Hivemind
We're Touched
First goal was on Schmidt (and Holtby). The later one was on Orlov and the forewards. Schmidt was hung out to dry just as much as Holtby there. He had to pick up the man in the slot.
Interesting Holtby talking about fatigue. Looked that way to me too. Is it a conditioning issue? The Pens made us chase the puck an awful lot. I don't think we do the same to teams. Not sure that bodes well in the playoffs.
Didn't Chicago lose something like 12 of last 15 last year (or something along those lines) at least that's what hawks fans say
I don't think it's just physical, although Pittsburgh does test them maybe more than anyone from a speed standpoint. I think it's mental sluggishness based on being forced to play outside of their comfort zone. It's where strong fundamentals have to come into play to stabilize them and that mental advantage and positive, composed energy hasn't been there enough lately. Not only have they made poor defensive positional decisions at times (9/88 primarily) but their decisions offensively have been a struggle.Interesting Holtby talking about fatigue. Looked that way to me too. Is it a conditioning issue? The Pens made us chase the puck an awful lot. I don't think we do the same to teams. Not sure that bodes well in the playoffs.
When we have a Cup or two, we can fall back on that line of "reasoning".
That doesn't make sense. What does previous cups have to do with that season? The previous seasons have no influence on what they were gonna do that year. That year they struggled to the finish
The real point is there isn't one in what you posted. Limping into the postseason might have been the exception, certainly it's not the rule. I'm saying if we want to throw out outlandish defenses of this slide, it might help to at least have some team credibility to fall back on. Caps deserve no benefit of the doubt that I can see.
I think the biggest thing right now is for Trotz to realize Nicky just isn't working on the top line. Good lord, get him the f away from there. Put mojo there, they are so much better with him. Hell put Kuzy there. Nicky just ain't cutting it as top line center. Put him on 3rd line and see how that works out.
One of the problems is... I think Trotz has put Backstrom on a pedestal early on, the talk of being one of the best and Selke candidate.. I think he may have a blind spot there... will probably live and die with Backstrom on the top line in playoffs... though in other cases I generally like Trotz's adjustments, the cream eventually rises to the top with him..
At the same time.. there can be no more excuses for Ovi and Backstrom in playoffs. Apart, together, they have to be a big factor..
If they can't... and Trotz can't adjust... well then ultimately it's up to BM...
Blues fan stopping by in peace. Would it be cool Saturday if you guys let Tarasenko score #40 if we let Ovi get #50?
Yes conditioning...how in the world can you play half donkey for 70 days and think u are a ok...no they are not...look at them on the bench...they are sucking wind.Interesting Holtby talking about fatigue. Looked that way to me too. Is it a conditioning issue? The Pens made us chase the puck an awful lot. I don't think we do the same to teams. Not sure that bodes well in the playoffs.
this team can play against any team. They have the talent to do so. I think they have the system to do so. It's about their willingness at this point, imo. Shame on this team if they can't come out of the east this year. What a wasted opportunity that would be.
According to War on Ice, the 1st line controlled play against everyone they played and owned the Crosby line/Letang pairing. Certainly an encouraging sign that that line is getting going. Alzner and Niskanen were beasts too. Wilson... yikes.
Hopefully the Pens keep Kunitz and Crosby together. Kunitz is terribad.