Post-Game Talk: Flyers 5, Penguins 1 - It's Lit

[JimmyTwoTimes]

I finally viewed the video of the game....what I saw

1) the forecheck and getting in shot blocking lanes was not as good as in game 1...the Flyers were able to generate those “lucky” bounces by getting some shots to goal that they didn’t in game 1

2) when the Pens went down by one and two goals after the first period, it looked like they were gripping their sticks tighter...it wasn’t so much puck luck as it was the Pens being tight...didn’t seem like they had the same confidence in a rebound performance, maybe because of the Flyers trap

Forget the reffing, which was bad, but some of the same problems during the season appeared in his game and it’s worrying: not as intense as needed backchecking and pressure from the forwards, like in game 1; not getting sticks, bodies in shot lanes consistently; Murray letting in some weak goals

If they can’t put in the same defensive pressure as they did in game 1, and/or Murray can’t stand on his head, they will be in trouble....they need to play like 2015-16 team because they are not consistently the same PDO, counterattack team as last year who could take advantage of limited shooting opportunities...just wonder if they’ll be able to consistently play like 2015-16

Basically, they need to get the first goal on Sunday...

2. Yeah it happens. Down 2-0 after a fluke goal. Hornqvist beat Elliott twice, off the post. Sheahan off the cross bar. They were trying too hard to get that first goal to make up for what happened. Crosby scores on that chance any other game.

We saw this last year against the Sens. Saw it in Nashville. When you miss that many opportunites, starts having an affect. Got off their game a bit and shots werent as accurate as ususal.

Its not always just about the score, some times how it happened plays a role.

They were about as frustrated as we were watching. Werent gripping sticks because they were nervous...but definitely started forcing things trying to tie the game as quick as possible.

Sully should have also switched things up. Perfect time to see if other combos could gel. Especially when down 3 in the 3rd. Try ZAR with Sid. Try Rust and Hornqvist with Brassard. Dont let Philly get comfortable with these lines.
Their D isnt good enough to hold this offense to 1 goal. Scored 5 or over all year. So it was obviously more the Pens beating themselves when it came to that.

Line 3 is great on paper. Yet still not a threat. Didnt like it in regular season either. Didnt like it in game 1. Team scored 7 goals , no points for the 3rd line. Brassard is too good to not produce. Has been solid in the playoffs his whole career. If he doesnt do anything in these playoffs, it will be because Sully misused him.

Rust would be much better with Brassard than he is with Crosby. Would also be going against easier matchups. Put either ZAR or Sheary on the first line. If Sheary, let Guentzel and Crosby do the work..leaving Sheary open in the slot for his one timer. Only time hes effective. He cant control the puck. So let him do what he does best.

Theres ways to get the most out of these players. Way too much talent to only score 1 goal. If 3 or 4 guys are having an off night there should still be a couple others who give this team at least a couple of goals . In every game.

Rather not see us down 2-1 in the series before making changes. One more game with the bounces going their way and down 3-1. If Sully changes the lines to what they should be..luck isnt a factor.

 

[The Old Master]

2. Yeah it happens. Down 2-0 after a fluke goal. Hornqvist beat Elliott twice, off the post. Sheahan off the cross bar. They were trying too hard to get that first goal to make up for what happened.

this would of been a perfect time to play sprong......we needed a guy that could hit the corners when our other big guy's aren't.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

this would of been a perfect time to play sprong......we needed a guy that could hit the corners when our other big guy's aren't.

Not to harp on a dead horse (mangling the various sayings), but what is even the point of Kuhnhackl playing? To PK? With the coaches playing both Rust and Aston-Reese on the PK, there's really no need for Kuhnhackl. Because he's a black hole at 5 on 5.

The lineup would be even more potent with someone like Sprong in over Kuhnhackl. Either the 4th line would actually have more weapons, or you could put Sprong with Sid and Jake and have a 4th line of Aston-Reese/Sheahan/Rust, which is worlds better than any line with Kuhnhackl on it.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

this would of been a perfect time to play sprong......we needed a guy that could hit the corners when our other big guy's aren't.

