Marc-Andre Fleury measures up a Beau Bennett wrister in practice today at Consol. — BRIAN METZER
BY BRIAN METZER
Sights, sounds and the scene at Consol Energy Center today …
• The Penguins practiced for close to an hour this morning, and the only players missing were Kris Letang, Christian Ehrhoff, Derrick Pouliot and Nick Spaling. Letang and Ehrhoff have been out with concussions, and only Ehrhoff is skating. There were no updates on either. The other two were hurt Tuesday in Ottawa: Mike Johnston described Pouliot as having an upper-body issue and being day to day. Spaling’s “dinged up” lower-body issue isn’t expected to keep him out tomorrow against the Islanders. Johnston wasn’t as sure about Pouliot: “We’ll see if he’s available.”
• There was a new second line, David Perron joining Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Blake Comeau, who has struggled as much as Perron of late, was bumped to the fourth line with Maxim Lapierre and Craig Adams.
A minute and change with Perron on playing with Malkin for the first time …
The center sounded equally enthused.
“Yeah, I’m excited,” Malkin said. “He’s a good, skilled player. Give him a pass, and you know he’s got a great shot. It might be easy to play together. He just doesn’t have a lot of confidence right now. Just support each other and play 60 minutes.”
• Steve Downie, who missed the past two games because of a left hand injury, returned to practice and was back on the third line with Brandon Sutter and Beau Bennett.
• Dean Brown, the Senators’ play-by-play man, painted a picture of a tight group of Penguins on Ottawa’s ice Tuesday morning. Speaking on Penguins 24/7 Radio that afternoon, he said there was a lack of communication, emotion and fun. Today was nothing like that. In fact, assistant coaches Rick Tocchet and Gary Agnew barked out directives, and veteran players Paul Martin and Rob Scuderi were doing their part to assist, as well as keeping the group loose.
Martin, in particular, was zipping around the ice and looked to be having a blast.
“I think we need to still enjoy what we‘re doing, and we play a little better when we’re loose and when we’re playing the right way,” Martin said. “I think we know what’s at stake and what stands ahead of us, so I think we’re focused but confident that we can get the job done.”
The efforts of Martin and Scuderi have not been lost on their coach.
“We have other guys who people don’t always talk about, that for me have quite a bit of leadership in them,” Johnston said. “Marty and Scuderi on the back end. The situation with our defense where they are playing with different partners and mixing up guys. They have been a real anchor on our defense group. They have been good with young guys and good with the new guys. They add some calmness back there in the game.”
• Speaking of the defense, you might see more of Taylor Chorney.
“If you look at his game, he’s a veteran player,” Johnston said. “I think he’s got only 60-some NHL games, but he’s got a lot of minor-league experience. He’s been through it before. For him coming up, he didn’t look like the situation would overwhelm him in any way. Yes, he’s going to take more minutes, for sure.”
Malkin has taken huge steps in terms of his leadership, on and off the ice. When things have gotten rough for this group, he has been the guy who has spoken up.
Again today, when asked if he wanted to forget the past weekend, he went further: “We try to forget the last month, I think. Just look forward. … I know everyone is nervous right now, but we talked to the team, we talked to the players, and said it’s a tough situation, we know, but we’re still in. We’re still in the playoffs. I’ve played here a long time. It’s the first time. But we need to work and just win the next two games, forget the situation and start playing in the playoffs.”
Malkin was asked if the team needed to loosen up.
“Yeah, always, you know? Tomorrow, we play at home, I hope the fans go crazy. Just keep going. Play our game. Have fun.”
Brian Metzer is a freelance writer for DKonPittsburghSports.com.
I have never been to Consol, been to the mellon the last year it was open (I live in New Mexico, and yes it is apart of the United States.) Seems like the fans are just fareweather fans. Only time ive seen them get pumped was for that 4 minute penalty kill. Ive been to the pepsi center many times to watch the Pens play the Avs. Those fans know the sport and help their team during the game. Pens fan seem entitled. Bugs me how they couldnt give away seats in early 2000's, but know all these "fans" that know the game go and dont even cheer unless someone with an airhorn prompts them to.
Malkin looked incapable of rescuing a cat from a tree the other night. Not knocking him in general, but I don't think he had a good game against the Senators.
He's always taken a few games after an Injury to get back into it.. After his first injury this year he took like five games and then he was lighting it up again hopefully he gets back at it soon!
nightsky73144
4-9-2015, 3:49 pm
No. He needs to do more, agreed, especially w burying his chances. But, I do think he's playing w a nagging injury. If Pens had already clinched, I think he'd be resting and recuperating.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:06 pm
He has been brought back way too soon on what looks like a bad knee.
