate goalie against the Pens tonight. /sarcasm

Its one thing to flip a switch and get rolling with 15 or 20 games to go. But it doesn't happen with 3 games left. They are who they are, and that's not good enough. Squeak by and get in, or miss out, there's no Cup again this summer.

They need to make the playoffs because they need the money, lets see how they respond.

Has the Sens goalie been as good as the Minnesota net minder?

Well this should be fun.

Hammond called out Crosby....this should be good

How did it come to this? Well this game will indicate the level of the Pens resolve to get serious and win. A loss and the manner of how well they play will be a massive disappointment.

Woo-hoo! Hamburglar masks!

I have to tell you that the intensity I've seen the Sens bring last game, vs. what passes for intensity with the Pens, man...the gap is huge.

Anything can happen but Geez I hope this doesn't get ugly early.

There's only one word that can be used to describe this team: fragile....

Fragile at holding leads, fragile psyche and a fragile roster

Taking in the o's v. Rays while vacationing with the family in St. Pete. All I can say is never overlook the beauty of PNC because we could have a barn like Tropicana Field. My oh my.

O's jumping on the Rays here.

Pens really need this one. What a mess things have become.

Randy

I, for one, will be watching this game as the boyhood fan I was, with all the emotional investment, and belief that these Penguins can do anything and beat anyone. I'll catch up with the blog on the flip side, to talk about how great we played.

All right DK people. Let's get some positive mental energy going.

Prediction: Pens 3, Sens 2. In regulation.

And what does Alfred E. Neuman have to do with the Hamburglar?

The whole thing is stupid. They call him this just because his last name is Hammond? What are they, in 3rd grade?

I'd pay at least $10 to get rid of ads, especially at the bottom of the screen on my app. It takes away space and I would rather pay to not see it. Also the, Android is what I'm using, app seems really sensitive when you're slowly scrolling while reading a piece. It's always trying to copy or select sections and I'm moving down the article. Not stopping and holding down one bit. It's funny, never, ever thought I'd complain or pay more to have an app without ads. Your the only exception. I don't drink coffee, I've tried to force myself, but DK on Pittsburgh Sports IS my coffee! I just want it black.

I'm pretty excited about this game tonight.

I'll gladly take the 6 or 7 playoff games over missing them completely.

So what's this new thing where the Anthem singer sings the whole song straight through ?

10 seconds in ... wooooooooo!

Mayor McCheese makes it 1-0.

Sid sets the tone--- 10 freaking seconds into the game!

Kunitz shoots like a 5 year old.

MOLEY HOLY!!!

Sid does it again - pens score first for 5th straight game but they can play 60?

Why is Perron banished to the 3rd line because of a slump and a couple bad decisions but Kunitz is untouchable when he's been playing worse for over a year now?

Can't complain about that start. Hold it boys, get another quick.

What did Hamburgler say to Crosby? Anybody know ?

Oh my!

Beau!!!!! 2-0 @ 14:44 of the first!

OMG THATS BEAU BENNETTS MUSIC!!! lol

Incredible pressure by the Pens.

What's this? 2-0 good guys?!? Awesome.

Kiddos are off with Mom to go pet the stingrays and it's only the bottom of the 2nd. Doesn't help that the AC in our seats is at category 5 hurricane levels.

Let's go PENS!

Last time in Ottawa the Pens blew a 3-0 lead and ended up tied 4-4 then winning in a shoutout.

Great start but Pens need the third goal

Lapierre high stick 2:00 @ 11:41.

Is it just me or does that ice look really good?

For the record, before any narrative runs rampant: Penguins are 33-3-2 when holding a two-goal lead at any point in a game. This is quite good.

Up 2-0, they have us right where they want us!

Magic Mike needs to understand that 4th line plus 44 and 51, is not a good idea in the D-Zone.

Senator takes his own stick to the face. Penalty.

Crosby takes two punches to the face. Nothing.

Same old, same old.

Did they just bench Bennett??

Rolling! Keep it up so we can watch the real season next week!

Puck bounces OUR way! Halleluja!

Regression is a powerful force.

That backhand was wicked

Crosby scores again! 3-0 Pens 5:16 left in first.

Boy, the Hamburgler fella sure has been a disappointment. In the best way possible of course.

First 3-0 lead since March 12th Oilers game - need to keep moving forward and not let up

What a ridiculous backhand !!! and finally a bit of puck luck!!!
Hockey Gods spanking Hamburgler LOL.

They may have the Hamburglar... but he ain't got nothing on our Five Guys.

