Faceoff Factor

Comments

1. DaBich

   May 6, 06:34 AM

   Those two words sum it up nicely.

2. Nathan

   May 6, 01:01 PM

   If Malkin and Fleury (especially those two) aren’t fired up tonight, and don’t make the contributions they need to make tonight, then there is something wrong with them, and I don’t mean injuries or sickness.

3. Ray aka WildcatRay

   May 6, 01:39 PM

   @Nathan,

   I wouldn’t include Fleury in this assessment. I have not seen any reason to say he is letting in soft goals. Indeed, most of Washington’s goals have been a result of the rest of the team hanging him out to dry. That’s not to mention at least two goals where the officials opted against calling interference on Washington. Ovechkin’s 5-on-3 goal in Game 1—Staal was interfered with—and his 5-on-4 goal in Game 2—Cook was tripped.

   That being said, the whole team needs to have its collective heads in the game. In fact, what is most glaring is the lack of physical play by the Pens. They were clearly the more physical team vs. the Flyers. By contrast, the Caps have been the more physical team so far in this series. That has to change.

   The Pens need to improve on face-offs. Part of the power play weakness in this series has been losing the draw in Washington’s end. Winning more draws regardless of the situation will enable the Pens better opportunities to possess the puck and thus better defend against Ovechkin and the rest of the Caps.

   Last, but certainly not least, the Pens must crash the net. Where did Sid score his goals from? Need I say more?

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