It's a clown show right now.
Deb
4-9-2015, 9:26 pm
Agreed!! This is the most ridiculous article on this site I have read. HELLO...Malkin has been back a few games and done NADA. Did Metzer not watch those game??
Deb
4-9-2015, 9:26 pm
Agreed!! This is the most ridiculous article on this site I have read. HELLO...Malkin has been back a few games and done NADA. Did Metzer not watch those game??
Yes. As I wrote the other day, the crowd at Consol needs to greet the Pens with the same support that we did at the Civic Arena for Game 6 in the '09 Finals. THAT was amazing; and I honestly think it DID help the team to force a Game 7.
If you're going to be there Friday (I am), then be there as a fan who wants his/her team to win, and one who supports and cheers no matter the score. Believe, or act as if you do.
I've no idea whether the Pens will win Friday, or if they'll make the playoffs. Though, Boston, and even Detroit and the Isles (who have the same record in the last 10 games as the Pens do) aren't guaranteed anything yet either.
So, give up and don't watch (and I won't criticize people who make this choice); but, if you do watch, and especially if you're at CEC, then Believe! (Or act as if you believe)
As far as Chorney goes, he hasn't play badly all things considered. At least he knows what to do with the puck when he gets it at the point. When I see Scuderi put the puck on net (instead of dumping it into the corner) without having 5 seconds to tee it up will be the first time!
Lovejoy and Scuds have to be separated. Cole has propped up Scuds better.
Agree they need to play him as much as he can manage.
Hard to replace that 27mins TOI or whatever monster nbrs Letang was pulling....
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:04 pm
Perron has looked like his hip injury from EDM has flared up....really off on his skating....but still glad he's finally getting a chance w Malkin. It's way overdue. Only problem is Kunitz is taking away his more comfortable side, but it is what it is w Kunitz and MJ.
I don't think the line combinations matter that much given what the defense will look like.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:20 pm
Yeah you could be right, may be a real disaster. All the more reason to get guys who might actually score, up with Sid or Malkin.
I know you hate Downie, but he needs to be up there too.
I'd also say Bennett, but that won't happen....
A. Lane
4-9-2015, 4:38 pm
Downie for Adams has happened before. I don't hate Downie I just wish he would use the skill he has and drop the enforce/pest/loose cannon act, but I don't think that is likely.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:05 pm
If DP remains out they are still not able to do another Emergency Call-up because of salary constraints....not sure but I think the only possible call-ups from WBS make too much? Has to be <600K or something? Not sure. Anyway, could be 5D again vs the NYI's speed. Scary.
But, couldn't they 'send' Pouliot down (on paper), and call up another D if he can't play?
I mean, he's the ONLY player they can send down, without problems.
Marc
4-10-2015, 12:32 am
not sure, but I don't think that you can make a roster move with an injured player
Dylan
4-9-2015, 4:06 pm
I'll be at Consol for the game tomorrow night doing my best to wake the dead that is penguins fans.
Quote:
“I would expect that that would be criticized,” Rutherford said. “If we had [Christian] Ehrhoff and Letang playing, we could plug Lovejoy and [Ian] Cole where I expected they’d fit. One thing about Lovejoy that I said at the time: This is a trade that over time will not be in our favor. We traded a young player [Simon Despres] for him, but our hockey organization is basically a group of nine people, and [it was clear] the trade was made more for experience, a trade that would give us a better chance in the playoffs.” http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/g...s/201504090088
As Lucky would know, there's a sentence in the Bible that says, "Without vision, my people perish."
Without vision, the Penguins are perishing!
Jay Baileys
4-9-2015, 4:31 pm
Man that is a shocker he would actually put that in print.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:41 pm
Y'know I kinda like that about JR....
He just blurts it out LOL!
The truth, I mean.
Rbilak1
4-9-2015, 6:00 pm
Again he cannot remain as GM. Imagine he thinks Jordan Staal would be the fix and what he would give up. Imagine Ovie vs this defense? A hat trick a game.
Dubble A
4-9-2015, 10:01 pm
Just look at the mess he turned the Hurricanes into! I couldn't believe it when the Pens hired the guy.
Windsor Spits
4-9-2015, 4:20 pm
I've been pretty happy with what Chorney has done so far. Pretty serviceable defensemen and he gets the puck on net when he has a chance to shoot. Would like to see him get extended chance. Sometimes you can't underestimate the hunger of s seasoned minor-league
I also wonder how Lapierre seems to fly under the radar of criticism. Fans get into a frenzy criticizing other guys, especially Craig Adams, but I'm seeing zero from Lapierre since he's joining the team he's contributed nothing offensively or physically. And he is a -13 and 33 games. That my friends is one waste of a roster spot.
