Faceoff Factor

Comments

1. Nathan

   Jun 4, 01:23 PM

   I’m curious to see how Datsyuk and Draper will affect the ice time of Zetterberg. I wonder if Babcock will do Zetterberg/Crosby and Datsyuk/Malkin like he did Z/Sid last game.

   Seems to me like they’ll maybe give some of Zetterberg’s Crosby minutes to Draper, as had been the case in the regular season.

   I really enjoyed watching Babcock really chase that matchup last game, and Bylsma’s satisfaction in that.

2. Nathan

   Jun 4, 01:30 PM

   Apparently Datsyuk took all reps this morning as a wing with Hossa, and Filpula centering. So if that is the case, I still feel good about Malkin’s line continuing to get the looks they have been getting. Seems to me Datsyuk will probably be around 15 minutes tonight as opposed to 20.

3. Pens1967

   Jun 4, 01:59 PM

   If Datsyuk is at wing, that tells me he cannot move well laterally and would not be able to keep up at center.

   I seriously doubt Kris Draper could stay with Crosby. I think Draper is more for the PK to take some minutes off Zetterberg.

4. Moq

   Jun 4, 02:06 PM

   Here’s to breaking a trend from last year. I’m hoping that the boys will give everything they’ve got to overcome obstacles, be it opponents and/or officiating, and win this crucial fourth game against Detroit. Let there be a Pittsburgh Penguins win tonight.

5. Ray aka WildcatRay

   Jun 4, 02:06 PM

   Two words:

   Must! Win!

6. Steve

   Jun 4, 02:49 PM

   Two more words:

   Lucky tie!

7. Matt Bodenschatz

   Jun 4, 03:19 PM

   Three more words: 1992 Cup T-shirt

   (It’s been quite lucky)

8. Nathan

   Jun 4, 03:27 PM

   I made a small change on my game-viewing tshirt for game 3, as I had worn the same one since game 7 in Washington. I almost went from a black one to a yellow one, but realized shortly before gametime that the Penguins didn’t need a makeover, they needed small adjustments to bring the Hockey Gods back on their side. I changed to my other black one.

9. Matt Bodenschatz

   Jun 4, 03:40 PM

   I actually went drastic Tuesday: no Penguin attire what-so-ever. They needed a kick in the butt, and it worked — so that will continue tonight. A Yuengling before each period also worked well :)

10. Moq

    Jun 4, 04:46 PM

    Well, I stopped watching the transmission during the second game due to atrocious officiating that made it unbearable. They won game three without my glaring “participation” from behind the screen. Though I’m not the slightest bit superstitious, I feel obligated to make the sacrifice and miss game four as well. So they better win!

11. Nathan

    Jun 4, 05:06 PM

    We all thankyou MOQ for your consideration, here’s to reading the boxscore in the morning!

12. Pens1967

    Jun 4, 07:13 PM

    I think it was Jory Rand on KDKA-TV who reported that Sid was not happy with himself for leaving Zetterberg unguarded in front of the net while he went behind the net. So, today, he made his teammates go into the corner and come out in front of the net so he could practice his defense against that play.

    This kid is so driven to perfection and to win, I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks out of his scoring drought tonight.

13. DaBich

    Jun 5, 05:48 AM

    Pens, good call!

14. Pens1967

    Jun 5, 08:08 AM

    Well, I can’t believe the Pens won, since, you know, Kris Draper(!) played and all.

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