Pens/Wings Game 3 Grades
Mike Adams | Report Cards
Jun 3, 11:09 AM | Hype this story!
Pens are still alive
Thanks to hockey gods
Geno and Max lead the way
But must win Thursday
Offense: D
Very little sustained pressure. They managed only 17 even strength shots. They came out flying, but from about the 10-minute mark in the first through the end of the second, they generated squat.
Defense: B-
They had some difficulty getting the puck out of their own end. They had twice as many giveaways as Detroit. The Wings pressured more in this one than the first two combined.
Yeo play: A
That last power play is what it’s all about. It wasn’t pretty, as they kept losing the puck. But the puck never left the zone thanks to incredible efforts by everyone out there. That’s what Coach B. means by “a battle of wills.” The Pens just WANTED that goal so badly that they would not be denied. They just kept outworking the Wings for 50/50 pucks until they finally got possession. Then it was up to Sarge to rip a slapper past Osbad. The fact that they also scored a huge goal (is any goal in this series NOT huge?) on the PP late in the first also means the power play decided this game in their favor.
Penalty kill: C
They gave up a big power play goal that gave Detroit the momentum in the first.
Goaltending: A
Fleury might have been able to stop the first one, but he seemed to flop out of position a bit. But he was rock solid after that. As the Wings dominated the second period, outshooting the Pens 14-4, he was brilliant. He kept them in the game until the offense got untracked a bit in the third. The Wings just kept storming the net, but they just could not beat him. He was a wall. This is the Marc-Andre Fleury the Pens need if they are to have any chance in this series.
Overall: B
We have a very odd series going on. The Pens play well in Detroit, but lose twice. They come home and play their worst game of the series and win. It’s all about breaks and goaltending. The Pens got neither in Detroit and lost. The Wings got neither last night and lost. These teams are both playing at such a high level that every break, every missed call, every questionable goal, is absolutely key. Last night, it was the Pens turn to get better goaltending and a couple breaks, and they got the W.
And now, the rest of the story…
Sid: D
Once again, he did not have a good game. Early on, he made several ill-advised passes when a shot would have been a better option. Then he made an absolutely bafflingly horrible play on the Zetterberg goal. For some inexplicable reason, he peeled off behind the net as the puck went out front. That left Zetterberg and Leino 2-on-1 against Gonchar. What the hell was Sid thinking???
Geno: A
Another monster game for him. He certainly isn’t disappearing like he did last year. He notched three first assists. And he was noticeable almost every time he hit the ice.
Superstar Talbot: A
There is only one true “superstar” in this series, and his name ain’t Darren Helm. And Max showed it last night. He scored two, and could easily have had the HT. Just a tremendous effort by him, as he proves once again that he’s one of the unsung leaders on this team.
Chris Kunitz: A
He might have trouble scoring, but he does other stuff, too. He had 11, yes, count ‘em 11, hits last night. None were of the crushing variety, but he laid the body every chance he got.
Subtlety: F
The Wings “subtly” interfere and get away with it. And Mike Babcock’s subtle whining last night did not go unnoticed. All he kept repeating in the press conference was, “It was an even game. They got a power play in the third and we didn’t.” Yep, that was the only reason you lost. How about the guy in goal that couldn’t stop a beach ball? Huh?
Olympic Diving: F
I don’t particularly enjoy it as a sport when it’s done in water. It is even less enjoyable when it’s done on ice. The Wings seem to be going for perfect 10s every time they get to the finals. Last year it was Holmstrom and Flopsgood. This year, Flopsgood was at it again in Game 2, and last night it was Cleary’s turn. He Clearly took a dive on the Orpik penalty, and the buffoons bought it. And their fans have the nerve to call the Avalanche the “Dive?” This is the true Olympic diving team.
Penguin Fans: B
You were loud; you were raucous. But for God’s sake, stop booing *****. I know you feel like you have to do it. I would too. But just stop, okay. Don’t give the POC any extra motivation.
Versus: A
No Regis, no headache for me.
Striped Buffoon Huh? Call of the Game
This might be the easiest one I’ve ever had, though it’s a non-call. How on earth four striped buffoons can totally miss a team playing with too many men on the ice for over 20 seconds is just stunning. Seriously, how can you not notice that something is out of whack? What the hell is the lineman in the Wings’ end doing at that point? Should it not be his job to be watching for too many men since he has nothing else to do right then? I don’t know which guy it was, but it doesn’t really matter. All four of these clowns should be barred from any further officiating in the Final because of their gross incompetence. We won’t even mention the ticky-tack penalty that gave the Pens the winning power play. That stuff went on all game, and then they call that??? Look, as a Pens’ fan, I’ll gladly take it as a gift from the hockey gods as a quid pro quo for the missed calls on Zetterberg covering the puck in the crease twice. But these were both horrendous displays of officiating. But what else can you expect from Devorski and LaRue? They’ve been doing it their whole careers.
Free Cookie
He plastered Abdelkader, Kronwall, and Superstar Helm into the boards.
Free Candy
He notched Superstar Helm and ***** onto his belt last night. Of course he also went running for a hit on the Wings’ first goal, leaving Sarge all alone in front.