All I see from Lappy is good PK and great FOs.
Sutter out there instead of Lappy at the end of that Sens game was a Fireable offense.
Windsor Spits
4-9-2015, 6:17 pm
I understand what you're saying, Sarah and while Sutter took the first face-off do to an icing, I too was livid when I saw he lined up for the second face off. I was yelling at the TV. It's very rare that I yell at the TV. But overall, I just don't get how Lapierre has essentially been Teflon during the last couple months when everybody's ass seems to have been held up to the fire. And -13 doesn't justify his penalty killing. If he had a little bit of attitude like he's been known to play with in the past, see Sidney Crosby versus him in Montreal, I'd be a lot more willing to accept offense and defense of shortcomings on five on five play.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 7:15 pm
Yelp too many Teflon butts and a couple of whipping boys.
Has Lappy scored even once since we got him?
Make no mistake, a skilled FO guy is valuable for sure. But there needs to be more brought to the table.
I liked Goc better actually. He's doing OK in St Loo.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 4:23 pm
At this point I'm actually thinking it's more possible we get in because Boston craters, than because OTT falters....
That loss to Caps yesterday was enormous.
I wonder what the story is with Ehroff. He has been skating on his own, and Johnston had been saying he was close to practicing with the team, but today, not even an update. I'm starting to think that he may not even be available should the Penguins actually make it into the playoffs.
I think it is concussion so there's no real time table.
Yeah he could be out for the year.
I expect Letang to be out for the year too, and honestly feel that's gotnto be the safe move, with his history....
Rbilak1
4-9-2015, 5:57 pm
With multiple concussions in such a short period of time, I am convinced neither should play again this year. However, magically they get clearance and return. After seeing video of Letang hit, Pens need to be smart. No need to Maatta him back. Think long term not short for a change.
I think BOS is a better bet to help us back in than OTT.....
Big Daddy
4-9-2015, 5:31 pm
Its really a shame that we are looking for help from other teams. If you can't at least win 1 game out of 6 from a non-playoff team like the Flyers we don't deserve to make the playoffs.....
Perron scored 9 goals in 19 games, skating on his "uncomfortable side" right wing for his intro here, skating with Sid and Kunitz.
He has done absolutely nothing but skate figure 8's since moving to his "comfortable" left wing after Kunitz was demoted.
Now, Perron is moving back to his "uncomfortable side" right wing to skate with Geno and left winger Chris Kunitz.
Oh N-O-O-O-O-O-O-O!! He'll probably score 3-4 goals skating with Kunitz while being uncomfortable about it. Better Perron uncomfortable than team wondering where he went. Than US being uncomfortable with his disappearance.
Scuderi is an anchor alright. He slows everything and everyone else down. I can appreciate the leadership. Let him be a coach next season and get a more capable player.
Sens up 2-0 vs couldn't care less Rangers. If Bruins win in Florida, Pens will be 9th and facing a must-get-a-point game or lose control of their destiny.
This is just crazy. Having to watch other teams who hold our playoff hopes in their hands. Never thought it would come to this.
Parker
4-9-2015, 9:45 pm
This is just crazy. Having to watch other teams who hold our playoff hopes in their hands. Never thought it would come to this.
DormontyDawson
4-9-2015, 9:46 pm
If Bruins lose in regulation to Fla, does that mean we need only one point in last 2 games to clinch?
DormontyDawson
4-9-2015, 9:52 pm
3-1 Florida.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 10:03 pm
Yep if Boston loses tonight, we just need 1 point over the next 2 games. Even if they win their last one to tie us we have the ROW tie-breaker.
Really this is kinda depressing though, talk about backing in!!
Still, it's better than golf!!!
Sens steam-rolled NYR....what an unbelievable streak they're on, especially with this Hamburglar kid who was an AHL nobody a few weeks ago...
Sarah
4-9-2015, 10:08 pm
Bruins scored it's 3-2. Dear Lord.
DormontyDawson
4-9-2015, 10:19 pm
Sarah-- don't think that's right. If Bruins win their last game, the ROWs will be the same. And then we lose all tiebreakers after that.
I think we need 2 points, assuming Bruins win their last game.
Sarah
4-9-2015, 10:30 pm
Whoops! Sorry DD I was looking at Sens ROW, you're right, we are 38, BOS is 37.
