Happy Wednesday Penguins fans and welcome to the latest edition of Big Dave's Pens Pregame. Glad to have you aboard for another night of Pittsburgh Penguin playoff hockey! Tonight, our boys look to take a commanding series lead against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
Puck drop between Pens and Caps is at 8:00pm tonight, but my Pregame is live now....
Once again, @pensfan2259 selects the "Big Dave's Gameday Jam" and I must say, this doens't get more 80s. I've never been a big INXS fan, but this song just screams 80s and is pretty solid. It is "New Sensation." Enjoy!
The State of the Penguins
The Penguins came home to Consol Energy Center Monday night, coming off a big win in Game Two to even the series. They hoped to take control of the series in Game Three and they did just that.
Despite seemingly being out-played in the first period, the Penguins entered the intermission up 2-0. Patric Hornqvist got the party going when he deflected a Trevor Daley point shot. With Kunitz in front, Holtby didn't have a chance and the Pens went up 1-0. A couple minutes later, Matt Cullen and Tom Kuhnhackl had a two-on-one. Cullen passed to Kuhnhackl, who had the puck deflected up and go in the net off his back. A fluke goal, but a goal nonetheless. The Penguins went up 2-0. In the first, Kris Letang was called for interference on a questionable hit on Washington's Marcus Johansson. Johansson left the game for a bit, but returned in the second and played the rest of the game.
The rest of the game was all Penguins until the final five minutes. Carl Hagelin scored in the second period to give the Pens a 3-0 lead. Then, with five minutes left, the Caps made it interesting. Alex Ovechkin got on the board with his first goal of the series to cut the lead to 3-1. In the dying seconds of the game, Justin Williams added his first playoff goal as a Capital, making it a 3-2 game with just 30 seconds left. The Pens would hold on and get the win and take a 2-1 series lead.
It was a solid win by the Penguins, but they still have work to do. The Capitals are making sure they don't go quietly, and the Penguins need to make sure they play a better final few minutes. They once again fell into a defensive stance and allowed the Capitals to dictate the flow and pressure. That can't be how the Penguins play at any point in the game. They need to attack and play their game.
The night was also good for the mere fact that Marc-Andre Fleury served as backup to Matt Murray. A complete surprise, he was given an thunderous applause by the Consol faithful when he took the ice. Murray played really well again, and I don't expect a goalie change for Game Four.
That being said, their could very well be some lineup changes for Game Four. Bryan Rust played a grand total of 19 seconds before exiting the game. He blocked two shots and his status for today is unknown. If he cannot go, I'd expect Oskar Sundqvist to re-enter the lineup and skate with Cullen and Kuhnhackl.
And unfortunately, the Pens will be without Kris Letang. The Pena top defenseman was given a one game suspension for hit on Marcus Johansson in Game Three. It was a dangerous hit, and after the Orpik incident I'm not surprised he was given a game. Expect Justin Schultz to replace Letang tonight.
Tonight, the Penguins look to take a 3-1 series lead over the Capitals. It will not happen easily and it will take a lot to accomplish that feat. However, I have full confidence in this team that they can do it. Should be another fun night of Penguins hockey at Consol Energy Center....
Nervous? The Washington Capitals
The Capitals played another relatively solid game in Game Three Monday night, but once again came up short of victory. They made a late push, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes to make it interesting, but they once again failed to get the win.
Washington was the favorite entering this series. They had won the President's Trophy, entered the series healthy and confident and had not lost back-to-back regulation games all season long.
Now?
Well the Capitals aren't the favorites in this series at this point. They have played well, but the Penguins have found ways to win these games. The President's Trophy doesn't matter now. In fact, that is the last thing on the minds of many, that are now turning to the fact the Caps have never been out of the second round with Alex Ovechkin on the roster and could have another such exit this year. They remain relatively healthy, though they will try to make it seem that Marcus Johansson is hurt worse than he actually is to get Kris Letang suspended, and they are without Brooks Orpik who is still suspended tonight and Saturday. Finally, they lost back-to-back regulation games for the first time all season. Time to be a little nervous if you like the Caps
Tonight, they will look to even up the series heading back to DC for a Saturday showdown. In my estimation, if the Caps want to accomplish this, they need to quit trying to outhit the Penguins at every turn and focus on their offense. They have the talent to score at will, they just need to try doing it instead of sending the nearest Penguins six-rows deep.
If the Caps stick with the hitting approach, they very easily could be heading home down 3-1 with a lot more questions to answer...
Playoff Scoring Leaders:
- D John Carlson - 9pts (3G-6A)
- LW Alex Ovechkin - 8pts (4G-4A)
- C Nicklas Backstrom - 8pts (2G-6A)
- RW TJ Oshie - 7pts (4G-3A)
- LW Marcus Johansson - 7pts (2G-5A)
Injury Report:
- LW Marcus Johansson (upper-body) is a game-time decision tonight. Johansson took a questionable hit from Kris Letang in the first period Monday night, but played the remainder of the game. I expect him in there tonight.
