2016 Stanley Cup Finals
- Thread starter COOL MAN
- Start date
And...so how does everybody feel about going to OT on the road in game 3 up by 2 games? I feel pretty good on the whole...
I liked the push back/ antagonizing from 87 at the end of 3rd on Vlasic....
So so.....I still have Kessel for the Pens (though Hagelin wouldn't shock me) . Meanwhile, Sid needs to get engaged with the PUCK rather than with Pickles. Ward scares me the most for San Jose, though they have at least 4 players overdue.
Unfortunately, I just don't have a lot of confidence in Murray right now while Jones seems much stronger now than a couple hours ago.
It is still unreal the amount of bodies they are getting in front of rubber isn't it...
Murray needs to shut the door here in OT...no softies...last thing we need now is a goalie debate again!
That's the exact reason why I believe in firing the puck. Two Pens and the goaltender and the puck goes in. I thought 87 had a chance to shoot the puck a few minutes ago and instead tried to pass it across. When you shoot the puck-anything can happen.
I hope MM gets some work in the offseason stopping the elevated shots.
I hope MM gets some work in the offseason stopping the elevated shots.
I agree on 2...But I think he was anticipating Donskoi coming in tighter on the wraparound, and the 2 Pens in front I don't know if he was screened or not...I give the kid credit for making a hell of a shot roofing it...But I do think Murray needs to be that much better...
True...The Pavelski save was a big one, any goal in OT is no good...but the on that concerned me is the 2nd SJ marker...that's a goal that your guy has to stop...
You can't get beaten short side from THAT kind of angle, especially by someone on San Jose not named Pavelski, Thornton, or Couture.
Hmmm...I suppose he was down early (albeit playing along the ice is a part of his game as well, seeing as he's so tall and able to still cover a good portion of net), If he were standing on 2 feet (which maybe he should have been) it is completely covered and one he should / would have...on his knees there is no chance he stops that goal that high, he's handcuffed and likely based on his incorrect positioning....so I suppose I'm saying I agree/ disagree with you to an extent....one leg in the water on this one lol...
Well, at least the entire hockey world outside Pittsburgh got what they were praying for tonight.....nobody aside Penguins fans wanted them to take a 3-0 lead, especially the League and NBC. Unfortunately, they want the SAME result on Monday night.
Still, the pressure remains MORE on San Jose than the Pens......though it's probably a somewhat different kind of pressure than what they dealt with tonight. Everyone was talking about how much better the Sharks could play. Well, they played their best game of the series by several hundred magnitudes, and without THREE bad GA's by Murray, the undertaker is starting to throw dirt on them right now.
Unfortunately, shaky goaltending is the best (or worst) thing the series leader can serve up to keep a shaky opponent alive and breathing. And what makes things worse is that's ALL we're going to hear about for the next 48 hours.
Still, the pressure remains MORE on San Jose than the Pens......though it's probably a somewhat different kind of pressure than what they dealt with tonight. Everyone was talking about how much better the Sharks could play. Well, they played their best game of the series by several hundred magnitudes, and without THREE bad GA's by Murray, the undertaker is starting to throw dirt on them right now.
Unfortunately, shaky goaltending is the best (or worst) thing the series leader can serve up to keep a shaky opponent alive and breathing. And what makes things worse is that's ALL we're going to hear about for the next 48 hours.
One thing is certain to me...they know Murray's weakness is high...and they're exploiting it. Hopefully he will bounce back...thankfully he has shown the propensity to put a game behind him before but NOT when ALL the marbles are on the table...I don't think Sully would go back to Flower at this point regardless. I think he'd view it as some sort of vindication to the Sharks that he doesn't have faith whatsoever in his guy....and that could be even more dangerous... IF Murray has a bad game 4? Well then let the circus carousel start turning...I hate to think of a tied up series with major goaltending drama...
Play a similar game to tonight and things SHOULD turn in the good guys favour...
Play a similar game to tonight and things SHOULD turn in the good guys favour...
I stand corrected..... Murray never saw the first goal; and as I myself said, you can't stop what you can't see. In other words, two bad GA in my opinion.
Honest question......and I'm not being a wise guy...... but why (beyond the fact you're rooting for the Pens) are you convinced they're the better team ?? I mean, I could make a similar proclamation if I so chose.....for either side..... but as someone who's literally NEVER played the game, such a perspective from me frankly wouldn't have much legitimacy.
For the record, whole I admit I'm disappointed after how last night ended......presumably much like Sharks fans after Game 2......I'm hardly discouraged about our "skaters" . But man, I also admit.....after starting my bitching about 30 seconds after Game 3 ended.....I'm VERY worried about our goaltending in a series which is apparently SO close.
I am, however, concerned about the team's inability to create breathing room (meaning more than one goal) on the scoreboard early in the game when Jones appears to be at his most vulnerable.
In DK's comments on last night's loss, he was almost as pointed as yours truly regarding Murray's play even in light of some the strongest saves he made.
