I don't see the Pens playing perfect playoff (say that fast!) hockey this series. It would be nice to see the PK gain some momentum this series. With the ridiculous depth at forward, we won't have any trouble scoring. We just have to stay out of the box, not turn over the puck at the blue lines, backcheck hard and stay strong in front of our own net and this should be a good series to get us into beast mode moving forward.
- cygnus41

I thought the reason our PK% is bad is because of the begining of the season. Since the acquisitions and change of mindset we've been slightly better but not good enough yet.

Let's play hard hockey Pens!

I love playing the New Yawkers.
Oh well, looks like we start Wednesday.

The key to this series is too beat them down physically in the first 2 games. Just hit everything that moves, break them down. Sheik make them humble, break them to the dead dog sh#t, kill them till they die from it.

I thought the reason our PK% is bad is because of the begining of the season. Since the acquisitions and change of mindset we've been slightly better but not good enough yet.

Let's play hard hockey Pens!
- Orpik44

Doing some quick calculations, PK by month.

January (7 GP) - 22/27 = 81.5% - 3.86 p/game - 0.71 PPGA/g
February (14 GP) - 46/58 = 79.3% - 4.14 p/game - 0.86 PPGA/g
March (15 GP) - 34/41 = 82.9% - 2.73 p/game - 0.47 PPGA/g
April (12 GP) - 31/41 = 75.6% - 3.42 p/game - 0.83 PPGA/g


We took too many penalties at the start of the year, but April has actually been our worst month on the PK percentage wise. The reason March was so successful was that we didn't take many penalties, we still only had a slightly above average PK overall.

The misleading thing is that we've been very good at home. Since the beginning of March, we're actually:

92.5% (37/40 killed - 2.67 p/game - 0.20 PPGA/g) in 15 games at home
66.7% (28/42 killed - 3.50 p/game - 1.17 PPGA/g) in 12 games on the road.

The good news is it means its not likely to be a systems problem. We're just taking too many penalties on the road, and for whatever reason we're not doing the same things we're doing at home.

Fortunately we're playing more home games than road for the rest of the season, unfortunately it means we'll likely lose at least a couple road games due purely to penalties in the playoffs if this trend doesn't change.

I wonder what the period by period trends are...

Doing some quick calculations, PK by month.

January (7 GP) - 22/27 = 81.5% - 3.86 p/game - 0.71 PPGA/g
February (14 GP) - 46/58 = 79.3% - 4.14 p/game - 0.86 PPGA/g
March (15 GP) - 34/41 = 82.9% - 2.73 p/game - 0.47 PPGA/g
April (12 GP) - 31/41 = 75.6% - 3.42 p/game - 0.83 PPGA/g


We took too many penalties at the start of the year, but April has actually been our worst month on the PK percentage wise. The reason March was so successful was that we didn't take many penalties, we still only had a slightly above average PK overall.

The misleading thing is that we've been very good at home. Since the beginning of March, we're actually:

92.5% (37/40 killed - 2.67 p/game - 0.20 PPGA/g) in 15 games at home
66.7% (28/42 killed - 3.50 p/game - 1.17 PPGA/g) in 12 games on the road.

The good news is it means its not likely to be a systems problem. We're just taking too many penalties on the road, and for whatever reason we're not doing the same things we're doing at home.

Fortunately we're playing more home games than road for the rest of the season, unfortunately it means we'll likely lose at least a couple road games due purely to penalties in the playoffs if this trend doesn't change.

I wonder what the period by period trends are...
- cygnus41

If I'm Disco I make them watch some of those Flyers games where they literally could not kill a penalty. I also lock Glass in the janitors closet and forget he exists. I still have no idea what Bylsma see's in him.

The key to this series is too beat them down physically in the first 2 games. Just hit everything that moves, break them down. Sheik make them humble, break them to the dead dog sh#t, kill them till they die from it.
- nbartley9

That's exactly what our game plan should be

Doing some quick calculations, PK by month.

January (7 GP) - 22/27 = 81.5% - 3.86 p/game - 0.71 PPGA/g
February (14 GP) - 46/58 = 79.3% - 4.14 p/game - 0.86 PPGA/g
March (15 GP) - 34/41 = 82.9% - 2.73 p/game - 0.47 PPGA/g
April (12 GP) - 31/41 = 75.6% - 3.42 p/game - 0.83 PPGA/g


We took too many penalties at the start of the year, but April has actually been our worst month on the PK percentage wise. The reason March was so successful was that we didn't take many penalties, we still only had a slightly above average PK overall.

The misleading thing is that we've been very good at home. Since the beginning of March, we're actually:

92.5% (37/40 killed - 2.67 p/game - 0.20 PPGA/g) in 15 games at home
66.7% (28/42 killed - 3.50 p/game - 1.17 PPGA/g) in 12 games on the road.

The good news is it means its not likely to be a systems problem. We're just taking too many penalties on the road, and for whatever reason we're not doing the same things we're doing at home.

Fortunately we're playing more home games than road for the rest of the season, unfortunately it means we'll likely lose at least a couple road games due purely to penalties in the playoffs if this trend doesn't change.

I wonder what the period by period trends are...
- cygnus41

I also think in April it was just try not to get hurt month.... we had the conference and division locked up by mid month... no need to jump in front of any 100 mph slapshots from Chara or anyone at that point.

But agreed on the fact that if we can limit ourselves to 3-4 minors a game we should be in good shape.

Doing some quick calculations, PK by month.

