Ryan Wilson: What Did We Learn From Game Three? What Did We Learn From Game Three?

Yohe and Kovacevic's coverage between Saturday night and today has been really weird. Both seem to agree that we played really well Saturday night and Malkin had a great game besides not shooting enough. Also both seem to think that Crosby was once again dominant which I really didn't see. Normally they're pretty on point but they're starting to sound cocky. The score was close, sure, and we were one soft goal away from winning in regulation and several primo chances in overtime away from winning in OT, but if we had won that I would be talking about how we stole the game, not how well we played.

Yohe and Kovacevic's coverage between Saturday night and today has been really weird. Both seem to agree that we played really well Saturday night and Malkin had a great game besides not shooting enough. Also both seem to think that Crosby was once again dominant which I really didn't see. Normally they're pretty on point but they're starting to sound cocky. The score was close, sure, and we were one soft goal away from winning in regulation and several primo chances in overtime away from winning in OT, but if we had won that I would be talking about how we stole the game, not how well we played.
- Victoro311

Yeah, I agree. We didnt play great and if we won that game it would have been a steal. We let them own the game at 5 on 5. It was a stark contrast from games 1 and 2, imo. Regardless of shot volume you could see that we werent driving play the way we normally do.

Not to discredit the job done by them, but it looked to me like it wasnt that SJ was doing a great job, it just looked like we were playing like poop.

Enjoy the game! I will be coaching First base at my son's baseball game. I will get to see the 3rd period, though.

Yeah, I agree. We didnt play great and if we won that game it would have been a steal. We let them own the game at 5 on 5. It was a stark contrast from games 1 and 2, imo. Regardless of shot volume you could see that we werent driving play the way we normally do.

Not to discredit the job done by them, but it looked to me like it wasnt that SJ was doing a great job, it just looked like we were playing like poop.
- thickman1178

I actually think it's both. I think we probably played a little bit better than we're giving ourselves credit for considering ice conditions but I also think San Jose played very. Now that we've been reminded that we bleed and San Jose isn't facing going down 3-0, effectively ending the series, I can't see them playing as good as they did and I can't see us playing as poorly as we did. I think we come out a little bit more use to the ice and come out and control play. I'll be surprised if we dominate but I think the game will be on our stick for most of the night and we'll win on the back of an Evgeni Malkin two goal effort.

Pens didn't play terrible, but Malkin was a non factor and got tossed around. He needs to be better...bottom line.

Seeing cap at 72.8 next year if escalator accepted. So +1.4. Seems like we will be fine on cap. And should be able to bring back Cullen and Schultz (might need to clear million for schultz depending what price he wants). Not going to be a lot of UFA guys getting paid, but not the disaster that would occur if escalator not accepted.

Seeing cap at 72.8 next year if escalator accepted. So +1.4. Seems like we will be fine on cap. And should be able to bring back Cullen and Schultz (might need to clear million for schultz depending what price he wants). Not going to be a lot of UFA guys getting paid, but not the disaster that would occur if escalator not accepted.
- sditulli

I don't think it would have led to a disaster if the cap stayed stagnant. Would have just forced our hand with Fleury which we're probably going to do anyways.

I don't think it would have led to a disaster if the cap stayed stagnant. Would have just forced our hand with Fleury which we're probably going to do anyways.
- Victoro311

Its unlikely but something that might throw a monkey wrench into the Fleury trade thing, Islanders fans have talked about trading Halak and Bolts fans talked about trading Bishop. If even one of them are also on the market it lowers the chances of moving Fleury. Not that many goalie needing teams with much cap room.

I really like that rebound stat, I think that is actually a very good indicator in combination with Corsi. Nice writeup Ryan.

aw well atleast metallica will play anthem

I actually think that Crosby had a bad game Saturday. He was forcing passes all night and it led to the Sharks second goal. The first two passes he made on the PP he turned it over at the blue line. The Sharks are no longer worried that Crosby is going to drive the net or carry the play and are anticipating his passes. Did Sid even have a shot in that game? For that matter has he taken a shot this whole series?

aw well atleast metallica will play anthem
- martox

I'm not sure there's a more overrated band in existence. Maybe Skynyrd.

Doesn't Matt Cullen play in the offensive zone a lot? For 9 million less than Malkin? Gotta have more grit and toughness than the sharks, blog could have started and ended with that. Intangibles win cups.

