Penguins
Penguins Q&A: How Does That Happen?! Not Enough ‘Guys Bringing It’ vs. NYR
NEW YORK — Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin attempted a blind between-the-legs pass into the slot in the first period. Jeff Carter handcuffed P.O Joseph with an unexpected pass into the defensive zone late in the second period and Joseph fumbled away the puck. Those mistakes led directly to goals against. Numerous others gave the New York Rangers odd-man rushes, breakaways, and golden opportunities in New York’s 4-2 win over the Penguins at Madison Square Garden.
Sidney Crosby flexed his muscles and was, at times, dominant. However, the Penguins earned only two goals, both set up by Crosby.
It was yet another mistake-filled performance in a season filled with volatility. The Penguins were forever playing catch-up, which allowed New York to control the game.
Coach Mike Sullivan chided his team for their lack of urgency.
“I didn’t think we brought a level of urgency that we needed to early in the game. I thought we gave up a few too many odd-man rushes, which just boils down to details,” said Sullivan. “I think we need to bring more urgency. And when we do, I think that’s when we can be at our best. And we didn’t have enough guys bringing it tonight.”
After 68 games and in a high-stakes divisional matchup with their only chance to get into the race for third place, the Penguins submitted a lackluster game.
Readers submitted questions via Twitter following the disappointing game. PHN’s Dan Kingerski (that’s me) answered those questions from MSG and asked a question of his own: How does this keep happening?!
I also took questions on Tristan Jarry’s and Ron Hextall’s future, P.O Joseph’s recent struggles, and dispirited fans.
Join me from MSG. Like the video and subscribe to the NHN YouTube channel for the raw locker room video and interactive chats.
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SSDD. I feel bad for the players who re-signed that are producing, Geno, Letang Rakell et al and took a haircut doing it. Carter needs to be benched. Jarry seems to have the hockey equivalent of Steve Blass disease, either due to a physical or mental issue. The fact that Sullivan isn’t concerned by the lack of urgency is in of itself concerning. I don’t think this team saving itself for the playoffs, we have seen the same inconsistency all season. What you see is what you got.
If it wasn’t for Jary last night it would have been 8 to 0 in the 1st period.
Poehling didn’t make a difference. May as well stick Heinen in for better results and chances.
I thought Poehling made a difference. He was increasingly good and there were a couple of shifts in the third period that the puck followed him.
Poehling is the answer over Heinen fully agree much faster better on defense and given the ice time just might start scoring.
What was the deal with that elbow on Petry? Ref was standing their looking at it and didn’t call anything?
After last season, do you even need to ask? The rangers are allowed to do whatever they want. The penguins are the Expendables of the NHL.
Always keep waiting for Pen to take a clean shot to a Ranger! They never really try too!
Lack of urgency at this point in the season — despite this being the problem again and again? I’m sure Sullivan knows who he is talking about. Those guys need to be discarded in the off season. It must be hard to coach a team when you are not in control of who is on that team — and when you cannot do anything about slackers. Fire Hexstall, and keep Sullivan. Get a new GM to manage the influx of salary cap that the Pens are going to have during the off season.
Thought it was a good game! NY goalie did his thing and stopped a lot of scores! Sorry, but it was entertaining and thought the Pens looked good! Hate the endings but they are still a contender no matter what you think! Go Pens!
Right on Dan!