Pens -- JAN 2020
- Thread starter COOL MAN
- Start date
RUSTY!!! It all started after that stand up hit on Pasternak by 13.
Leave it to that cement-head Geno to throw it to a totally open zone while they're trying purposely to play keep away with the man advantage
Any win vs the Broons is satisfying, but this one is particularly so. For the record, Murray pitched a shutout the last 45 minutes.......though I'm honestly not sure how many great saves he made. Still, the stats don't lie.
Back to JJs game tying goal...THAT was a friggin laser. Sure glad he got it inside the iron, because how frequently those kinds of shots go wide these days.
Amazed how much easier its going to be to watch the conference championship games now.....
Just saw the replay of Rusty's game winner; love seeing Geno (before his cement-head pass in the last 30 seconds) overwhelm Broons/Jackass Edwards-Chosen One McAvoy behind the net and feed Rusty for a finisher that I still don't think Halak has moved on.
I assume Jackass was screaming for Geno to be called for holding.....
I assume Jackass was screaming for Geno to be called for holding.....
I was a bit shocked to see the 3 early markers, more so the fact at least one if not two of em were bad ones. However in saying that he's 5 W's in his last 5 starts, and seems to be able to shake off the bad sequences like this afternoon. I think that's what we've come to expect over his tenure. There will be bad ones , but then he has some ice in veins to refocus. That wasn't happening earlier this year whatsoever. He was letting in stoppable goals throughout the game, which is NOT gonna win you hockey games or improve the save %.
Thinking we see Tristan in Philly before this unfortunately (for those of us who love to watch) way long break...
If Murray is at least winning games and holding em in late, and Jarry is winning his fair share, I'm happy for now...
Ya that one caught me way off guard. He's made some serious bone nosed decisions as we know in the past, but he's damned lucky this particular one didn't cost them. Especially after having a really good game previous imo.
So admittedly i left the house after the 1st and listened to the comeback on the phone. 30 regrouped nicely. Now remember I am listening and there are 16 seconds left and Letang has the puck. Mike Lange says over to Malkin and I about pooped......the. Malkin turns it over for full slapper. Wtf....never give the pick to 71 in that situation!! Never!!!!! ![[roll]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/roll.r191677.gif "roll [roll]")
I gotta go back and have a gander at the scouting reports on Geno before he was drafted... they SHOULD say ' an immensely , ridiculously talented big player, who could be great...also ...be warned to temper your joy, he often has a propensity to do ridiculously stupid things that will incense you often 'So admittedly i left the house after the 1st and listened to the comeback on the phone. 30 regrouped nicely. Now remember I am listening and there are 16 seconds left and Letang has the puck. Mike Lange says over to Malkin and I about pooped......the. Malkin turns it over for full slapper. Wtf....never give the pick to 71 in that situation!! Never!!!!!
Let's be honest......he's been a MUCH better player overall this year than in 2018/19. I mean, even his infamous stick fouls have largely (if not totally) disappeared this season.
But he seemingly just can't eliminate those situations......like today......where his brain waves just flat-line. You'd think those would have virtually disappeared by this point in his career; but today keeps it in the front of our minds that, for all the phenomenal things he does, there's always a brain fart just a blip away.
I admit I thought it was safe for Geno to be out there running out the clock....with the man advantage......but we all saw what can happen..
Big part of this morning's coverage was the Bronx cheer.....actually, four of them according to Rossi.....the fans gave Murray on saves he made after the 3rd goal (which, at the time, I myself didn't realize that JJ had deflected the cross-the-slot pass into his own goal).
Anyway, guess MM wasn't at all happy with it; and apparently, neither were Sid, Geno, and Rusty, all of whom were more vocal than the always-brief Murray. Fair enough; but IMO, this kind of shit happens EVERYWHERE.....even though Geno said it only happens in Philly......when you're playing in the big time where expectations are high; and even more so in a game like this one.
Anyway, I now believe it reasonable to wonder if this specific instance might be the straw that breaks an admittedly low-key guy like Murray's back to conclude he's had enough of Pittsburgh long-term. Guess we'll see.....
