Not a lot went right for the Penguins as the Montreal Canadiens came into Pittsburgh and did what Washington couldn’t, shut the offense down. Montreal coasted to a 5-1 victory where even score effects didn’t show up for Pittsburgh
The Crosby line and the top pairing were really the only ones to gain any traction, but it wasn’t anywhere close enough to lift up the rest of the team. The previously impressive third line had a clunker and the Johnson-Maatta pairing got exposed on a couple of the goals.
Matt Murray has given up 11 goals in the first two games. He currently has an .821 5v5 save percentage which is last in the league. Coming off a poor season he isn’t going to get the benefit of the doubt regardless of it only being a two game sample. It isn’t like the Penguins have the kind of backup that you would feel comfortable relying on for an extended period of time. Murray has to get it together.
Daniel Sprong has two points in two games. His role is minimal and the fourth line hasn’t really played all that well, but getting some offense out of a bad possession line is a step ahead of where they were last year.
If nothing else the Penguins are playing games which have a lot of events. Win or lose it makes things more entertaining.
"Pace"
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) October 7, 2018
This is very simple -- rate of 5v5 shots for and against in a game. Hover over the logos to see each breakdown.
If you're the Oilers, you don't want to stay here.https://t.co/tkbmcBkD0z pic.twitter.com/kjzxopCYCp
Something to remember with teams that push pace like Pittsburgh does
Feel a Denny Green-esque rage echoing in my bones when people complain about the Penguins trying to score too much instead of playing defense.
— fudge rodriguez (@vinnybatts) October 7, 2018
The Penguins are who we thought they were. All offense is their identity. It’s not always pretty - but a lot of the time it is!
We are two games in which include an exciting win over a rival and a disappointing loss against an also ran. Still have 80 more to go.
Thanks for reading!