@victoro

there is alot more overrated bands. metallica was awesome the first 10 years but since then they have been bad.

I actually think that Crosby had a bad game Saturday. He was forcing passes all night and it led to the Sharks second goal. The first two passes he made on the PP he turned it over at the blue line. The Sharks are no longer worried that Crosby is going to drive the net or carry the play and are anticipating his passes. Did Sid even have a shot in that game? For that matter has he taken a shot this whole series?
- Thunderbolt

I think the worst thing you can say about Sid is he wasn't very noticeable.....and he wasn't in game 3. This line of Sheary, Sid and Hornie has it's limitations. If Sid isn't making things happen, nothing is going to happen. Hornie is a one trick pony and Sheary frequently holds the puck too long....then loses it.

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but I'd love to see Sully get Sid a few shifts with some other players. Also get Sid and Geno a little more TOI.

The bubble with finally break for Jones He has been under constant pressure and sooner or later BOOM. Tonite is the night to bury the Sharks and I think the Pens know that. Look for a resounding victory tonite to set the stage for Cup winning Thursday Bazinga Even Don Cherry says the Sharks are hanging on. Without Jones the fold like one of Don's suits

I think the worst thing you can say about Sid is he wasn't very noticeable.....and he wasn't in game 3. This line of Sheary, Sid and Hornie has it's limitations. If Sid isn't making things happen, nothing is going to happen. Hornie is a one trick pony and Sheary frequently holds the puck too long....then loses it.

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but I'd love to see Sully get Sid a few shifts with some other players. Also get Sid and Geno a little more TOI.
- madmike71

He did it last game. Sully isn't afraid to double shift when we're in trouble, but then when we're ahead he shies away. Crosby and Malkin have actually be playing well together this postseason. I wish Sully would be more assertive with the double shifts and send out Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin more often.

Well there you have it. Criticism for Letang has been overblown. My mistake. From now on I will only look at graphs, charts, and the stars in the sky to see where they line up instead of my own eyes to see that he hasn't been playing like we've seen him play before. So much talent and such a low hockey IQ. Malkin has been ordinary at best as well.

Lets Go Pens!!!

He did it last game. Sully isn't afraid to double shift when we're in trouble, but then when we're ahead he shies away. Crosby and Malkin have actually be playing well together this postseason. I wish Sully would be more assertive with the double shifts and send out Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin more often.
- Victoro311

I'm begging for Hags, Crosby, Kessel shift. That line would be hell on earth. People will say don't mess with the HBK line, but I can't possibly see how 2 or 3 shifts a game would hurt. Kunitz, Crosby and Malkin is enticing. I think I might play Kunitz with Crosby the whole game anyway.

The bubble with finally break for Jones He has been under constant pressure and sooner or later BOOM. Tonite is the night to bury the Sharks and I think the Pens know that. Look for a resounding victory tonite to set the stage for Cup winning Thursday Bazinga Even Don Cherry says the Sharks are hanging on. Without Jones the fold like one of Don's suits
- holeinone

You think so, huh? Interesting take.

Are Pittsburgh-area residents able to watch the finals on Root Sports or are they subjected to NBCSN?
- errey12

Doc Emrick >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Steigy and Bob

A hockey news page on facebook reported a rumor about expansion. Apparently some NHL executives are suggesting the Canes relocate to Las Vegas and the NHL revisit expansion later. The Canes owner is selling the team but only to someone who will not relocate. He is losing money like mad so he might not get the choice after a while. Plus he owes the NHL money apparently so maybe they could strong arm him? This even being considered could delay expansion if not stop it. I want Vegas to have a team but this is great for the pens and their goalie situation. #keepemboth

A hockey news page on facebook reported a rumor about expansion. Apparently some NHL executives are suggesting the Canes relocate to Las Vegas and the NHL revisit expansion later. The Canes owner is selling the team but only to someone who will not relocate. He is losing money like mad so he might not get the choice after a while. Plus he owes the NHL money apparently so maybe they could strong arm him? This even being considered could delay expansion if not stop it. I want Vegas to have a team but this is great for the pens and their goalie situation. #keepemboth
- Zac_O

I'd love this. Would even out the conferences for the time being as well. Then we can move the Cats to QC and Arizona to Seattle.

You think so, huh? Interesting take.
- mxgsfmdpx

You understood that babble?