Series Talk: Pens (1) vs. Isles (4) - 1st round

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Why can't the pens ever be healthy come playoff time. It's a curse I swear

 

[SUBdrewgANS]

We go live to the Caps preparing for Round 2:

The perfect loop doesn't exi......

 

[DesertedPenguin]

Some people don't like fancy stats, but here's what the Pens' lines look like as currently constructed.

GUENTZEL---CROSBY---RUST
5on5 TOI together: 644:19
Goals For: 34
Goals Against: 24
Corsi For %: 53.71
xGF%: 52.30
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 64.63%

ZUCKER---MALKIN---KAPANEN
5on5 TOI together: 141:46
Goals For: 7
Goals Against: 5
Corsi For %: 51.91
xGF%: 58.33
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 74.71%

MCCANN---CARTER---GAUDREAU
5on5 TOI together: 39:15
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 0
Corsi For %: 51.52
xGF%: 59.02
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 26.32

ASTON-REESE---BLUEGER---TANEV
5on5 TOI together: 140:01
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 0
Corsi For %: 48.21
xGF%: 50.60
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 20.83%

The production of the bottom two lines is really intriguing. They can create offense despite started in the defensive zone roughly 75% of the time. And they're responsible defensively, although they haven't been together as long.

Also, even Zucker-Malkin-Kapanen hasn't really been together all that long. Given time, they could further coalesce (and they haven't been bad from a production standpoint).

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

ZAR-TB-Tanev has never been scored on and have scored 6 goals at 5v5. They've done this while starting in the DZone 57 times, NZone 35x, and OZ 15 times. I employ you to be more comfortable with this line and their results and not break it up. It is a game changing line to deploy against L1s and every forward has enough defensive ability to neutralize players well above their individual skill levels. They allow Crosby's and Malkin's line to not start shifts in D zone.

We all share concern on Zucker and Malkin's effectiveness together.

I understand the want for a shutdown line. They weren't that against the Habs, the only time they've ever been a line together in the playoffs iirc.

I'd rather sort out Geno's line with someone that will do the dirty work and defensive play since he's gimped up good and Kap's gonna need to be the offensive driver there. Tanev does that, imo.

 

[hskey]

That's amazing forward depth, I love the look of our 3rd and 4th lines.

 

[wgknestrick]

I understand the want for a shutdown line. They weren't that against the Habs, the only time they've ever been a line together in the playoffs iirc.

I'd rather sort out Geno's line with someone that will do the dirty work and defensive play since he's gimped up good and Kap's gonna need to be the offensive driver there. Tanev does that, imo.

Maybe.

The current Malkin line has not had good results (considering their zone starts are powder-puff soff), AND still get out-chanced greatly: High Danger CF% of 34%. How you can start 3/4 faceoffs in the Offensive zone and still get outshot 35/65 with scoring chances is a huge concern. This line will lose PIT hockey games if this continues. They got lucky so far and have barely outscored the opposition, but I don't expect it to last because they are losing all other metrics. Just about any other line will have more favorable results considering they start 200ft from their own net 75% of the time and don't even have to enter the O-zone. This will be exploited and I don't think Tanev fixes Malkin's poor defense, but he may help maintain zone time vs Zucker. Malkin will need to fix his D personally as everything is pointing to "him" being most of the issue.

 

[Pittsburgh1776]

Maybe.

The current Malkin line has not had good results (considering their zone starts are powder-puff soff), AND still get out-chanced greatly: High Danger CF% of 34%. How you can start 3/4 faceoffs in the Offensive zone and still get outshot 35/65 with scoring chances is a huge concern. This line will lose PIT hockey games if this continues. They got lucky so far and have barely outscored the opposition, but I don't expect it to last because they are losing all other metrics. Just about any other line will have more favorable results considering they start 200ft from their own net 75% of the time and don't even have to enter the O-zone. This will be exploited and I don't think Tanev fixes Malkin's poor defense, but he may help maintain zone time vs Zucker. Malkin will need to fix his D personally as everything is pointing to "him" being most of the issue.

The eye test doesn't bare that out for Malkin at all, outside of the first month of the season when he was shit all over the ice. People forget but Malkin was dialed in for the last 10 games he played, and was the primary reason the team took off IMO. Plus, he always dials it up defensively in the playoffs.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Then go get a very difficult job with a bunch of media attention where people blow up whenever you're perceived to have done something wrong, and you'll get the kudos that comes with it too

Already working on it, but sadly the only ones who notice are my colleagues. That said, the article was an interesting read, so kudos to both @Jesse and Sully.

 

[HandshakeLine]

The perfect loop doesn't exi......

Time is a flat circle (of some guy getting hit in the nads).

 

[Gurglesons]

Just watched the 2019 “highlights”.

I am @Big Friggin Dummy now.

 

[Tom Hanks]

Just watched the 2019 “highlights”.

I am @Big Friggin Dummy now.

Why would you do that? That was some of the most uninspired hockey I’ve seen from the Penguins

 

[Big Friggin Dummy]

Maybe.

