Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the latest edition of Big Dave's Pens Pregame.
Tonight, the Penguins are once again north of the border and they conclude their road trip with the streaking Toronto Maple Leafs. It is the Hockey Hall of Fame game tonight, be sure to catch all the action live from Toronto at 730pm. For now, sit back and enjoy the ride, because Big Dave's Pens Pregame is ready to roll!
(NOTE: This song has been one of my jams the last few weeks, cannot get enough of it! The now semi-defunct band from New Jersey is one of my favorites out there. Off their final album, The Hands That Thieve, Streetlight Manifesto's "The Three of Us.")
The State of the Penguins
It will be interesting to see where the Pens go after this loss and going into tonight. The lines changed up during the loss and they are expected to be changed again tonight from the winning streak. Mike Johnston is looking to ignite some of his players, particularly star center Evgeni Malkin who has yet to score an even strength goal.
The health of the Penguins also continues to improve. Beau Bennett made his season debut in the loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. Robert Bortuzzo returned last week as well. The one player on the shelf, defenseman Olli Maatta, also appears close to return. Within a week, we may see what this team was designed to look like when training camp started.
Tonight, the Pens look to get back to their winning ways. However, this is not the Toronto team the Penguins demolished in October. They have been playing solid hockey of late and tonight, they look to keep it going against the Penguins. Let's take a look at the Leafs.
Not Your October Leafs
The Leafs were not expected to go far this year. They were supposed to flame out and make a run at Mike Babcock to take the reins for 2015. Right now, they are rolling. It will be interesting to see if that streak continues into the New Year.
Here are the numbers for the Leafs:
- Leafs are 9-5-2 on the season.
- Their 20pts has the currently sitting 3rd in the Atlantic Division, just 5 points behind the Montreal Canadiens.
- They are 7-2-1 overall in their last 10 games.
- They are not so solid at Air Canada Centre. They are currently 5-4-0 at home this season.
Scoring Leaders:
- RW Phil Kessel - 21pts (10G-11A)
- C Tyler Bozak - 15pts (6G-9A)
- LW James van Riemsdyk - 14pts (7G-7A)
- C Leo Komarov - 11pts (1G-10A)
- D Cody Franson - 10pts (2G-8A)
Injury Report:
- Carter Ashton (suspension) - OUT
- Joffrey Lupal (hand) - OUT
- David Booth (foot) - Day-to-Day
Projected Lines:
- James van Riemsdyk - Tyler Bozak - Phil Kessel
- Daniel Winnik - Nazem Kadri - David Clarkson
- Leo Komarov - Peter Holland - Mike Santorelli
- Richard Panik - Trevor Smith - Josh Leivo
Projected Pairs:
- Dion Phaneuf - Cody Franson
- Jake Gardiner - Roman Polak
- Morgan Rielly - Stephane Robidas
Jonathan Bernier will start the game for the Leafs tonight.
Here are the Leafs I'll be keeping an eye on tonight:
- Phil Kessel: Obvious choice since he is playing so well recently. The Pens defenders will need to keep close ties on him and don't allow him to get too many shots off.
- Leo Komarov: I really want to see this kid play. There was a lot made of him when he finally came over and now its time for him to make that next step. If the Leafs are going to become relevant, it has to be more than just Kessel and van Riemsdyk.
- Dion Phaneuf: I know, it's a hysterical pick but hear me out. Phaneuf doesn't play particularly great against the Pens. Crosby usually gets under his skin and the other guys tend to too. If the Pens can frustrate Phaneuf like usual, the Pens will have an easier road to victory.
News & NOtes From The Pens
With Maatta's return, there has been a lot of talk about who will come out of the lineup. Right now, the top candidate to be "Press Box Hero" is Robert Bortuzzo.
Marc-Andre Fleury will get the night off tonight.
Projected LInes and Pairs
- Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Pascal Dupuis
- Nick Spaling - Evgeni Malkin - Patric Hornqvist
- Beau Bennett - Brandon Sutter - Steve Downie
- Blake Comeau - Marcel Goc - Craig Adams
Defensive Pairs will remain the same tonight. Here are the pairs you should expect tonight:
- Kris Letang - Paul Martin
- Rob Scuderi - Simon Despres
- Christian Ehrhoff - Robert Bortuzzo
Thomas Greiss will start in the net.
My Keys to the Game
Stop Phil Kessel: As mentioned above, this guy is playing fantastic hockey of late. The Pens need to get physical with him, goad him and make sure he is contained in the shot department. If the Pens can do that, they will have a much easier time tonight.
Chemistry: The Pens are going with some new line combos tonight. Malkin finally gets to play with Hornqvist. 14-87-9 are reunited. Bennett and Sutter will look to regain their training camp play. It will take a period I think, but it is important that the Pens find some chemistry with the new mix.
My 3 Players To Watch
2. Beau Bennett: Was a late edition to the lineup on Tuesday and couldn't be my pick. Tonight, he will slot in on the third line with Sutter and Downie. That is the line he found chemistry with during camp, it's time he finds it again. This is really a make or break season the young winger and though he is still playing out of position, he will need to produce. If Bennett and Sutter can produce, it will give the Pens three competent lines.
3. Thomas Greiss: Gets his third start of the season tonight. He has been incredibly solid thus far, and I expect no less tonight. His success will ultimately depend on the guys in front of him. They let him down in Detroit, despite his great play. I want to see him not have stand on his head, but be a positive impacter of the game.
Where to Watch and Listen
- Puck drops at 7:30pm.
- Penguins Pregame starts on ROOT Sports at 7:00pm.
- ROOT Sports has the coverage starting at 7:30 with Steigy and Errey on the call. Dan Potash will handle the interviews.
- The Post Game show will follow the game action.
- Pens Radio Net and 105.9 The X will have the radio call. Mike Lange and Phil Bourque will have the game call. Bob Grove will host Penguins Pregame at 6:30 and follow with Penguins Hot Line after the game.