The Penguins won the game, but the game highlighted the top heavy nature of this team.
This was close to the best lineup the Penguins can put out there and the Buffalo Sabres are at best going to be competing for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The goal scorers were Jake Guentzel, Sidney Crosby, Justin Schultz (PP), Evgeni Malkin (PP), and Phil Kessel. That is some primary scoring.
The good is that the Guentzel-Crosby-Sheary line is still lights out. They are awesome. I’m glad to see them back as a trio. Jake Guentzel has nine points in his three preseason games. They are going to have to continue being great to make up for some of the other lackluster areas on this roster.
Here is a look at some of their handy work
There’s an argument for goalie interference, but it is the preseason and they didn’t look into it. There was a nice zone entry and puck pursuit after the initial rush. Crosby’s backhand pass was nice and Guentzel’s awareness to slide behind the net and pop out back door was great. This line is tenacious. They are fun to watch.
The Malkin line was buried in their zone, but because of the high end talent there is always potential for them to score on the few chances they get. Last night they did.
Ryan Reaves isn’t going to provide much of anything to this team. The moments where he tries to punk players from the other team aren’t going to make up for his lack of ability in driving play or creating offense. Carter Rowney isn’t good enough of an option if he isn’t going to have competent wingers by his side.
The power play had a good night. They scored twice in the three opportunities they had. Until some other roster moves are made they are definitely going to have to rely on the man advantage a little more than they have the last few years. Fortunately for them they have the right personnel to do so. It’s nice to see the band back together on the power play. Justin Schultz can also jump up to the top unit and do a nice job if needed.
There were only five penalties in the game and I thought some of those penalties were the type that would have been let go last year. If the standard stays the same and the players adjust to the standard we just might find ourselves with some watchable 5v5 hockey this year.
One more preseason game left for the Penguins on Saturday against Columbus. Time to put the big guns in bubble wrap until the real season begins.
Thanks for reading!