Comments on: Amped-up Lightning Demolish Penguins 8-2

By: Coach Bombay

Coach Bombay — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:19:36 +0000

Thanks Rick for looking that up. I was going back and trying to find the stat from yesterday morning. It’s not quite good as I thought, but still not horrible since it feels like every afternoon game is a loss and this comes up after every single matinee. The fact that we only had 2 weekend games before the Winter Classic probably helped that 4-0 start since we had that slow start to the season. Thanks again for looking that up!

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:21:10 +0000

Hey Coach. You really peaked my curiousity on this one, so I went back and checked. The Pens’ record in afternoon games (counting the loss to Tampa Bay) is 7-5-1 … not nearly as bad as I thought. After starting out 4-0, they’ve gone 3-5-1 in their last nine, which probably influenced my perception.

By: Coach Bombay

Coach Bombay — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 16:56:27 +0000

Oddly enough, and I’m always shocked by this, their record for early games is quite good. I don’t have the stat on hand, but I think it was something like 7-2-1 for the season going into yesterday. I’m always surprised because it seems like we lose every one of those games.

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:57:38 +0000

I don’t think they gave up … this team has way too much heart to quit. But I think they were stunned by Tampa’s first two goals. Up ’til then, the Pens were controlling the action. Having said that, I think it’s real important for the Pens to get the early lead and/or to keep the score close. They just don’t have the firepower to come from behind. And they definitely had a letdown once the Bolts went up 3-0.

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:47:58 +0000

Yeah, they tend to make one too many passes, looking for the perfect shot. This isn’t neccesarily tied to the power play, but I’d like to see them use the center drive more … especially with a big body like Staal. The Pens like to bring the puck up the boards, which is usually the easiest way to enter the offensive zone. But they spend a lot of time cycling in the corners and behind the net. They’re not going to score from there. Bring it up the middle, support the puck and force the other team’s ‘d’ to react.

By: shoot87

shoot87 — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 02:53:51 +0000

You can call it squandered opportunities or lack of chemistry on the PP, but the boy’s sure look good passing the puck around–SHOOT THE F-ing puck, Three of us drove 9 hrs. to get to Pitt to watch a volleyball game- only the puck was hit, they better bring it Mon. they’ll be back for game 7

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:26:53 +0000

I don’t know what the Pens’ record is this season in matinee games, but I’m pretty sure it’s borderline atrocious …

By: Alan K.

Alan K. — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:22:14 +0000

Is it me or do the Pens seem to give up if they don’t get the first goal. Bylsma may want to talk to them about that.

By: SR78

SR78 — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:18:59 +0000

It’s these stupid afternoon games. Lucky for us the next two games will be at night.