Pens/Sens Game 4 Grades
Mike Adams | Grade "A" Reviews
Apr 17, 11:27 AM | Hype this story!
Revenge is sweep
Offense: B
The Pens once again, as they did every game in this series, generated a good number of scoring chances. They just couldn’t convert last night. Early on, they established a devastating forecheck, especially by the bottom two lines. On a couple occasions, they hemmed the Senators’ top line in their own end for entire shifts, and while they didn’t end up putting pucks on net, the tone was set. Big Georges, in particular, was a beast. He just took the puck behind the goal line and wouldn’t let any of the soft Senators to take it away. The Pens came out a bit flat, but that took about two shifts to evaporate. They drew a couple penalties, even though they couldn’t beat Swiss Cheese. Hossa, in particular, just kept firing the puck at the net. It gave Gerber work, if nothing else. They finally got rewarded for their hard work at even strength late in the second, when the Little Tyger deftly fed Ruutu for a breakaway. As Brian Lee caught him from behind, he suddenly morphed into Denis Savard and made a beautiful spinorama move that shocked Swiss Cheese. His backhander went in and the Pens had a lead they’d never relinquish. They played a bit more cautiously in the third, but still kept enough pressure on that the Sens were unable to generate any sustained offense.
Defense: A-
This was another spectacular defensive effort. Even though Ottawa reunited its Big Three, they were still unable to break through on the scoreboard. The Pens totally shut that choking threesome out all series long, so much so that Ruutu ended up with as many points as Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley combined. Major props to Gonchar and Orpik, who did the majority of the dirty work against the Sens’ top line. The Pens’ defensemen moved the puck quickly and efficiently so that the Senators could never establish a forecheck, all series long. It was just a total 180 from last year.
Power play: B
The power play came through again last night. They scored on only one of four chances, but it was a huge goal. They peppered Swiss Cheese with shots, but just couldn’t beat him. Well, at least until Sid and Geno went to work. Gonchar fired on net, Sid picked up the rebound. Somehow, he spotted Geno sneaking in the back door and hit him with a pass. Swiss Cheese stopped the first one, but Geno somehow managed to poke the puck behind him while standing behind the goal line, with one hand on his stick. It was just a brilliant play that only the most talented of players can make. It gave the Pens the lead, so the power play came through at a key time. One disconcerting note, though. They did allow Ottawa a couple great shorthanded chances. That is going to have to stop.
Penalty kill: A
Once again, the PK shut ‘em out. You just can’t say enough about how well they are killing penalties right now. They are doing everything right—blocking passing lanes, clearing pucks, not allowing second chances in front. I guess the USS Hal Gill really has made a huge difference in this unit. It is an amazing turnaround from what we saw most of the season.
Goaltending: A
Speaking of turnarounds, wow! Flower was just spectacular all series long. He continues to erase the doubts of people like me about his mental toughness. Last night was Exhibit A. The Pens clung to that one-goal lead the entire third period. He was forced to make several spectacular saves. Yet you never saw any change in his demeanor or attitude. He just kept doing what he did all series long—stop the puck. You can tell his mates have total confidence in him right now, and why not? Carey Price up in Montreal is getting all the ink as the next great young goalie, but Fleury seems to have been lost in the shuffle. He is playing every bit as well as Price right now, but is overshadowed somewhat by his team’s high-flying stars. It kind of reminds you of guys like Grant Fuhr and Tom Barrasso back in the day. They both had great offensive teams in front of them, but without their tremendous play, their teams don’t win. If Fleury had played “average” in this series, it’s still going on.
Overall: A
The fourth win is the hardest to get, but they got it. They matched, or even exceeded, the Senators’ desperation last night. They did everything well, and got their revenge for last year. It was virtually a complete role reversal, with the Sens this time being the ones who knew they were outclassed. It was just an amazing performance, from Game 1 right through the final horn last night. Who (except my wife) would have thought that they would be the only team to sweep in the opening round? I thought they would win, but it would be a struggle. Not so. It was total domination and humiliation of the Senators.
And now, the rest of the story…
Discipline: A
This is kind of a hidden story of the first round. The Pens’ discipline was simply amazing. They were shorthanded only 13 times in the 4 games, compared to Ottawa’s 23. They knew when to react and when to turn the other cheek. They took almost no “lazy” penalties because they were outskating Ottawa. The best way to protect what could have been a suspect penalty kill unit is to not take penalties. And they mastered this.
