|
Penguins vs Predators pregame thoughts |
|
|
|
|
|
The Pittsburgh Penguins found a way to survive against the mighty San Jose Sharks. They had a day to digest that result until they get their next difficult task, taking on another Western Conference power in the Nashville Predators.
The new look Predators have done a nice job of revamping their brand the past few years. It started with making a change at the coaching position moving from longtime coach Barry Trotz to Peter Laviolette who has a tendency to push play more often. Nashville then traded from a position of strength (defense) in order to finally land a high end center with Ryan Johansen. Lastly, they stole PK Subban from the Montreal Candadiens who is a perfect fit for what the team is trying to become. The Predators may be 1-3 but that is not a reflection of the talent on the roster.
The Penguins shouldn't be as shorthanded as they were against San Jose. Olli Maatta should be back and ready to go and David Warsofsky will enter the lineup in replace of the injured Derrick Pouliot. Apparently Joe Pavelski fell on Pouliot's leg in the last game and it torqued it in a way that isn't ideal. Pouliot is going to be out a while.
Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang remain day to day. The Penguins have not had a full practice due to their schedule and without a full practice it does not afford Sidney Crosby the opportunity to go full-contact which is a necessary step in his recovery from his concussion. Mike Sullivan stated that he does not believe Letang's injury is long term and that he truly is day to day. That is a relief.
The HBK line will not be in action tonight and that isn't a bad thing. The line that was so successful last year has not found that success so far this year in Sidney Crosby's absence. They have been buried in their own zone. This is problematic for obvious reasons but one of the side effects of them being buried is that Phil Kessel doesn't get to shoot the puck. Kessel will be teaming up with Evgeni Malkin tonight and I think that is the right move for the present time. Malkin is a zone entry machine and this will give Kessel time and space to make things happen on a regular basis.
Here are the lines
I wouldn't mind seeing Hornqvist take a few shifts with the HB part of the HBK line this evening. Doesn't have to be on a regular basis but I'd be interested in seeing how Hagelin's speed fits with what Hornqvist brings. That doesn't mean I am against putting Rust there. That is an incredible amount of speed on both wings and certainly won't hurt Bonino to have it.
The Penguins will face off against their former sniper James Neal tonight. Many people predicted that Neal would see a drop off in his production away from Evgeni Malkin and that has been true. With the Penguins from 2011-14 James Neal had an even-strength goals per 60 of 1.15 and a points per 60 of 2.35. So far in Nashville his goals per 60 is 1.07 and his points per 60 is 1.78. His goal scoring is similar but you can see he is no longer producing points at an elite level.
The man that replaced Neal was Patric Hornqvist. His last three years in Nashville had a goals per 60 of 0.81 and a points per 60 of 1.87. His time in Pittsburgh has seen his goal scoring rate stay similar (0.83), but his point production has increased to 2.00. Better center play helps on that front.
There is a bout of food poisoning that is impacting the Predators right now. In last night's contest both Ryan Johnansen and Craig Smith left the game and did not return. Ryan Johansen has four assists in three games so far this year and his absence would definitely be felt by Nashville if he can't go. It remains to be seen if other players will be impacted by the ailment.
Be on the lookout for Filip Forsberg. He is one of the best wingers in the sport and can wire the puck. Last year as a 21 year old he put up 33 goals in 82 games. This year through four games he has yet to score. One reason for not having a goal may be how often he is shooting. He averaged 3.01 shots per game last year and through four games this year it has been cut in half (1.5).
It will be Marc-Andre Fleury again between the pipes for the Penguins. He has played well to start the year.
Pittsburgh looks to make it 4-1-1 without Sidney Crosby tonight.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»