Yeah I never agreed with some that said we dont really "need " him this year. That our offense is good enough. Its the playoffs and goals will be hard to come by at times. And games like last night are when you need a pure sniper. Especially with Kessel hurt. We are basically back down to Crosby and Malkin. Why not add another guy whos a threat score every time he shoots the puck? And he gets the puck on net. Doesnt pass up many shots. When he was up with the Pens, teams knew about him. How good of a shot he had, and were playing him tight. Opening things up for Crosby. Which usually doesnt happen with rookies right away.

Also should keep in mind Sprong was up here when the team wasnt firing on all cylinders. Guentzel was on the 3rd line. Simon was on the first. If you add a shot like Sprong's with Guentzel and Crosby I dont see them being stopped. They would at least put alot more pressure on their D, making things easier for other lines. Rust doesnt need to be there, with Guentzel and Crosby being able to do most of the work. Rust plays a similar game..having all 3 on the same line is excessive. We need a pure sniper to go with those two. Sheary was great with them at times , imagine what Sprong could do. Sheary's shot doesnt even come close to his. Put Rust with Brassard.

Been talking about this for over a month now, hoping their minds arent made up with Sprong not getting a chance. Especially when looking ahead to a series against Boston for example, when we scored 2 goals last time. 5 years ago but that team is looking very similar to 2013.

Still think it would be a huge opportunity wasted , if we lose in these playoffs and Sprong never plays. Its not about one player being the difference when saying that. If he does what I think he could, it would have an affect on other players/lines.

There were a handful of games last playoffs where we couldnt score. Guentzel was the one to come thru. Ending droughts. Then others followed right after. Not sure if we would have won without him. Which sounds ridiculous saying that about a rookie.

Dont see how its far fetched that Sprong couldnt do at least half of what Guentzel did last year. 6-7 goals. While having an impact on other lines. Let Rust get his usual 6-7 goals in the playoffs playing on a different line. Again, he doesnt need Guentzel and Crosby. Hes already proved that by scoring 7 and 6 the last two years. Jake scored 13. On paper, that line should be getting at least a goal or two each game if thats what theyre gonna roll with. If not, why have them together? Be a different story if the 3rd line was lights out right now.

Seems simple to me.

 

[Gurglesons]

Yeah I never agreed with some that said we dont really "need " him this year. That our offense is good enough. Its the playoffs and goals will be hard to come by at times. And games like last night are when you need a pure sniper. Especially with Kessel hurt. We are basically back down to Crosby and Malkin. Why not add another guy whos a threat score every time he shoots the puck? And he gets the puck on net. Doesnt pass up many shots. When he was up with the Pens, teams knew about him. How good of a shot he had, and were playing him tight. Opening things up for Crosby. Which usually doesnt happen with rookies right away.

Also should keep in mind Sprong was up here when the team wasnt firing on all cylinders. Guentzel was on the 3rd line. Simon was on the first. If you add a shot like Sprong's with Guentzel and Crosby I dont see them being stopped. They would at least put alot more pressure on their D, making things easier for other lines. Rust doesnt need to be there, with Guentzel and Crosby being able to do most of the work. Rust plays a similar game..having all 3 on the same line is excessive. We need a pure sniper to go with those two. Sheary was great with them at times , imagine what Sprong could do. Sheary's shot doesnt even come close to his. Put Rust with Brassard.

We have the most 20 goal scorers in the league on our roster?

 

[Turin]

Sidney Crosby missed a chance at another hatty last night by whiffing completely. Sometimes you just miss.. can Sprong make saves? The lineup could maybe be better with him, but not having enough talent is not the issue.

 

[JimmyTwoTimes]

We have the most 20 goal scorers in the league on our roster?

Yeah our offense is great. That doesnt mean we shouldnt add another guy who can put the puck in on any shot

Last night proved how tough it can be to score in the playoffs. Did think we could lose heading into that game, but never thought Philly would hold us to 1 goal in any game all series.

Why not have as many threats as possible? We do have an opening or two in the lineup as well. Kuhn..and still think Sheary should get the occasional game off.

Sprong is on a tear right now in the AHL, this is the time to call him up. No reason not to give it a a shot and see what happens. Him being in the lineup over Kuhn or even Sheary certainly wont cost us a game. We arent taking out Kessel for him. Way more upside than risk. If he isnt doing much and we are still winning..send him back down. If he pulls a Guentzel lite..increases our chances..

 

[xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Sully's not going to give Sprong any meaningful time, if he even dresses. I'm as big a Sprong fan as anyone around here, but it's not even worth a discussion.