He eventually made reference to the depressingly-profound paraphrase attributed to former Pens goaltender, Tom Barrasso.....a guy who, on those VERY few occasions in his day where he actually talked to the Press, never minced words (and though I seriously doubt TB was the first to say this)....
"It's not the saves you make, it's the goals you give up......"
Truer words have perhaps NEVER been spoken by anyone associated with goaltending. Meanwhile, DK's current take is that Murray's track record thus far in these playoffs is that he always comes back strong after an off performance
He eventually made reference to the depressingly-profound paraphrase attributed to former Pens goaltender, Tom Barrasso.....a guy who, on those VERY few occasions in his day where he actually talked to the Press, never minced words (and though I seriously doubt TB was the first to say this)....
"It's not the saves you make, it's the goals you give up......"
Truer words have perhaps NEVER been spoken by anyone associated with goaltending. Meanwhile, DK's current take is that Murray's track record thus far in these playoffs is that he always comes back strong after an off performance
Pittsburgh Penguins
Coach Sullivan confirms it was a maintenance day for both Kris Letang and Olli Maatta.
Coach Sullivan confirms it was a maintenance day for both Kris Letang and Olli Maatta.
Not to harp on it (albeit I've been known to do this before) but as for the GWG in OT....I inquired with the goalie next door which I've mentioned to you before CM...he's my bud and a good shit although in his response I still see a my bud sort of vibe lol ' that goal if he stands on 2 feet (like Barrasso was famous for) and hugs the post does not go in, problem is they are teaching these guys to cover the bottom too much in my opinion, and the shooter knew it, he had no chance to save that puck in the stance he was in, and we saw the results'....at 6'4 I tend to agree I want to see him standing more...you cover that post and 2/3 of net and game continues. Does Flower hug that post and stand high? Maybe he does....just a perspective and I do realize it is me protecting 'my boy' to an extent....want to see him succeed....for the record the game tying goal elicited a WTF was that response, which I wholeheartedly agree with....he shoulda had that one as a lock....MM needs to at minimum match Jones shot for shot...if He does the series is over....as rooney mentioned it's the experience and depth I am leaning toward. ...if this (quite frankly) exceptional D zone play of BLOCKING SHOTS can continue and keep them to the perimeter? I see GREAT things coming down the pipe my friends. ...
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You ask if Flower hugs the post ?? Well, I don't recall him specifically having problems getting beat on the short side throughout his career. But NOT doing it sure as hell bit him in the arse in his last start when Alex Killorn beat him to the top corner on the short side and about ripped off his right ear in the process......and I was PO'd about that one, too.
There's no question the obsession with these tall guys focusing on covering the goal line in their butterfly has left the upper quarter of the net available to the shooter. For the record, I distinctly recall the broadcasters saying Jones was thought by his own team to be vulnerable to the high shot (though not necessarily short side). And of course, that's where Sheary beat him to win Game 2.
My two cents on game 3....Murray was pretty special through the first two periods, sure he allowed himself to be screened for the first goal. (Didn't do much to look around it). But goals 2 and 3 were friggin atrocious. That OT goal is inexcusable. Twice in these playoffs he has given up that same goal. Not sure why.
Now to Malkin. Damn I have no idea what he is trying to accomplish on the ice. I think now one goal in 15 games???? I rarely question his effort, but a star in this league can't miss the net from 7 feet in OT. He buries that puck and we aren't debating Murrays softies. His line mates busted their asses last night and he was invisible.
Sid....Terrible last night until the Ward goal. From that point on, he was good....too late. As my wife and stepson as witnesses, I screamed at the TV when Sid turned that puck over at the end of the 4 minute PP. And then Joel Ward goes all Zdeno Chara and blows one through Murray for an inexcusable goal. On the Pens only PP he singlehandedly ruined the first shift with multiple senseless turnovers. All night long he turned the puck over. He, Hornqvuist and Sheary just refused to send the puck deep and kept trying to make plays.
The good news.....I still thinks the Pens are just not finishing plays. 42 shots and the two that went in were deflected. Kessel stoned on a breakaway where he makes no moves and fires it into keeper. Not a lot of great saves by Jones. Too many poor angles and long distance shots. When they had chances they didn't make great shots. At some point that will change. The shots will go in. Pens defense has been really good for the most part. Can't blame any of them for the three shark goals. They are moving the puck well. Blocking shots. Clearing the puck. I just hope one of them doesn't break a bone blocking all these shots.
Concerns for game 4; Murray, Crosby's line, Geno. Murray has responded well after bad games. No reason not to except a good game. I have no idea what to expect from Sid. Maybe he dominates and maybe is is barely adequate. Geno, in my opinion, is working hard to make sure he is on the Quebec or Vegas roster in 2017.
Time for bed. let's go Pens
Now to Malkin. Damn I have no idea what he is trying to accomplish on the ice. I think now one goal in 15 games???? I rarely question his effort, but a star in this league can't miss the net from 7 feet in OT. He buries that puck and we aren't debating Murrays softies. His line mates busted their asses last night and he was invisible.