- D Brooks Orpik (suspension) is OUT tonight. Orpik will serve the second of his three game suspension tonight for his high hit on Olli Maatta in Game Two.
Projected Lines:
- Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - TJ Oshie
- Andre Burakovsky - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Justin Williams
- Jason Chimera - Mike Richards - Marcus Johansson
- Daniel Winnik - Jay Beagle - Tom Wilson
Projected Pairs:
- Karl Alzner - Matt Niskanen
- Dmitri Orlov - John Carlson
- Taylor Chorney - Mike Weber
Braden Holtby is expected to start in net tonight.
News & Notes From Around the Penguins
- D Kris Letang (suspension) is OUT tonight. Letang will serve his one-game suspension for his hit on Marcus Johansson in Game Three.
- G Marc-Andre Fleury surprised us all when he served as backup to Matt Murray on Monday. It remains to be seen if he will slot back in as starter anytime soon, especially with how Murray has played, but having him capable of backing up is good news for the Penguins.
- F Bryan Rust (undisclosed) is a game-time decision today. Rust played a grand total of 19 seconds before exiting Monday's game for good. He blocked two shots on that shift and it is unknown whether he will be able to go tonight or not.
- F Eric Fehr (undisclosed) is a game-time decision tonight. Fehr missed skate this morning and his status is unknown at this point.
- No update on F Beau Bennett.
Transaction Report:
- Pens have recalled F Tom Sestito and D Steve Oleksy from Wilkes-Barre.
Playoff Scoring Leaders:
- C Nick Bonino - 9pts (1G-8A)
- C Evgeni Malkin - 9pts (3G-6A)
- C Sidney Crosby - 8pts (3G-5A)
- RW Phil Kessel - 8pts (3G-5A)
- D Kris Letang - 7pts (1G-6A)
Miscellaneous Notes:
- Pittsburgh is now 17-8 v. WSH at home all-time in the playoffs.
- The Pens have won 19 of their last 24 games overall.
- G Matt Murray has a 5-game home win streak entering tonight.
- LW Carl Hagelin enters tonight's game on a four-game point streak.
- C Nick Bonino enters tonight's game on a five-game point streak.
#AskBigDave
Oh Jonathan, if only I had the answer. I absolutely hate listening to that, pardon me, son of a bitch talk. He is completely biased, self-serving and never has anything good to say about the Penguins. When he comes on the TV, I tend to just leave the room or mute it, because I can't take the sound of his voice. Id rather listen to Pierre McGuire than listen to that asshat.
Milbury is a tool. NBC should be ashamed of employing someone of his ilk, but the rest of their crew isn't that great either. Jeremy Roenick is crap. Keith Jones is actually decent and fair, as is Anson Carter. But even Eddie Olcyzk is getting a little ridiculous. It makes me miss Steigy and Errey.
From Todd W. on the Tweety: "What do we do if Kris Letang is suspended?"
Well Todd, we are officially without Letang. It is certainly a big loss, and one that will require the Penguins blue line to step up their games considerably.
The first guys I look to to step up are Brian Dumoulin and Trevor Daley. They are now your top pair and need to be ready to play a huge role tonight. Both should play near 26-30 minutes tonight and see time on both special teams units.
Next, will be Derrick Pouliot and Ben Lovejoy. Benny has been solid all series and it will be up to him to be really good tonight, especially on the PK without Tanger. Pouliot just needs to play his game. He has all the talent in the world, he just needs to play within himself and try not to be Tanger.
Finally, you have the Ian Cole and Justin Schultz pair. I don't hate this pair, as they played well together in the regular season. Cole has been good and will need to shut down Ovi at every turn. Schultz needs to play his game and rediscover that comfort level with Cole fast.
Biggest key for all involved, don't play defensive. Plau the normal style of game and keep the puck moving north. Falling into a defensive stance will be a nightmare for this team.
From LetsTalkPens on Twitter: "What is your ideal Pens playoff party?"
Nothing fancy to be completely honest. I am so wrapped up in the game, I am oblivious to everything else happening around me. The house could be in flames and I'd be like, "little warm in here or just me?"
With that in mind though, I do enjoy watching the games, playoff or regular season with @pensfan2259. He and his family are kind enough to have me over for a few games a year and we have a good time. Have some good food, but most of all, he is a hoot to watch a game with. So I would say I like watching games with @pensfan2259 in his living room with everyone around.
