On a day when the Penguins honored Evgeni Malkin's 1,000 point achievement it sure felt like they needed him to score 1,000 points against the Blues to make it a game. The Penguins were down from the start and never were able to gain traction. Jordan Binnington turned away 40 of the 41 shots the Penguins registered.

Score effects were in play today



The Blues had been on a three game losing streak and were without the services of Vladimir Tarasenko, but it didn't matter. They put up a five spot. Former Penguin David Perron made his return from injury and had an assist. It was his first game since January 17th and by getting the assist it makes 14 straight games with a point for him.

Another ex-Penguin got on the board today as Oskar Sundqvist kicked off the scoring with the Blues opening goal. I never pegged Sundqvist is anything more than a depth fourth line center, but he's done a nice job this year for the Blues in a third line role. He has a 2.01 5v5 points per 60 and is breaking even on shot attempts. Not bad for being the throw-in for Ryan Reaves.

Matt Murray didn't last long in today's game. He was pulled after giving up four goals on 13 shots. Not his best outing. I would go back to Casey DeSmith tomorrow against the Flyers. Give Murray rest. He needs to be above average for the Penguins to make noise in the playoffs. The Flyer games always bring out emotion and we don't need another situation where the Flyers run into his head at the end of the year causing the team to use their backups to start the playoffs. It helps that the Islanders lost to the Red Wings today and it isn't like Casey DeSmith is having a bad year. He's a .916 all situations goaltender this year.

The Penguins power play didn't score today, but they did create some good looks. They are doing a way better job of choosing to move the puck low or high. Binnington was up to the challenge on some of their chances. It happens.

The Erik Gudbranson train is still on track. Today he was promoted to flank Brian Dumoulin. I would probably ride out the Pettersson-Gudbranson pairing for a little bit longer considering that Gudbrunson's underlying numbers have been really good since coming to Pittsburgh. Justin Schultz needs some help. He's a 44% possession player with Jack Johnson. Give Schultz the Dumoulin treatment, keep Gudbranson with Pettersson, and just shelter the hell out of Johnson-Trotman. Schultz has a unique value to the team and it clearly isn't being utilized with the current setup.

With the Islanders losing to Detroit and the Capitals facing the Tampa Bay LIghtning it is possible the Penguins won't lose any ground today in their chase for first in the division. Back at it tomorrow against the Flyers.

My thoughts are with the folks who bought a charity bag and received a Jack Johnson signed jersey. Godspeed

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 103 Comments » Post New Comment

» It's their fault

» Still alive, for now

» Going to need some help now

» Penguins giveth Penguins taketh away

» Now or never