Does anyone know why Pekka is doing so poorly on the PK? Is it a mechanics thing, a speed thing, or something else? Or is it just the guys in front of him?
I'm inclined to blame the PK players in front of him. Pekka hasn't saved some of the shots he would've in previous years but our PK hasn't adjusted to his decline. Also, he has probably lost his confidence when it comes to the penalty kill and frankly, so has the rest of the team as well.
I mean, if you look at the goal by EDM last game, Chiasson gets what, two whacks at the puck right in front and Drai comes in and cleans up the mess. No way Pekka can save that.
The Debrincat goal against CHI a week ago, Ekholm and Joey go after the same guy near the boards and leave Debrincat alone in the slot, and a scorer like that isn't going to miss from there. He even had the time to deke and go forehand-backhand.
The Bergeron goal against in Hynes' debut, again Ekholm and Josi go after the same guy behind the net leaving Bergeron, one of the games most lethal forwards all alone in front of the net for a easy goal. No way I blame Pekka for that.
Like Duchene said after the BOS game, "Wrong mistakes at the wrong times". That's how I would certainly describe our PK this year.