SHOOTOUT IN WINNIPEG FAVORS PENGUINS

Game Review

November 6, 2014

In arguably the toughest test the Penguins have faced this year, the winning streak reached six as the Penguins proved victorious in the shootout over the Winnipeg Jets.  The game was tied at the end of the first period and the the third, with the Penguins clutching on to a lead they earned in the second period.  The Jets came out to play and Ondrej Pavelec had his best game against the Penguins in recent memory.  Marc-Andre Fleury made some key stops as well to keep the Penguins in the contest throughout, but it was the Penguins' new third line that proved to be the spark they needed all contest.

Brandon Sutter, Nick Spaling and Steve Downie contributed six points out of the eight accumulated (2G, 4A).  Sidney Crosby would be the hero at the end of the night, scoring the game-winning shootout goal.  The Penguins advanced to 9-2-1 and face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, a team they just shutout 5-0 one week earlier.

Positives:

• The Third Line.  Like mentioned above, the third line found their own and were a dominant force on the ice for the Penguins.  They assisted on Simon Despres' goal in the first period and shared in on each other's success for the other two regulation markers.
• Simon Despres.  I hate to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO.  Simon Despres is really coming into his own and credit has to be given to Mike Johnston, Rob Scuderi and Despres himself.  Rumors in the past of him being difficult to work with, not being in shape and being immature are nothing but that now; rumors.  He is becoming a stellar defenseman on the blueline and I for one could not be happier.  Plus, standing up to Evander Kane, going toe-to-toe with him and with a smile on his face the whole fight; how could you not like this kid?
• The Penalty Kill.  Going 5-for-5 extends their consecutive kills streak to 35, an outstanding number.  Assistant Coach Gary Agnew has really turned those units around and made the Penguins a difficult team to get into a special teams battle with down the road.
• Marc-Andre Fleury.  Despite giving up three goals and his shutout streak coming to an end, Fleury made key saves when need be and was great in the shootout after Andrew Ladd's goal.  Good to see Fleury come out with a victory after signing his new contract extension.
• Robert Bortuzzo.  I meant to write about him in my Minnesota write-up, but simply forgot.  I apologize for that.  He has been stellar his first two games in, being physical on the body and making smart defensive plays.  The diving play he made to disrupt a three on two was picture perfect.  Bortuzzo has filled in great for Maatta thus far; let's hope for continued success.

Negatives:

• The Power Play.  The powerplay struggled against the Jets, coming up with a goose egg, which is incredibly rare for the potent unit that entered the contest with a 40% conversion rate.
• The Top 6 Forwards.  It was an ugly game for these players.  Evgeni Malkin's first shift looked fantastic as he was flying around the ice and looking like the Geno of old.  However, after that, he was not noticeable.  Patric Hornqvist once again could not stay up on his skates and Chris Kunitz was nearly invisible as well.  Sidney Crosby, however, was noticeable for all of the wrong reasons.  There were at least two blatant turnovers that could have led to Jets goals that Crosby would have been directly responsible for.  Fortunately, those opportunities went without the reward and the Penguins held on, but smarter play is needed from these four in general.
• Christian Ehrhoff.  I rescind all of my previous comments saying how we was the best offseason signing by the Penguins.  He was dreadful against the Jets and has not looked at home all season.  I know it's only 12 games in, but man has he looked lost.  I really hope things change for him soon because I do believe he could be a valuable player to this team.
• Steve Downie.  While I sang his praises along with his linemates, his ejection and lack of discipline did hurt the team.  I understand that Dustin Byfuglien was a main antagonist all night, but emotions have to be kept under control and this game would have been a perfect to test to see how Downie would do during more important games, ie the Playoffs.  Plus, his streak of seven straight games with a penalty is not one that's worth bragging about.