Wednesday, February 16, 2011

How far can the Pens go without Sidney Crosby?

Lori Pometo


I don't want to admit it, but there is a real possibility that Sidney Crosby might not play again this season. The fact is he is slowly progressing, but with the regular season over two thirds of the way done, the chance of him sitting out is real.
 Evgeni Malkin is already out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL and MCL. This poses a struggle for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they head toward the playoffs. Not to mention some other key players who are also out due to injuries. Luckily though, some of these guys, like Mark Letestu, Dustin Jeffrey and Chris Kunitz seem to be on the upswing.


All this said, despite the last few games, I believe the Penguins have the talent and skills to fight their way through the playoffs even without the two biggest names in the league. Recently suspended forwards Matt Cooke and Eric Godard will be back on the ice shortly to help propel the team as the playoffs loom closer. Pittsburgh has the man power to stay in the game. The road will be more difficult, as we've already seen. There will be more bumps and bruises as the guys work even harder to prove themselves to their fans, coaches, the NHL and also each other.

As it stands, Pittsburgh is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference above the Montreal Canadians and Washington Capitals. This is in great part, due to Sidney Crosby who leads the team with 32 goals and 66 points. Offense is where Sid and Geno (15goals) are missed most. Their absense has been met by others who have stepped it up. All the guys, especially, Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis and Craig Adams to name a few have really stepped up their passion with force and tenacity. Tyler Kennedy and WB/S forward Dustin Jeffrey have been consistent in scoring goals. Since making his season debut on New Year's Day, Jordan Staal, has stepped into a leadership role for the team on and off the ice, scoring three goals in the past five games. The players,(Jeffrey and Tangradi both currently out with injuries), who have been transplanted here for the time being from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton have added some much needed muscle to the Penguins. They are chipping in, giving a good effort each night for their new home away from home.

Not to be outdone, is the #2 defensive team in the NHL, just behind the Boston Bruins. The Penguins defense is crucial to the team. At 87.6%, Pittsburgh is first in penalty killing. Leading the way is Kris Letang who is 3rd in all defensemen with 44 points. Zbynek Michalek has fantastic defensive skills and is willing to get in there and help the goaltenders make a save. Deryk Engelland, who brings an aggressive edge is among the top fighters in hockey. Ben Lovejoy, who shares ice time with Engelland has great skating ability and speed, similar to Letang. All seven defensemen are tremendously talented and capable of getting the job done each night.

Pittsburgh is 5th in goals, with 2.40 GAA. Marc-Andre Fleury, one of the most athletic and limber players is ranked 8th at 2.30 GAA, with only three other Eastern Conference goalies (1.Tim Thomas-Boston, 5. Semyon Varlamov-Washington, 7. Brian Boucher-Philadelphia) above him.

This team has the raw talent and skills required to carry Pittsburgh well into the playoffs. These guys can be brutal. However, I think, as many do, they need to be more focused on the ice and create more plays. Create more offensive scoring chances and be more intentional with the puck and keep it out of their own zone not just to scrape by but to show everyone that they are, without a doubt, a powerhouse in the NHL, even without a few, very important, top guns. The Pittsburgh Penguins are comprised of many players, all part of the same team, and each individually brings something to the table. The team's success shouldn't (and hopefully won't) depend entirely on the contributions of a few. Yes, the score sheet may read higher if Sidney Crosby (who very well still may be) and Evgeni Malkin were on board to lead us into the playoffs, but the Pens have a solid foundation of strong, raw, skilled, in-your-face guys who are in it to win it!

1 comment:

  1. **Correction, they are currently 5th defensively as of last night.

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