So conceivably if we do NOt get a Win and maybe wind up with 1 pt, AND they win,nether we're tied it Pts, Tied in ROW, and they have us head to head at 2-1.
So yes, looks like we need 2 pts to clinch.
I'm exhausted LOL!!
DormontyDawson
4-9-2015, 10:37 pm
It is confusing.
The first time I calculated it, I determined that if we beat both Islanders and Sabres, we'd automatically win the Stanley Cup. I double checked my math and it turns out I was wrong, unfortunately.
A. Lane
4-9-2015, 10:48 pm
Yep, you guys got the tie breakers figured out, can the Penguins beat a team that was constructed to lose games? I honestly don't know.
Jakester
4-9-2015, 10:22 pm
So with Boston losing looks like pens need 1 point over next 2 games to clinch
B's no longer control their destiny
April 9, 2015
Coverage: Malkin to the rescue?
by Brian Metzer • Coverage • Penguins
Marc-Andre Fleury measures up a Beau Bennett wrister in practice today at Consol. — BRIAN METZER
BY BRIAN METZER
Sights, sounds and the scene at Consol Energy Center today …
• The Penguins practiced for close to an hour this morning, and the only players missing were Kris Letang, Christian Ehrhoff, Derrick Pouliot and Nick Spaling. Letang and Ehrhoff have been out with concussions, and only Ehrhoff is skating. There were no updates on either. The other two were hurt Tuesday in Ottawa: Mike Johnston described Pouliot as having an upper-body issue and being day to day. Spaling’s “dinged up” lower-body issue isn’t expected to keep him out tomorrow against the Islanders. Johnston wasn’t as sure about Pouliot: “We’ll see if he’s available.”
• There was a new second line, David Perron joining Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Blake Comeau, who has struggled as much as Perron of late, was bumped to the fourth line with Maxim Lapierre and Craig Adams.
A minute and change with Perron on playing with Malkin for the first time …
The center sounded equally enthused.
“Yeah, I’m excited,” Malkin said. “He’s a good, skilled player. Give him a pass, and you know he’s got a great shot. It might be easy to play together. He just doesn’t have a lot of confidence right now. Just support each other and play 60 minutes.”
• Steve Downie, who missed the past two games because of a left hand injury, returned to practice and was back on the third line with Brandon Sutter and Beau Bennett.
• Dean Brown, the Senators’ play-by-play man, painted a picture of a tight group of Penguins on Ottawa’s ice Tuesday morning. Speaking on Penguins 24/7 Radio that afternoon, he said there was a lack of communication, emotion and fun. Today was nothing like that. In fact, assistant coaches Rick Tocchet and Gary Agnew barked out directives, and veteran players Paul Martin and Rob Scuderi were doing their part to assist, as well as keeping the group loose.
Martin, in particular, was zipping around the ice and looked to be having a blast.
“I think we need to still enjoy what we‘re doing, and we play a little better when we’re loose and when we’re playing the right way,” Martin said. “I think we know what’s at stake and what stands ahead of us, so I think we’re focused but confident that we can get the job done.”
The efforts of Martin and Scuderi have not been lost on their coach.
“We have other guys who people don’t always talk about, that for me have quite a bit of leadership in them,” Johnston said. “Marty and Scuderi on the back end. The situation with our defense where they are playing with different partners and mixing up guys. They have been a real anchor on our defense group. They have been good with young guys and good with the new guys. They add some calmness back there in the game.”
• Speaking of the defense, you might see more of Taylor Chorney.
“If you look at his game, he’s a veteran player,” Johnston said. “I think he’s got only 60-some NHL games, but he’s got a lot of minor-league experience. He’s been through it before. For him coming up, he didn’t look like the situation would overwhelm him in any way. Yes, he’s going to take more minutes, for sure.”
Malkin has taken huge steps in terms of his leadership, on and off the ice. When things have gotten rough for this group, he has been the guy who has spoken up.
Again today, when asked if he wanted to forget the past weekend, he went further: “We try to forget the last month, I think. Just look forward. … I know everyone is nervous right now, but we talked to the team, we talked to the players, and said it’s a tough situation, we know, but we’re still in. We’re still in the playoffs. I’ve played here a long time. It’s the first time. But we need to work and just win the next two games, forget the situation and start playing in the playoffs.”
Malkin was asked if the team needed to loosen up.
“Yeah, always, you know? Tomorrow, we play at home, I hope the fans go crazy. Just keep going. Play our game. Have fun.”
Brian Metzer is a freelance writer for DKonPittsburghSports.com.