Faceoff Factor

Pens Vs Devils Grades

Mike Adams | Report Cards

Nov 30, 12:40 PM | Hype this story!

“I can’t believe what I just saw.”

Offense: A

They put pressure on Scott Clemmensen most of the night. All the lines were clicking. Only some great play by the Jersey goalie kept it close.

Defense: A

They protected Sabu very well, rarely allowing quality chances.

Power play:

Rumor has it they got a power play goal. I think it was because I decided to pet a different dog during the power play.

Penalty kill: B-

It wasn’t all that strong. They allowed the Devils to keep the puck in the zone for most of the night. Fortunately, they did keep it to the perimeter for the most part. Only Patrik Elias seemed to get any quality chances.

Goaltending: A

Great comeback effort by Sabu. He was horrid in his last start, but played very well last night. The ability to shake it off is one that will serve him well if he wants to become a starter. It’s one thing he had problems with last year. He had to make a few key saves on the Devil power play when the game was still close.

Overall: A

It was one of their best games of the year. The offense had great transition and forechecking, and the defense didn’t allow much at all. Special teams were solid. And it came on the back end of back-to-backs.

And now, the rest of the story…

Sid: A

Oh. My. Gosh. That was one awe-inspiring performance. It was as if they shot him out of a cannon and he kept going until the final whistle. He could easily have had a touchdown. The first goal was incredible. How he had the presence to maintain control and then get a shot off defies all logic. He had several other breakaways in a game where the Devils simply couldn’t keep up with him. He set up Sykora with a brilliant pass on the power play. Then he was the beneficiary of a Devil turnover and put it into a gaping cage. Then, how about the walrus goal as he slid along on his belly and pickle-stabbed it into the empty net. At times, you just run out of superlatives to describe what he does. This is one of them. As Bibsy said, his joy is back. As The Great Edzo would say, he was one happy human last night.

Alexander Semin: A

Thank you, thank you, thank you, dear Alex. Ever since he made his infamous “what’s so special about Crosby” remarks, Sid has been on fire to the tune of 10 goals, 11 assists in 12 games. Just keep talking, moron.

Geno: B

Once again, two silent assists. How will Sid ever catch him if he keeps doing this? Oh yeah, by getting four points a night.

The “third” line: A

They did it again. Their forecheck bottled up the Devils’ pathetic defensemen most of the night

Janne Pesonen: F

I still didn’t notice him. At this point, he is not worthy of a top two line slot.

Healthy scratches: A

Ruslan Fedotenko played with far more energy than he has shown all year. Good job by The Genius to wake him up.

Free Cookie

We introduce a new category today. It is given to the recipient of Matt Cooke’s largesse. Last night’s recipient was Zach Parise. He had slashed Jordan Staal and thought he got away with it. Not so fast, my friend. Cooke hunted him down and just nailed him into the boards. Gotta love the way he plays.

Monk Moment:

For the second game in a row, Sid wrapped it up early. His breakaway goal where he ended up backhanding it in was amazing. However, I think this whole game was a monk moment. That’s how good he was.

Striped Buffoon Huh? Call of the Game

Easy one. Brian Gionta raises his stick above his head and plays lumberjack on Scuderi. he clips him in the face. But no call. Unbelievable.

Icehole of the Game:

Lou the Devil. Just because.

A guide to the game grades can be found here.