Anyway, guess MM wasn't at all happy with it; and apparently, neither were Sid, Geno, and Rusty, all of whom were more vocal than the always-brief Murray. Fair enough; but IMO, this kind of shit happens EVERYWHERE.....even though Geno said it only happens in Philly......when you're playing in the big time where expectations are high; and even more so in a game like this one.
Anyway, I now believe it reasonable to wonder if this specific instance might be the straw that breaks an admittedly low-key guy like Murray's back to conclude he's had enough of Pittsburgh long-term. Guess we'll see.....
Bronx cheer is EVERYWHERE as you say, I don't particularly like or subscribe to it, however suck it up and play better...knives have been out for Murray since Flower left ,from half the fanbase, but fans had a right to be ornery with him after that 1st period. Thankfully he shut the door afterward, so maybe it lit a fire under him, not sure...
I get the personal feeling he likes it in The Burgh no matter the factions that are relentless on his social media platforms etc... he's always seemed a big boy in handling it so this one does shock me a bit...not shocked teamates would back him though, as that's what you would expect imo , but ya, we'll see indeed.
Finally came across the SOG by period for yesterday's game.....ESPN used to show this for eveny game, but eliminated it some time ago from their stats.
It's hardly a secret that Murray is the last guy in the room the scribes will go to for quotable stuff......but It's going to be interesting to see if he begins to shut them out; because they're going to want to see if he can get past this.
Anyway, I myself find it hard to believe this Bronx cheer fallout is going to die quietly today
- PIT 8-12-4-22
- BOS 13-10-14-37
It's hardly a secret that Murray is the last guy in the room the scribes will go to for quotable stuff......but It's going to be interesting to see if he begins to shut them out; because they're going to want to see if he can get past this.
Anyway, I myself find it hard to believe this Bronx cheer fallout is going to die quietly today
Just watched the scrum, you could tell he was quieter than normal, if not testy...in saying that I like that he elected 'no comment' when pushed about the jeers, because if he says anything otherwise I'm either not gonna believe him, or it's gonna go right sideways. As we know goalies are a distinct breed in hockey running the full gamet of strange personalities...one only needs to look at the 90's #35 for evidence of that.
I get what Geno is attempting to say, but he's a little over the top if ya ask me. I thought Sid had a more measured commentary which really should surprise no one I guess...
From what I can tell, the only thing Murray said to the press was that "no comment" comment. While I can't seem to find it now, I seem to recall having read something indicating Murray sat at his locker with tears in his eyes (though that's admittedly not exactly how I recall it being described).
Clearly, Sid measures pretty much everything he says to everybody, while Geno has always had a little loose cannon in him since he learned the language......and for that reason, the scribes understandably gravitate to him. And as for the goings on in Pittsburgh this morning, it seems any story about Murray seemingly must continue to include references to Fleury.
I live in Cincinnati, and have absolutely zero personal stake in that equation whatsoever. But why those two must be unfailingly connected for the rest of eternity.....by local fans or reporters.....is something I'll just never (or refuse to) understand.
Yes this...the guy is gone, TWO Goalies assisted in winning two Cups. Why it is tribal simply baffles me...
As for the comments the one I managed to pull up was about 2 mins long and he was answering several questions but in a decidedly terse manner, until the no comment....I cant seem to find it except on a site that V likely wouldn't be happy in my linking lol...
Honestly, a dirty shame this Bronx cheer has so dominated the local (and to a lesser extent, National) coverage of a game which should have the Pens feeling extremely good about themselves as a team.
Not sure where the fault really lies, or if it really matters.......though blaming fans never seems to benefit players very much. All I'll say is that I think Murray is probably best advised to come to practice today in a better mood than when he went home yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, I can't help but wonder if HCMS just might roll the dice and go back to Murray in Philadelphia tomorrow night as a show of his (and the team's) confidence. Of course, Jarry might well respond to such a move negatively in his own right, since he's had nothing to do with this current controversy.
OTOH, Jarry has never (I don't think) played in Philly before......plus this would be MM's 3rd game in 5 nights (though right before the ASG break); not insane, but more than you'd typically expect. Actually, I don't expect that to happen.....but who knows ??
