Comments on: The Penguins Need a Quick Adjustment

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:03:38 +0000

I spoke with a friend of mine, Evan Freshwater, who played high school hockey for Montour and also for a junior Pens team. Since he’s the most knowledgeable hockey guy I know, I wanted to get his take on things. His responses both surprised me and clarified things a bit.

Evan feels the Penguins’ attack style is the most effective way to beat Philly (as opposed to a trap or a left wing lock)—when they operate as a five-man unit. The problem is the Pens aren’t doing that. Because of the way the Flyers are using the stretch pass, it’s caused our defense to become tentative about joining the rush. This, in turn, has opened up a gap between our forwards and our d-men, and Philly’s exploiting this gap to create odd-man breaks.

Evan supports Dan Bylsma’s assertions that the Pens just need “to get to their game” and execute their system better. However, he also pointed out—based on certain player’s comments (most notably Brooks Orpik)—the entire team isn’t buying in. So instead of operating as a cohesive five-man unit, the Pens have been split into two distinct on-ice groups (the forwards and the ‘d’) operating independently of each other.

At least for me, it explains why the Pens have looked so ragged and disjointed. It also provides a clearer picture of what they need to do going forward …

By: TANGER58

TANGER58 — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:54:21 +0000

Agree on the issue Bylsma has on adjusting to different situations. He always says “We have to get back to our game.” Which sounds like a great idea in theory, but a coach needs to adjust or tweak things when needed.

By: 55 on point

55 on point — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:32:44 +0000

Good points. Everything you say is true and then some (see some power points I posted elsewhere on this site last week). I’m a long-time hockey fan, too, but without shame or regret, I kind of liked it yesterday, as distasteful as I might have found it during the regular season. This is the Stanley Cup tournament and if you don’t go down punching some heads, switch to ballet next season. That’s the state of the NHL whether we agree with it or not. This year there have been more suspensions in the post-season than any post-season I can remember. Yesterday the Pens showed some life. Misguided as it may have been, it was a good thing, even as I previously listed avoiding that very thing as one of my points. As I watched yesterday I was cheering them on and feeling justified knowing that if the shoe was on the other foot Philly would be doing the same thing. And, who knows? Maybe it will galvanize them enough to win a game or two before it’s over. I’d like that as well. This IS a good team that owes it to themselves to make a showing. This series has been a failure from the top down but they have an opportunity to wipe away a bit of the tarnish come Wednesday. Let’s hope they do just that. And, I know it may be perceived as whining, but if Briere is whistled off side, this IS a different series at 2-1.

By: Rick Buker

Rick Buker — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:07:13 +0000

Excellent article, with great observations. I especially like your pick-up on Bylsma. He seems like a super guy, and the players really seem to love him. But he seems utterly unable to make meaningful adjustments. It’s like the Pens put all their eggs in one basket, and when that basket breaks … well …

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:01:37 +0000

I have been a fan from day one and I am feeling the same way you are. The Pens have the talent and the class to rise above this and get the job done-let’s hope they do. As you said, it would be a very sad way to end a great season. This won’t change my loyalty or passion for the game but I sure hope the right team shows up on Wednesday. Go Pens!

By: hapes

hapes — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:24:39 +0000

I think the glove thing was just gamesmanship. I don’t have a problem with it. The rest of it, yeah, it’s time for a smack upside the head.