Big Georges: A
He earned a bit of redemption after last years horrid playoff performance. The Genius entrusted him with regular shifts, and Big Georges showed he deserved it. His work down low was tremendous, and the line spent much more time in Ottawa’s end than their own.
Sergei Gonchar: A
Sarge, you are officially out of my doghouse. You truly are a different player this year. I was wrong about you. You had a higher level, and we saw it all year and in this series.
Marian Hossa: C
Now, as for guys that are in the chateau bow-wow, it’s a one-man show, Marian. He was brought here to score goals, and he’s not doing it. He took half the team’s 14 shots in the opening period, but could not find a hole in Swiss Cheese. He only gets a C rather than an F because his all-around play is very good. But unless he is scoring, he isn’t fully doing his job.
Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley: I
That’s I, as in invisible for the milk carton duet. Have you ever seen two supposed stars play so horrendously for an entire series? They are two soft, losing, floating chokers who have no business making the big bucks Ottawa is paying them. Oh, well, at least they have one thing to celebrate now. Party on, dudes.
The Genius A
Great move in the third period to remove Laraque and rotate Dupuis and Malkin in his spot. He also matched up better in this series than his reputation would suggest.
Sidney Crosby: A
What sore ankle? He was dominant all night long and now leads all playoff scorers.
Jarkko Ruutu: A
More points than penalty minutes in the series? And a brilliant move for the series-winning goal. How sweet is that?
War Garage: A
They got it exactly right on the Vermette no-goal. If that wasn’t a kicking motion, then you might as well get rid of the rule.
Kerry Fraser: A
I’ll bet you almost fell out of your seat on this one. I’m sure it’s a first and a last. But I thought it was a tremendous thing for him to announce to the crowd why the goal had been disallowed. Why this isn’t done all the time, I have no idea. But it should be. Now, next time, face the camera, please.
Swiss Cheese: A
Funny, coming into the series, goaltending was supposedly Ottawa’s biggest concern. Turned out to be the least of their worries, as he played brilliantly. Now, had a few more guys shown his desire, they might have had a chance.
Icehole of the Game
Gee, how about Chris Neil yet again? This time, he was so anxious to hit Geno that he knocked him right into Volchenkov’s sore noggin. Good move, clown.
Monk Moment
It has to be Geno’s one-handed shot past Swiss Cheese. Oh wait, no, it has to be Ruutu’s spinorama. Okay, we’ll call it a tie.
Striped Buffoon Huh? Call of the Game
I really thought this game was fixed by the NHL when they announced Fraser and Dan Marouelli as the refs. The two guys who have shown the most bias against the Pens their entire careers paired together? I thought Cryin’ Bryan’s whining had paid off. But these guys did a great job all night. The only complaint was Fraser not seeing the kick by Vermette. It looked obvious to everyone, including Errey in the booth before he even saw a replay.
A guide to the game grades can be found here.
Comments
Jonathan Farzalo
Apr 17, 11:39 AM
Agree on everything except Hossa. You’re right, he was brought here to score goals, but more importantly, he was brought he to balance out our top 2 lines, and make opposing coaches choose which is the bigger threat! Mission Accomplished. As I stated elsewhere, he had the quietest 6 points in 4 games I’ve ever seen. The goal production, or lack of right now, doesn’t concern me, not with the way he is creating chances, rebounds, back checking, and passing. I hope he scores a few goals next series, just to get people off his back…but let’s be honest, Gerber robbed him at least twice this series….highway robbery…
TIM
Apr 17, 12:33 PM
Mike I am glad you brought up the Price thing. I think that because of what happened in the WJC Price is a hero and Fleury is a villain. They are both great young goalies and I would LOVE to see these 2 teams play each other in Eastern Finals.
This team played very well, and it will be nice for them to get a little rest and heal some injuries
Let’s Go Pens!
Ashley Gallant
Apr 17, 01:01 PM
I turned to my dad, the Habs fan, before the game and asked him how he thought the game would play out. He asked me what the series score was, I said 3-0 Pens, and he looked at me and simply said:
“Pens in 4.”
Was it just me, or were you guys not concerned one bit when the so-called ‘big line’ of Spezza/Heatley/Alfredsson was on the ice? I was a heck of a lot more nervous when Foligno and Vermette were out there.
Tim – I’m with you on the Habs/Pens matchup for the Eastern Finals. It would be absolutely unreal, and a chance for HCMT to show up his former team.