Not sure where the fault really lies, or if it really matters.......though blaming fans never seems to benefit players very much. All I'll say is that I think Murray is probably best advised to come to practice today in a better mood than when he went home yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, I can't help but wonder if HCMS just might roll the dice and go back to Murray in Philadelphia tomorrow night as a show of his (and the team's) confidence. Of course, Jarry might well respond to such a move negatively in his own right, since he's had nothing to do with this current controversy.
OTOH, Jarry has never (I don't think) played in Philly before......plus this would be MM's 3rd game in 5 nights (though right before the ASG break); not insane, but more than you'd typically expect. Actually, I don't expect that to happen.....but who knows ??
I could see him trying it, but personally I would run with Jarry before the break. As you mention how is the kid gonna react to 3 in a row on the bench. Murray has had the last 2 and thus can't imo expect the 3rd with Tristans not great but at least good play over the last few while called upon...then again I'm not the coach and for good reason. I mighta yanked him after the 3rd yesterday, whether that particular marker could be hung on him or not...
As for the 'cheer' I did see one article indicating chants of 'Murray!Murray!Murray!' in the third. I didn't here them to be honest myself, but it at least indicates the fanbase can be forgiving if not fickle when they see something they like.
The question of who Sully is gonna start is at least a positive one during this issue imo, as the team is winning hockey games.... the chatter in these parts is much more dire I can assure you
. The masses seem to have turned on Andersen to a degree. I watched much of that one vs the Hawks and he did look downright dreadful on a few of em. Personally I think the pressure of that dumpster fire of a D is affecting his game, combined with the fact they have NO serviceable backup to rely on. It's fun times listening to heartache on the radio/social media when the Leaves are OUT of a playoff position...'how did this happen?!?!?'
The question of who Sully is gonna start is at least a positive one during this issue imo, as the team is winning hockey games.... the chatter in these parts is much more dire I can assure you
Yeah, that's pretty funny.......didn't I read that Freddy and a few of his buddies were heading to Augusta to play golf over the break ?? Would be curious as to who's sponsoring them, because just being rich and famous doesn't get you on that track.
Meanwhile, PHN reporting Schultzie took in a full practice today and evidently could play tomorrow night. As for Simon, he practiced today and may play tomorrow night, while Kahun is out with a concussion.
BTW, will be in SoCal for three nights next week......and it just so happens the Ducks are home versus the Yotes on Wednesday. Might think about taking in that one; I've never seen hockey on that side of the map before, so it might be fun (and tix aren't very pricey).
The only problem is I'm departing early the next morning; and being the old fart that I am, I'd typically hit the sack comparatively early. Regardless, I don't have to make a decision until the last minute, so we'll see.
The only problem is I'm departing early the next morning; and being the old fart that I am, I'd typically hit the sack comparatively early. Regardless, I don't have to make a decision until the last minute, so we'll see.
If you were wondering (as I was), the entire Metro except the Craps (who are off all this week).is combining the ASG break with the bye week beginning WED 1/22. Here's a brief schedule review:
- Craps -- 12 games in FEB (7H 5A) and 16 in MAR (8H 8A) with 3 BtB
- Pens -- 13 games in FEB (5H 7A) and 16 in MAR (8H 8A) with 4 BtB
- NYI -- 15 games in FEB (8H 7 A) and 16 in MAR (6H 8A) with 4 BtB
- Jerks -- 13 games in FEB (6H 7A) and 16 in MAR (7H 9A) with 6 BtB
- Cryers -- 13 games in FEB (7H 6A) and 16 in MAR (8H 8A) with 3 BtB
And they'll all be beating the bejesus out of each other during this stretch...hopefully with minimal injury impact for the Black and Gold...
Interesting piece from 538....
The info is obviously analytics/stats based.....which I myself believe has value, if not to the extent of the Moneyball types......but it's still compelling for those of us rooting for the 2019/20 Guins.
The info is obviously analytics/stats based.....which I myself believe has value, if not to the extent of the Moneyball types......but it's still compelling for those of us rooting for the 2019/20 Guins.