Sid....Terrible last night until the Ward goal. From that point on, he was good....too late. As my wife and stepson as witnesses, I screamed at the TV when Sid turned that puck over at the end of the 4 minute PP. And then Joel Ward goes all Zdeno Chara and blows one through Murray for an inexcusable goal. On the Pens only PP he singlehandedly ruined the first shift with multiple senseless turnovers. All night long he turned the puck over. He, Hornqvuist and Sheary just refused to send the puck deep and kept trying to make plays.
The good news.....I still thinks the Pens are just not finishing plays. 42 shots and the two that went in were deflected. Kessel stoned on a breakaway where he makes no moves and fires it into keeper. Not a lot of great saves by Jones. Too many poor angles and long distance shots. When they had chances they didn't make great shots. At some point that will change. The shots will go in. Pens defense has been really good for the most part. Can't blame any of them for the three shark goals. They are moving the puck well. Blocking shots. Clearing the puck. I just hope one of them doesn't break a bone blocking all these shots.
Concerns for game 4; Murray, Crosby's line, Geno. Murray has responded well after bad games. No reason not to except a good game. I have no idea what to expect from Sid. Maybe he dominates and maybe is is barely adequate. Geno, in my opinion, is working hard to make sure he is on the Quebec or Vegas roster in 2017.
Time for bed. let's go Pens
I admit I didn't pay any attention to the matchups.....one of the things at which you guys who played the game are better than we up in the cheap seats.....but I know the Sharks had been talking about making sure Vlasic was matched-up against Sid from the get-go. Of course, you can only do that at home......and frankly, given the love he's gotten from the media coming into the series, Pickles sure didn't seem to be much of a factor in Pittsburgh (while Sid was in wolverine mode in the offensive end).
Maybe he's the reason why Sid was neutralized in Game 3; I'm going to try and pay attention for that match-up tonight.
I had a crazy day as well CM,And as you say likely a good thing I too haven't been obsessing lol...I do feel pretty good about the prospects tonight. The Pens on the whole through 3 have been the better team imo...just need to bury the chances they get and keep on ...well...keepin on! I honestly think Jones has been very good BUT I think our guys have failed to capitalize when they really should have...making his job a bit easier. He seems the consummate shot blocker and on more than one occasion imo they have insisted on shooting it right at him. The D looks incredibly solid imo for what was supposed to be the Pens Achilles heel? And even in game 3 I saw an awful lot of forward help deep in our zone. Keep them to the perimeter, block shots and use the speed...
Also...OM1 was commenting on the bad ice in the Burgh a few games ago....the ice in SJ seems to be twice as bad, a lot of bouncing pucks minimized the use of that big flip pass that has been so very successful. Although if its over 90 degrees outside I fully understand just why SJ staff is having such issues with it...not sure what the weather is there today, haven't checked as of yet...
Let's get it done tonight Pens! Looking for a big bounceback...
Not sure on the Quebec City scenario up here thus far OM1...Vegas seems a lock but with the amount of corruption that infiltrates Quebec, the current state of the Cdn dollar (round mid seventies vs the Greenback last look, needs to be at minimum 85 cents imo to make it profitable on these majority USD contracts), and the for all intents EXORBITANT pricetag on an expansion franchise? Yikes...not good. Also not entirely sure they will have the wherewithal to sell all those much needed corporate boxes consistently? No question the people of Quebec City deserve a team based on their undying support of the Nords years ago, and hunger for it now but I just dont see it as successful. At minimum I think they would need a pre established team. Expansion growing pains may wear on that attendance eventually as well...Vegas on the other hand intrigues me a bit. I think the amount of tickets sold to visiting fans could be off the charts but locally? At any one 8 hr period of the day is not 1/3 of the city working on the whole? This makes it an interesting dynamic imo. That arena could very well have the highest ratio of visiting fans in the entire league. Who doesn't want to plan a trip to Vegas around your team's visit?!? I know I'd heavily consider it depending on ticket price or potential comps from casinos/hotels....
I actually quite like the way Sully seemed to pay very little attention to the matchups (obviously at home more than on the left coast), I think he realizes ANY of these lines can play with and have success vs anything SJ throws at them....consistentcy seems to be his MO...and I quite frankly like it in this age of overanalyzation and overanalytics....roll your lines, give em a blow when they're lookin tired and LEAN on the ones you know are playing at a level above....is anyone else as impressed as I am at these FOUR lines? I know you all are of course but I think it is incredible having this much to draw from...
Yeungling is a flowin...on a Monday night...yikes! ....and Metallica can go and stuff it where the sun don't shine....
Kunitz....looking for #14 to make an appearance tonight....
Lets Go!!!
Kunitz....looking for #14 to make an appearance tonight....
Lets Go!!!
ESPN Stats & Info
Each of the 1st 3 gms of this series have been decided in either the final 3 minutes of regulation or in OT.
Each of the 1st 3 gms of this series have been decided in either the final 3 minutes of regulation or in OT.