Crosby high sticked... Pens on 2:00 power play with 2:34 left in first.

Holy Cow. Following along via updates and the blog. So far, so great! Let's go Pens.

Wow I just get home after a horrible day at work and the Pens are actually playing well.

All the talk since last summer was preparation for the playoffs. How they needed to be peaking at the right time and hit the ground running as the playoffs began. Talk about leading by example, Crosby is playing better and better each game. Bringing it at a seemingly higher level every night. And has been for the last month or so.

End of first: Crosby, Bennett, Hornqvist give Pens a 3-0 lead. Suddenly the Pens are looking lethal. Great period.

Hope Geno is oK

Well they need to hold the lead. It is a 60 minute game. They don't play many of those, hopefully they are buckling down tonight

DK, you glad the Pens made you travel for this?

I miss Paul MacLean's mustache.

That hit looked ugly

Weircioch down for the Sens on a hip check by Kunitz. Totally legal. He landed awkwardly.

Lovejoy 2 minute penalty for crosschecking at 1:22 of second.

Fleury is dialed in

Excellent 80s thrash metal this period

Time to wake up boys!

beau playing line 2 for now.

Methot took about three penalties on that shift before they finally called one.

Penalty Methot 2:00 crosschecking at 14:04 of the senond. Pens on power play.

Pouliot tries to find his man and the puck bounces off his skate. The snake always finds a way.

Really!

Sens score shorthanded at 14:41. 3-1 Pens

Need a 4th goal soon or ...

Leave 51 on the pine here

Ottawa penalty to Ryan 2:00 for tripping Malkin at 17:32. Another Pens power play.

I understand that Pouliot can't score on the opposition, but putting the puck in your own net isn't a good idea either.

Second period scoring: Pageau for Ottawa. 3-1 Pens after two.

seems like Malkin won't shoot the one timer. killing me.

Flower right on top of his game.
I ain't no goalie expert but seems to me his positioning and angles are just perfect tonight.

Pens outscored 7-1 in their last three third periods. You get the feeling that it's going to take another goal to get the regulation 2 points. The Sens are due some PP opportunities. That SH goal gave them life.

While the Pens have caught their breath for two periods, the Islanders and Red Wings continue to choke like dogs. We could be on a collision course with Washington.

Pens need another goal here. Not sure this lead holds up when the Suns come a crashing the net.

Here comes the real test...

Stowe @ 34 seconds makes it 3-2. And away we go...

Wow, Winnik couldn't look any worse on a shift.

Lord are the Penguins breakouts predictable, fall apart on the side wall. Game on.

Malkin needs to score this period or else

Well here we go...the Pens of the first period have been substituted for apparently by idiots who can't handle the puck in any zone

This is like a pool of sharks in a pool of bloody meat.

This team has shown no ability to push back

Eerily following the same script as the February 12th game. Ottawa tied it at 9:04 of the third that night.

All timer by the Islanders. Down 4-2 they pull their goalie and score twice to tie it. Then with 2.1 seconds left, Jaroslav Halak somehow lets one through to blow it. 5-4 Flyers final.

Chorney, meet snake. Pens could play a symphony with all the posts they've hit lately.

Another high stick penalty (2:00) against Ottawa @ 10:36.

They now have the Pens right where they want them.

It is pretty stark how a team that once excelled at putting pucks behind D-Man and fore-checking just cannot do it effectively at all anymore.

Sid is down. Gryba had his stick between Sid's legs. (Usually a penalty).

Sid is ok...

Pens are probably going to have to kill off a couple of penalties down the stretch here.

They're still attacking when they can. That's good. Keep the pressure on and hold these guys off. Gonna be an exciting finish!

TV timeout with 4:37 remaining. Home stretch.

Would be a great night for Fleury to score an empty netter...

I'll tell you what there isn't an easier job than an NHL ref. just show up stake around the ice

Ottawa timeout 2:04 remaining.

Oh boy.

Heartbreaker.

Tie game folks. Unbelievable.

Sutter asked to take 2 face offs with the goalie pulled, lost them both.

We all knew it was coming

Too many men. Bench in disarray. Lovejoy still stinks.

Pens too many men with 28 seconds remaining. Penalty carries into OT. If....

Wings come from behind to win
Pens come from ahead to.....

No lead is safe with this team, unbelievable.

Pens hold for a precious, precious point.

On to overtime...

Second blown 3 goal lead in Ottawa in less than 2 months.