Projected Lines & Pairs
- Conor Sheary - Sidney Crosby - Patric Hornqvist
- Carl Hagelin - Nick Bonino - Phil Kessel
- Chris Kunitz - Evgeni Malkin - Eric Fehr
- Tom Kuhnhackl - Matt Cullen - Oskar Sundqvist
Pairs:
- Brian Dumoulin - Ben Lovejoy
- Derrick Pouliot - Trevor Daley
- Ian Cole - Justin Schultz
Matt Murray should be between the pipes again tonight.
My 3 Keys to the Game
2. Power Play: It really needs to get going at some point. It is really rather ridiculous that it continues to struggle with the crew in tow. The Pens are getting the opportunities, but they constantly are looking for the perfect play instead of trying to get pucks in on Holtby as often as they can. Pepper Holtby, crash the net and bang a dirty one home.
3. The HBK Line: The line of Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel continues to produce. While the Crosby line has been relatively quiet and the Geno line has done some, this line has been the key to the series. It needs to remain that as well. The whole line has played really well, especially Nick Bonino. Hags has been solid at both ends of the ice, but I'm still waiting for that Kessel snipe. Phil has played well, but I think this line is certainly something to watch for tonight.
My 3 Penguins to Watch
2. Ian Cole: Cole has played really well all series, usually matched up against the Ovechkin line. He has done everything he can to keep them off the board. He will need to continue that play tonight. Cole is far from an elite defenseman, but he is playing really great hockey right now and keeping the Caps off the board more often than not. I need to see that continue.
3. Derrick Pouliot: Played very well in his first game action in a few weeks. Pouliot is a talented kid, and he played pretty well last night at both ends against a solid offensive team. I think he is in there because he plays the left side, but if he keeps playing like this I have no qualms with having him in there, period.
What to Know for Attending/Watching/Listening
- Gates open at 6:30 for the 8pm puck drop.
- The Penguins will wear their "Pittsburgh Gold" jerseys tonight.
- Be sure to stop by PensGear Wednesday night to purchase brand new Penguins Playoffs items designed especially for Round 2.
- All fans in attendance tonight will receive a Penguins rally towel and Pittsburgh Gold t-shirt.
- Fans attending Monday’s game are reminded to use tickets marked “Round 2, Home Game 1” when entering CONSOL Energy Center.
- Big Screen at First Niagara Fan Zone – Fans without tickets to Monday’s game are invited to catch the game on the Big Screen at the First Niagara Fan Zone located at the Peoples Gate! The First Niagara Fan Zone opens 3 hours before game time. All fans are invited to test their skills at a giant hockey inflatable, play interactive games, take advantage of free face painting and visit with Iceburgh and members of the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Crew prior to the game!
- Miller Lite Party Plaza – Enjoy 24 oz. Miller Lite beers for only $6 at the Miller Lite Party Plaza located at the Verizon Gate! Opening 3 hours before game time, the Miller Lite Party Plaza will help you get ready for the game with free interactive games and a DJ!
- Bud Light Party Plaza - Enjoy 24 oz. Budweiser and Bud Light beers for only $6 at the Bud Light Party Plaza located at the Trib Total Media Gate! Opening 3 hours before game time, the Bud Light Party Plaza will help you get ready for the game with free interactive games and a DJ!
- Food Trucks – Grab a bite to eat before the game with the Penguins Food Truck round up lining Centre Avenue! Food trucks scheduled to appear prior to Monday’s game include: Las Chicas Mexican, Franktuary, Pittsburgh Smokehouse, Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck, Cool Beans, Dairy Queen, Dunkin’ Donuts and Nakama.
- Stop by Burgatory’s Burger & Shake Stand inside CONSOL Energy Center on Monday to try a Black & Gold Cake Shake. Thanks to Burgatory, $1 per shake served will benefit the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
- “The Bulliest Dozer,” co-written by Penguins center Eric Fehr, is now available for sale at the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s silent auction stand outside of the First Niagara Club. This children’s book about why bullying doesn’t pay is signed by Fehr for just $20. You can also purchase the book by using the Foundation’s mobile bidding app at bidpal.net/pens.
Here is what you need to know for WATCHING tonight:
- The game is NATIONALLY televised on NBCSN at 8:00pm tonight.
- Coverage should begin at 7:00pm on NBCSN with pregame coverage.
- ROOT Sports coverage is over for the season.
Here is what you need to know if you're LISTENING to tonight's game:
- 105.9 The X, the Penguins app, the Penguins website and iHeart Radio app are all places you can pick up the game tonight.
- Mike Lange and Phil Bourque will have the game call beginning at 8:00pm.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage at 7:00pm. Josh Getzoff will host.
- Penguins Hot Line will follow the game action.
Pens Points:
- Attending the Game: 50pts
- Merchandise Purchase: 10pts
- Concession Purchase: 10pts
- Pens Radio Keyword: 5pts