The current Malkin line has not had good results (considering their zone starts are powder-puff soff), AND still get out-chanced greatly: High Danger CF% of 34%. How you can start 3/4 faceoffs in the Offensive zone and still get outshot 35/65 with scoring chances is a huge concern. This line will lose PIT hockey games if this continues. They got lucky so far and have barely outscored the opposition, but I don't expect it to last because they are losing all other metrics. Just about any other line will have more favorable results considering they start 200ft from their own net 75% of the time and don't even have to enter the O-zone. This will be exploited and I don't think Tanev fixes Malkin's poor defense, but he may help maintain zone time vs Zucker. Malkin will need to fix his D personally as everything is pointing to "him" being most of the issue.

I don't think Zucker does much of anything, in any role. At least Tanev is gonna do what he does, and he'll do the dirty work. That's super important for Geno's line, imo, especially when his leg is boogered up to the point where he'll probably be a liability on the ice. Especially if Sully's an idiot and can't get that line away from Barzal's.

 

[SEALBound]

Some people don't like fancy stats, but here's what the Pens' lines look like as currently constructed.

GUENTZEL---CROSBY---RUST
5on5 TOI together: 644:19
Goals For: 34
Goals Against: 24
Corsi For %: 53.71
xGF%: 52.30
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 64.63%

ZUCKER---MALKIN---KAPANEN
5on5 TOI together: 141:46
Goals For: 7
Goals Against: 5
Corsi For %: 51.91
xGF%: 58.33
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 74.71%

MCCANN---CARTER---GAUDREAU
5on5 TOI together: 39:15
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 0
Corsi For %: 51.52
xGF%: 59.02
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 26.32

ASTON-REESE---BLUEGER---TANEV
5on5 TOI together: 140:01
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 0
Corsi For %: 48.21
xGF%: 50.60
Off. Zone Faceoff %: 20.83%

The production of the bottom two lines is really intriguing. They can create offense despite started in the defensive zone roughly 75% of the time. And they're responsible defensively, although they haven't been together as long.

Also, even Zucker-Malkin-Kapanen hasn't really been together all that long. Given time, they could further coalesce (and they haven't been bad from a production standpoint).

When your bottom 2 lines have not given up a 5v5 goal, that is a good spot to be in. Stay out the box. I think those two stats are going to be glossed over a little too much. Those are huge numbers (ironically). Too many people are too busy shitting in their huggies and throwing tantrums over Jason Zucker when in reality, it's these numbers that will helping us win series. We need this type of performing depth.

 

[HandshakeLine]

Stay out the box.

I worry a bit that the Isles will goad them into dumb penalties, but then again, the Isle's PP is almost as bad as our PK, last I looked.

 

[Gurglesons]

Why would you do that? That was some of the most uninspired hockey I’ve seen from the Penguins

just curious how it looked. That team was awful. Lol

 

[Tom Hanks]

I understand the want for a shutdown line. They weren't that against the Habs, the only time they've ever been a line together in the playoffs iirc.

I'd rather sort out Geno's line with someone that will do the dirty work and defensive play since he's gimped up good and Kap's gonna need to be the offensive driver there. Tanev does that, imo.

BART was likely let down by our goalie and/or D men. They started 86% in the D zone and still out shot, out chanced (incl high danger) but goals were 1 For & 3 Against. Expected GF% was 55.57% which is great.

On ice SV% - 78.57% ...... terrible

Sometimes you need to use context especially in a small sample size

Line Stats - Natural Stat Trick

 

[HandshakeLine]

just curious how it looked. That team was awful. Lol

Sometimes, you just gotta drink the shot of Mälort, even if you know it tastes like bile.

 

[Tom Hanks]

just curious how it looked. That team was awful. Lol

During game 2 I said to my friend that we can’t win. I clarified and said any games in this series LOL

 

[Tom Hanks]

 

[mpp9]

just curious how it looked. That team was awful. Lol

What happens when half your blue line is immobile trash.

 

[Tom Hanks]

 

[Bumpus]

I just see many make the thread about themselves instead of the intended subject. And it if is a human thing to do (to make it about yourselves) it wasn't always like this. In fact I don't think it was like this up until recently. I take a team-centric approach because it about the team, not really about me/us. We're talking about jersey colors and what time the game starts, but at least it's about the team.

Do you or anyone really think we care about what you do in your personal lives? Because I can tell you that 99.9% of us don't. That's not to say that now and then people won't throw out an occasional tid bit about themselves (I have). But when the majority of people talk about their plans on those days or tell us what their doing at game time, their sleep habits, work schedules etc, it' just makes me realize how tone deaf many here are. Not everyone is like that fortunately, but a lot are. I'm just surprised how unaware most are.

You really don't matter. That goes for all of us. It's about the team. Or at least predominately should be. That's why we're here. If you want to talk about yourselves make a forum or thread for that.

Soooooooo ... this wouldn’t be the right place to ask if I should be concerned about the mole on my penis?

I'm confused.

 

[Gurglesons]

What happens when half your blue line is immobile trash.

I feel like the first game is going to define this series.

 

[Tom Hanks]

I feel like the first game is going to define this series.

Pretty sure Merriam-Webster is already on it.

Definition of SERIES

 

[mpp9]

I feel like the first game is going to define this series.

Eh. Team can push back if they drop the 1st game. Couldn’t say that in prior years.