Crosby has to take that faceoff. He's been on fire in the circle.

Why is Sutter taking that faceoff and why is he on the ice, stop looking at the name on his jersey, he is not a checking center.

And just a terrible game from Lovejoy, Martin makes everyone look good, not Lovejoy.

Why is it every time they show HCMJ he looks like a deer in head lights!
Get it together man!

Why is it every time they show HCMJ he looks like a deer in head lights!
Get it together man!

Pens are taking years off my life
Smoking is way safer than watching them

Another game the pens PP lets them down.

Now outscored 9-1 in their last 4 third periods -

Pens kill the penalty. New life.

Lose

Up 3-0 and lose. You're 2015 penguins everyone

The collapse is complete. Oh My Goodness.

Gagalicious.

Devastating

So that's what heart looks like

No heart and fragile

I'm sick. Physically sick.

Stone seals it for the Sens 2:43 in OT.

Pens need just one point in next two games to secure a berth.

No comment.

There are simply no words left to explain this team. I'd rather them not even make the playoffs at this point to save me the heartache of a first round exit.

HCMJ has 2 games left - coach has to take responsibility for the disaster that has become this hockey club.

Blow it up Mario. All heads roll. Fire them all.

Horrific. The only thing worse for those of us who cheer for the Pens is if this team actually makes the playoffs this year - and we have to witness the ensuing slaughter. Let's just pray that none of their good players gets hurt during these farcical playoffs!

Sick I am

That team and coaching staff just don't care. Country club mentality. Collect your paycheck and hit the golf course while other teams are playing for the Cup.

You can only laugh at this point. As painful as it is (& I only followed after the first period here & Twitter), it appears this was a microcosm of the season since December. What a colossal waste of a season.

head coach shows zero emotion. first layer of blame has to fall on him. no way should he come back next year.

Pa-effing-thetic

It is hard win with one top four D-Man when you run same junior hockey breakouts over and over, and the owner's golf buddy is coaching the power play.

Thank you for the point Fleury.

DK, please don't let this team off the hook. Go after them with questions. Why is this team so heartless? Why do they REFUSE to change up lines or hold players accountable?

Why did I expect anything different than this result? What a letdown.

I'm sorry, but I think this is beyond a coach. I'm not what you would call a fan of Johnston, but a meltdown like this is far larger than one facet of the team, but a culmination of all of it. It's grotesque.

Wonder if all the "heads have to roll" people said the same thing when Bylsma's teams never finished lower than 2nd in the conference even with all the injuries. Just curious...

interested in knowing the Pens record since trading Bortuzzo and yes, St. Simon Despres? I know I know they are without two of their best defensemen, but it sure looks like opponents are manhandling this team in front of their own net. MAF can't stop pucks he cannot see.

Outscored 10-1 last 4 third periods and OT. 4th straight 2-0 lead blown. Clearly HCMJ can't get the message across to actually play an entire game. Sid was great again - flower typically great but clearly beat 3 times. Geno hasn't scored in month. Now they need a point Friday to stay alive.

Best thing for this team is to not make playoffs - that's not defensive pessimism that's my honest assessment. Injuries and cap mismanagement have crushed the team and they are gassed. Malkin is not himself. Letang could use the rest. Crosby - well he is just flat out awesome but can't do it himself. And the hit to owners' wallets would be a net positive for the fan base in terms of their desire to truly overhaul the less productive members of this team. Go Pens (in 2015/16)

3-0 lead was a curse. They will always fall back and it was just too much time left against a young, fast team that's hotter than the sun

Where to start?
1. Short-handed goals and chances were a norm.
2. #51 hurt, so what does that mean for next two games? GMJR screwed the cap.
3. Lovejoy, no words.
4. Bennett scores and we still lose.
5. Third goal by Sens was extremely weak.
6. Too many men on ice, guess we need another GM to count men on ice. That alone should get someone fired. Only those that remember the Johnny Wilson era see this many calls.

Oooooh - Can't wait for THIS article!

#firebabcock

The regular season doesn't matter. It's all about the playoffs.

Great Sid is master at winning regular season awards, but Guy Lafleur type Clutch performer; not!

too many smallish, puck possession types that lose too many battles, little defensive awareness, neutral zone turnovers, problems with giving and receiving crisp passes.....
all they do us launch 40 prayers a night and hope one is answered. Where have you gone Double J?

If Pens lose in regulation to Isles Friday night, they could be eliminated Saturday afternoon when Sens beat Flyers in Philly. Wouldn't that be fitting. Then Saturday night Sid can play for the Art Ross.