DaBich
Apr 17, 01:38 PM
I’m with Jonathan on Hossa. I AM disappointed he isn’t scoring goals, but sheesh, he’s doing everything else except goaltend. The man has been fantastic. Raise that grade to a B+.
Paul
Apr 17, 02:11 PM
Georges an A? He let in the only goal
Robert
Apr 17, 02:57 PM
You guys need to update the right screen at the top to show the Pens in the second round. YEAH SWEEP!
Tom
Apr 17, 04:17 PM
Mike, An interesting aspect of this wonderfully played defensive game was the non-goal by Vermette. Only the speed and quick hands of Letang prevented this from being a game tying goal. Contrary to most commentary on the air and elsewhere, what really happened is that Vermette had a wide open left side of the goal as he approached the net. Letang spun around and blocked Vermette’s stick and the puck momentarily at the critical point. Vermette, unable to get his stick on the puck, kicked it into the net past the Flower’s blocker which never got there before the puck was in the net. Vermette then fell over Letang’s stick. Toronto’s call was a no brainer, Vermette clearly kicked the puck in. Fast hands and agility again won the day and saved the game. Don’t believe it, watch the play carefully and repeatedly as I have. How about a star and an A for this kid?
Eric Politowski
Apr 17, 04:28 PM
I agree with Tom.. Kris Letang played a solid series all around. A for him.
Eric
Apr 17, 07:41 PM
While Hossa only has 1 goal, he’s responsible for 5 others. And probably responsible for a handful, along with the rest of the Penguins, of plays that saved goals against. I know that it’s an unpopular conception, but an assist can be just as important as a goal. To give him a so-so grade is only focusing on one part of his game.
He was brought in for more than just scoring goals, and we’re starting to see exactly why he was traded for. He’s playing a complete game. He’s creating offense, drawing attention from defensemen, playing very responsibly, back-checking like a maniac, etc., etc..
I know I sound like the president of the Hossa fan club, but if he plays like a “C” player the rest of the playoffs. I won’t complain one bit.
DaBich
Apr 17, 07:45 PM
Tom is right. I also pointed out to my hubby how Letang spun around and his stick blocked Vermette’s stick. Give the kid an A+!!!!
Gary
Apr 17, 09:42 PM
Letang’s stick got there only after the kick. Perhaps Vermette might have gotten his stick on it after kicking it to legitimize the goal if Letang’s stick hadn’t gotten there. But that’s not the same as saying that he kicked it because Letang tied up his stick.
I totally agree about Hossa. If not for some brilliant saves he could have 4 or 5 goals. His playmaking has been superb – witness the pass to Talbot last night and the one to Malone for the empty net goal in Game 2. Plus, his deflection of a slapshot attempt allowed Crosby to gain control of the puck for the empty net goal last night. 1.5 PPG, solid defense, and great penalty killing. That’s at least an A- (one more goal and it would be a solid A).
Gonchar’s been great. The worst player for the Pens right now is Ryan Whitney. He’s had repeated giveaways and got schooled by Foligno in Game 3.
Overall, the grades are pretty spot-on.
Matt Bodenschatz
Apr 17, 09:46 PM
I’m ashamed to say I missed the previous two games due to a business trip that required evening work. As a result, I missed the Penguins’ clinching wins, thus putting me out of the loop and behind on site updates. Have no fear, I will have the playoff brackets updated tomorrow (Friday) morning to show the Penguins in round 2, and I will hopefully catch up enough to get back to writing (if anyone actually missed my pieces).
Way to go Pens!
DaBich
Apr 18, 09:25 AM
Gary, you are wrong on Letang’s stick stoppiing Vermette’s stick AFTER Vermette kicked the puck. he kicked the puck BECAUSE Letang had his stick controlled. Whatever. Fact is, Letang is quick as lightning and is arguably our best d-man right now.
I agree with you 100% on Ryan Whitney. That guy is really upsetting me. I’m hoping he does better next season.
Matt ~ of course we missed your articles. Get your butt in gear, man!
Jonathan Farzalo
Apr 18, 09:30 AM
We all missed having ya around…
...one thing that always drives me crazy is the NHL bracket system…as it’s not really a bracket at all. As who we play in round two isn’t just dictated by another series, it’s dictated by all three remaining series…because the Habs, play the lowest seed remaining, which, looks to be philly, which would put US (pens) against what appears to be the Rangers (unless a miracle happens and NJ comes back)...OR, unless another miracle happens and the Habs somehow go down to the Bruins…or…or…
that’s the point, it’s very crazy…
DaBich
Apr 18, 10:12 AM
We’re getting the Rags, bummer…
Ashley Gallant
Apr 18, 10:43 AM
Dabich – I wouldn’t be so sure. The Bruins are putting up a fight against the Habs.