January (7 GP) - 22/27 = 81.5% - 3.86 p/game - 0.71 PPGA/g
February (14 GP) - 46/58 = 79.3% - 4.14 p/game - 0.86 PPGA/g
March (15 GP) - 34/41 = 82.9% - 2.73 p/game - 0.47 PPGA/g
April (12 GP) - 31/41 = 75.6% - 3.42 p/game - 0.83 PPGA/g


We took too many penalties at the start of the year, but April has actually been our worst month on the PK percentage wise. The reason March was so successful was that we didn't take many penalties, we still only had a slightly above average PK overall.

The misleading thing is that we've been very good at home. Since the beginning of March, we're actually:

92.5% (37/40 killed - 2.67 p/game - 0.20 PPGA/g) in 15 games at home
66.7% (28/42 killed - 3.50 p/game - 1.17 PPGA/g) in 12 games on the road.

The good news is it means its not likely to be a systems problem. We're just taking too many penalties on the road, and for whatever reason we're not doing the same things we're doing at home.

Fortunately we're playing more home games than road for the rest of the season, unfortunately it means we'll likely lose at least a couple road games due purely to penalties in the playoffs if this trend doesn't change.

I wonder what the period by period trends are...
- cygnus41

See. I was misled by these stats but somehow I thought we were playing good PK lately...probably I watched more home games.

The key to this series is too beat them down physically in the first 2 games. Just hit everything that moves, break them down. Sheik make them humble, break them to the dead dog sh#t, kill them till they die from it.
- nbartley9

This, and stay out of the box.

The Islanders defensemen aren't that big or physical. Hamonic is there, but that's about it (not counting Carkner, because he sucks). The Pens forcheck needs to bury these guys ever chance they get.

If I'm Disco I make them watch some of those Flyers games where they literally could not kill a penalty. I also lock Glass in the janitors closet and forget he exists. I still have no idea what Bylsma see's in him.
- madmike71

I also think in April it was just try not to get hurt month.... we had the conference and division locked up by mid month... no need to jump in front of any 100 mph slapshots from Chara or anyone at that point.

But agreed on the fact that if we can limit ourselves to 3-4 minors a game we should be in good shape.
- Yonk1216

Fair enough, but we still didn't allow a single April PPGA at home in 6 games. Not sure how much of that was just luck. I'd like 2-3 minors but fair point.

Fair enough, but we still didn't allow a single April PPGA at home in 6 games. Not sure how much of that was just luck. I'd like 2-3 minors but fair point.
- cygnus41

I agree. Take less penalties (mainly away from home), play tough/put pressure on their d-men and hit everything that moves within the rules.

Get out the brooms, fellas. It's gonna be a sweep.

Get out the brooms, fellas. It's gonna be a sweep.
- brianb0422

If Geno is ready to play, watch out! His line looked good last game.

I still say Pens in 5.

The key to this series is too beat them down physically in the first 2 games. Just hit everything that moves, break them down.
- nbartley9

I agree, but would add CLEAN hits. Letting them get more than 2 or 3 PP chances per game is not something that we'll be able to get away with in a 7 game series.

If Geno is ready to play, watch out! His line looked good last game.

I still say Pens in 5.
- Orpik44

100% agree. I think the Isles will take game 4, and then we wrap it up back in Pittsburgh.

Get out the brooms, fellas. It's gonna be a sweep.
- brianb0422

Normally I'd agree... Except the NHL Refs have a tendency to think people show up to see them. I'll never forget the Pens/Panthers series in 96.

Still.... Pens in 5

Thoughts on Sid being ready for Game 1???

Thoughts on Sid being ready for Game 1???
- Killian

Doc's appointment tomorrow. That being said, I'd say unlikely.

Although I hope I'm wrong.

Normally I'd agree... Except the NHL Refs have a tendency to think people show up to see them. I'll never forget the Pens/Panthers series in 96.

Still.... Pens in 5
- madmike71

This is my biggest concern with this series. If we so much as breathe on Sid, Geno, or Neal their hands will be going up. Hopefully they just let them play? Stewart, Koharski, and Frazer thought the fans came to see them. I've watched those three all single handily destroy a series.

Doc's appointment tomorrow. That being said, I'd say unlikely.

Although I hope I'm wrong.
- ursomp71

Assuming we win Game 1, do you think they hold off on Sid's return until we need him?

This is my biggest concern with this series. If we so much as breathe on Sid, Geno, or Neal their hands will be going up. Hopefully they just let them play? Stewart, Koharski, and Frazer thought the fans came to see them. I've watched those three all single handily destroy a series.
- Cptmjl

As much as fans like to say the Pens get the benefit of favorable reffing, it's simply not true. I think the Isle had 14 more PP's than Pk's. The Pens only had 3 more PP's. I have no problem with Refs protecting a player with an injury like Sid. I'd say the same thing if it's JT with the broken jaw. Stay away from his head and all is good.

I want the obvious stuff called. I think they can easily ruin a series by ignoring blatant infractions.......just like Pens/Panthers in 96. Robbing the NHL world of Avs/Pens in the final. It was a travesty. I would laugh if I heard Frazer got hit by a bus after that series. Worthless piece of shyte.

Totally agree on those 3 bums you mentioned. Frazer especially....he was always waaaaay too involved in games. Total joke.

I love playing the New Yawkers.
Oh well, looks like we start Wednesday.
- powerhouse

Try playing the Rags 4 out of 5 years I was just hoping for someone different.

Rangers are not an ideal matchup for Capitals.
- Gunner Staal

Sick of seeing Lundqvist and the Rangers every postseason. I think the Caps will win in 6 or 7, but nothing short of a sweep one way or the other would surprise me.

Sick of seeing Lundqvist and the Rangers every postseason. I think the Caps will win in 6 or 7, but nothing short of a sweep one way or the other would surprise me.
- MadCap2008

Caps @ Verizon Center in 7