Don't blame the coach-I agree he is robotic but what could anyone do with this defensive corps (or should I say corpse)?Any team that shows some patience and aggressively forechecks will eventually score. The villain tonight was the PP which was -1 again and the GMs who botched the salary cap so this worn out team can't be helped with reinforcements.

Well I will be the minority here....They are not eliminated yet we still have a chance. The thing I don't get is this.....If you call yourself a fan why the f&$@ would you ever say I hope this team doesn't make the playoffs? Are you kidding me? That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. If that's how Ya feel then jump off the bandwagon and go cheer for the Rangers we don't want Ya cheering for the Pens.

Still have a point lead and this was by far the most entertaining game I've watched all year. Some bright side for ya.

WTF!!! How about a 60 minute game???????? Is it that hard!!!!no words for this garbage! Fleury played ok but he has to make some of those saves!!!!

Having no power play whatsoever is the killer to this team. Just can't win games with no PPG and mental mistakes.

Isles also need a point Friday to clinch unless Sens lose in MSG Thursday or Bruins lose the next 2 nights.

8 points in last 13 games and 4 of those were against Arizona. No regulation wins in the other 11 games. Sens have 22 points in that same period of time.

How about giving 71 some line mates! Hcmj has killed a talented 19. Lost all confidence and plays him on off wing 4th line for 2 months now. Poor kid is lost and he is our best prospect! 19-71-23. 2nd line

14-16-39 3rd line

I was at an event where they gave score updates. No one could believe it.

It would be nice to be the Minnesota Wild right now.

I love the pens but the fact of the matter is even if they do hold on and sneak into the playoffs, their stay will not be long. Too many injuries, too many jumbled lines. And as coach Therrien once said, "these guys are soff ". Both mentally and physically. How many 2+ goal leads have they lost lately?

I can't wait to hear what excuses Tin Mike has for this debacle tonight...

Those bums could have jumped out to a 5 - 0 lead and still would have found a way to lose. They dont know how to win anymore. Mario must be so proud of this garbage that skates around pretending to be NHL hockey players......

Fleury is in playoff mode .....Bad rebounds & soft goals.....

Just a short couple of years ago, I never ever ever would have believed that I would ever see a pro organization in Pittsburgh that would fall below what we saw with the Pirates during their 20-year losing streak. But they have been surpassed. The Pens organization does not deserve to be referred to as professional, they are a worthless mindless mess. From hiring an inexperienced dullard as a head coach to trading a promising young player for a horrendous bum like Lovejoy, it has been shown that the front office is clueless. So is the ownership. Mario, if you're not interested in having a competent NHL club, please sell the team to someone who does.

Pens are playing with 4 legitimate top six forwards (Perron by petigree only), and one top 4 dman. Not an excuse to blow a 3 goal lead, but the reality is that this team is simply not good enough right now. Any team would struggle with that formula. The blame falls squarely on management - especially regarding the top six forwards. I'll give them a pass on the D due to the injuries of 58, 10, & 3.

I am truly heartsick about this game. I was so disappointed on Sunday I was ready to stop watching the rest of the games. But then I decided the team would find a way to right itself tonight. I was so sure I was right after the start of the game (just the looks on 87 and 29's faces said they were determined to win). Then I expected the Sens to come out in the 2nd and push it, because it's their playoff lives, too.

But I'm convinced the Pens have no confidence whatsoever once the other team starts to creep back into it. They have doubt in their minds, and the opponents capitalize on that. I'm not sure if it's even possible to erase that.

Geno is definitely NOT okay. I don't know what it is, but my guess would be something like bruised ribs or a hernia. Something is making him hunch over and not be able to gain his breath. I wish they would just have rested him. But then who would they play? Too many injuries, not enough top line players.

Anyone who tries to put the blame on Fleury for this game or even for anything this season is a flat-out idiot. He has had arguably his most consistent and dominant season. He has been hung out to dry by his mates so many times this season. I truly feel sorry for him.

If it were up to me, I'd keep the following players for next year: 87, 29, 58 (hope he's okay), 72, 71, 3 and -- fingers crossed but not confident -- 9. Everyone else is expendable.

-sherry h.

Sorry DK - not on Twitter, so if you're still looking for this info, I hope you see this.

Defensive zone faceoff stats for the full season:

Max Lapierre - 145/273, 53.1%
Brandon Sutter - 251/518, 49.6%

And just for fun...

Marcel Goc - 155/288, 53.8%