Minard of the Game
Sid on his first shift had a wide open shot to the right of Osbad, but inexplicably tried to pass through about 20 Detroit guys to get it to Guerin. Just shoot the damn puck!
A Guide to the Grades can be found here
Comments
emo
Jun 3, 12:28 PM
When I saw Orpik go for that hit, I knew it was trouble. That said, I’m willing to give him a pass in that instance because he knew he had support from Crosby on the play. If Crosby doesn’t go behind the net for reasons unknown, it’s an even situation and they likely don’t score there.
That was the best game Chris Kunitz has had in a while. Ditto for Staal’s line. Hopefully, that gives them all something to build on and they parlay that into some goals in Game 4.
Jon
Jun 3, 12:39 PM
Putting my love for the Pens aside, I was okay with the refs missing the two many men on the ice call. Detroit has gotten away with a lot of things (you know, like Zetterberg playing goalie). I thought it was only fair.
Bill
Jun 3, 12:42 PM
The Pens need to continue playing like they did in the third period last night. The energy and intensity they brought can’t be matched by the Wings.
I think we need to have Mario drop the puck before every home game as well.
Two Sheds
Jun 3, 01:06 PM
The missed too many men call was more humorous than a big deal. If the Penguins had scored (would it have counted?), that would have been an issue. As it was, it was just like any other blown call, and far less consequential than, say, not calling a penalty when Zetterberg does his backup goalie routine. Games are full of blown calls and I wouldn’t say that one evened out anything.
What last night showed was how the goalie is the most important position in games between closely matched teams. All three games have been won by the team with the best goalie. Everyone else can make mistakes and they can get covered up — not so with the goalie. Osgood was weak last night, Fleury was very good. If Osgood had played well, the Wings would have won.
I think Zetterberg is getting to Crosby — he’s playing really really well and Crosby seems to be rushing things and getting frustrated.
james
Jun 3, 01:15 PM
I thought Versus would get an F…..especially since they decided to go straight to Sports Soup rather than have any post-game coverage.
Pens1967
Jun 3, 01:17 PM
No love for Brooks Orpik’s end-to-end rush ala Bobby Orr?
Kris Letang played a very good game, too.
Nathan
Jun 3, 03:02 PM
@ Pens1967
Yes, Letang played great! He answered the whispers of sitting a game.
Danny
Jun 3, 03:27 PM
The only difference in game 3 compared to the others was MAF didn’t give up a soft, life sucking goal or two. Mike, I wouldn’t say he was brilliant, just more adequate.
Pens1967
Jun 3, 10:30 PM
According to TSN, Sid spent a lot of time today reviewing tape of his every shift and also meeting with his linemates to figure out what he and they could do better.
http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/darren_dreger/?id=280803
Srikant
Jun 4, 01:38 AM
First time on here…like the blog. I think people are being a bit hard on sid. From what I have seen here is the luck he has had:
1) Hits the post, then has Zetterberg dive in the crease and cover the puck.
2) Hits the post, then has Zetterberg dive in the crease and cover the puck 2.
3) Delivers a beauty to Guerin who hits the post.
4) Delivers a beauty to Kunitz who shoots over the goal.
5) Makes an amazing play on a steal from Lindstrom and Osgood just makes a nice stop.
6) Took a sick backhand that just missed
There are probably others. He has played ok, but hasnt gotten on the score sheet. Tough luck in a few of those games.
Watch the PP goal again from last night, Sid made a great play on a loose puck behind the net to get it to Malkin(who got it to Gonchar at the point)....
I think Sid is doing fine…only a matter of time before he gets on the sheet more.
DaBich
Jun 4, 06:16 AM
Yes, Letang was very good game 3. He’s coming along well, and don’t forget, he’s learned from the best….Sarge!
I’m lovin’ how Max is playing.
Matt Bodenschatz
Jun 4, 10:37 AM
@Pens, thanks for the heads-up. I sued Dreger’s blog as the basis for a story last night.
@Srikant, welcome to FF! Please stick around. I think you’ll find that each writer/commentor has varying viewpoints. Some of us are harsh and others are homers. I think that is part of what makes FF so interesting.
Personally, I think Sid has played very well. He’s skating hard and fast, thus forcing Zetterberg, Lidstrom and Rafalski to do the same. All the while, Evgeni Malkin is being left exposed and is, therefore, more capable of producing. I think Sid would gladly continue to be pointless if his play creates opportunities for his teammates and results in wins.
@Dabich, Letang has a ton of physical skill. He still makes mental mistakes, but that is common among young players. When he’s on top of his game (like Tuesday), he’s the Penguins’ second best defender, behind Gonchar. Let’s hope he can build off of his solid performance and put together another tonight!
Jane
Jun 4, 02:01 PM
After all of that speculation of whether Letang was sitting out, he ends up playing a great game. We really don’t know where that rumor started anyway, but the media even picked up on it. Let’s hope we see more of the same skill and good decision making tonight!
Tim in Maine
Jun 4, 04:40 PM
Not sure how you can give VS an A. They freaking cut straight from the game to Sports Soup, then back 30 minutes later for the post game. No other sport would allow that to happen. I was sickened.
Commenting is closed for this article.