DaBich
Apr 18, 10:49 AM
Ash ~ I’d love to see the “Brunes” win. I’m just not too hopeful. lol
Time will tell, it always does!
Jonathan Farzalo
Apr 18, 11:46 AM
oh yea, i’d LOVE it if the Bruins upset the Habs…man, that would be something…
but, let’s be honest, unless Price faulters (just like last night), the Habs look to be moving on.
Ashley Gallant
Apr 18, 11:53 AM
I’m on the other side of that fence – I want to see the Habs take the series. I just don’t like what I’m seeing. Other than the 3rd period last night, Price has been near flawless and has been carrying the team on his back. The Habs just can’t seem to score and their ‘amazing’ power play has fizzled. They need to wake up.
Tom
Apr 18, 04:27 PM
Gary, I have again reviewed Vermette’s non-goal. Letang’s stick definately engages Vermette’s stick before the kick. It is hard to see, but if you concentrate on stills or pauses up to the kick, you will see Letang’s black taped stick block Vermette’s white taped stick, which at first looks like a shadow but then diverges from the black taped stick. It is clear that Letang positioned his stick to prevent Vermette from getting his stick to the puck before he kicked the puck in. Watch the play, pausing frequently and you will see what I have described. Letang must have learned this refinement from Gonchar who is a master at stick positioning.
Day after day this kid amazes me on defense. HCMT now needs to plan to use Letang’s offensive capabilities. He scored thirty points in nineteen playoff games last year at Val d’Or, Bobby Orr numbers. Imagine a pocket Pronger on defense and a Bobby Orr on offense. Letang has the ability. All he needs is the opportunity and planning for times when he is “the man,” a concept rarely discussed on the internet. Game planning usually centers aroung one or two players “the man.” This is why Malkin was so productive when Crosby was out. At Val d’Or Letang put up fantastic numbers because he was “the man” around whom game planning revolved. Each shift or pairing can have “the man” playing, about an offense or defense is planned. For example, the two defenseman PP with Whitney at the left point and Gonchar at the right point is designed to have Gonchar one time the puck from Whitney’s pass or a pass from down low on either side. However, the converse cannot be true as Whitney, also being a left shooter cannot one time a pass from Gonchar or from down low on the right side (try it). This greatly diminishes the choices of the PP unit and allows the opponent to anticipate no one time shot from the left point on passes from the right. This does not change with Malkin, Crosby, Hossa, Staal or Sykora as they are all left shooters. Letang, on the other hand, is a right shooter and can one time the puck from the left point on a pass from the right side or down low from either side. This is a great advantage, denying the opponent any anticipation, particularly in view of the power, speed and accuracy of Letang’s shot if were to chose to go to the net (see his shootout ability). Gill has a powerful and accurate shot, and he passes accurately. Gill or Gonchar and Letang could be a very effective PP pairing, with Letang, whose skating ability, fast hands and deceptive shot make him “the man.”
DaBich
Apr 19, 12:35 PM
Tom ~ THANK YOU! I’ve been insisting Letang held up Vermette’s stick with his own, and you see it too! I’ve also been saying this kid is awesome. He is definitely worthy of more responsibilities. His scoring potential is there!
Tom
Apr 20, 08:43 PM
DABICH, If you look closely, frame to frame, Letang actually blocks Vermette’s stick down outside Vermette’s leg so that Vermette cannot reach the puck between his skates. The technique is something I have seen Gonchar and Gill use, but not so quickly. This kid is fast with his hands, his stick and his skates. Gill said about Letang:
“He’s obviously really gifted and can play really well and he’s a good skater. Any little mistake that I make or he makes, he’s pretty good at covering up and getting back into position…It’s a game of mistakes and we’re going to make them, but I think it’s important to have a guy like him because he can get back and recover well. That makes a huge difference.”
DaBich
Apr 21, 02:45 PM
Tom ~ I’ve seen that quote by Gill, and Man, I can’t sing Letang’s praises loud enough. That kid is amazing. With all the talent on this team, he is often overlooked, but not by ME =D
And yes, I did see how he used his stick, like I said, AMAZING!
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