How Have the Pens Fared Sans Sid?

Mike Adams | Inside The Numbers

Feb 11, 12:45 PM | Hype this story!

Sidney Crosby was injured on Friday, January 18. At that time, many (including yours truly) predicted a precipitous drop in the standings for the flightless waterfowl. In reality, the exact opposite has happened thanks to the stunning play of Evgeni Malkin and the ability of others to pick up the slack left by Crosby’s absence. A look at the numbers shows just how well this team has been playing without Crosby.

Record: 6-2-2
Goals per game: 3.4 (2.89 with Crosby)
Power Play: 33.3% (19.0%)

Thanks to that increased offensive output, not only have they not dropped in the standings, they have actually gained ground. Here is how their 14 points since Sid went down stacks up against the rest of the conference.

+10: Islanders
+6: Ottawa, Tampa Bay
+5: Atlanta
+4: Carolina
+3: Montreal, New Jersey, Toronto
+2: Philadelphia, Boston
+1: Florida
Even: Rangers, Washington
-2: Buffalo

So the Crosby-less Pens have lost ground to exactly one team (Buffalo). That is simply amazing, and a testament to how much guys have stepped up in Sid’s absence.

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Feb 11, 01:08 PM

    That’s definitely a trubute to the guys’ passion and team spirit. I’m simply amazed.

  2. Eric

    Feb 11, 07:15 PM

    I think something can and should also be said for the group of men behind the bench and scenes as well. Not too many bad decisions from them. Which has allowed the players to worry about the stuff on the ice. All-around, VERY impressive.

  3. Matt Bodenschatz

    Feb 11, 09:24 PM

    Eric, I’ve got to agree. I have been critical of Therrien and his crew at times this year, even questioning whether a change should be made. But the fact is, this is two years in a row he has taken this team from looking like a non-playoff team to making them one of the hottest teams in the league.

    We as fans might not always agree with what he does (line juggling, benchings, etc) or how he does it (calling players out in the media, etc), but he’s effective and, as you said, deserving of much, much credit.

    Like last year at this time, he has found lines with chemistry and has stuck with them. And, unlike earlier this year, he’s putting players in a position to succeed.

    Maybe he simply likes to use the first half of the season to acclimate players with one another so everyone is comfortable playing with everyone. Maybe he truly wants to see which players have the best chemistry together. Or maybe he is a mad scientist of hockey who just likes to tinker around. Whatever it is, he’s doing it right.

  4. DaBich

    Feb 12, 06:25 AM

    Or he’s very lucky! ;)

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