Hello all and welcome to the latest edition of Big Dave's Pens Pregame show. I'm glad to have you all here with me tonight for another hockey night in Pittsburgh. Tonight, our Pens head to Tampa Bay to take on Steven Stamkos and the defending Eastern Conference Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
Puck drops on Pens/Bolts at 7:30pm tonight, but you can begin enjoying the Pregame right now...
Let's make our hair big for tonight's "Big Dave's Gameday Jam." This song comes from one of my favorite bands of my teenage years, Motion City Soundtrack. The big hair reference is to the bouffant hair style of MCS' lead singer. If you haven't seen them or heard them, I hope you enjoy this tune. It's off arguably their best record "Commit This To Memory." It's "Time Turned Fragile," enjoy!
The State of the Penguins
Sidney Crosby continues to prove that the real him has returned. Tuesday night at Consol Energy Center the captain put on quite the show. He scored his 9th career hat trick and added another assist to cap off a four-point night. That makes it four straight games with a goal, eight straight with a point and 26 points over his last 21 games. Safe to say, the kid is back on his horse.
Which is great news for the Penguins and the nation of course.
The Penguins earned a 6-5 win on Tuesday night to give them four-straight and their longest streak under new coach Mike Sullivan. The Pens head coach wanted them to come out and play with a purpose, and his team responded. The Penguins outshot Ottawa 44 to 23. Crosby potted half the goals, but the other three game from longtime linemate Chris Kunitz, Kris Letang and Matt Cullen. Nine different Penguins recorded points and four recorded multiple points. Despite Marc-Andre Fleury having an off night, allowing five goals on 23 shots, the Penguins played an impressive game.
With the good, comes the bad as well. I insisted the most important thing the Penguins could do for the second half of the season is stay healthy. After one game, we are down two more bodies. Eric Fehr left Tuesday's game in the second period with a "significant lower-body" injury according to the team. He won't be back for at least a month. You can also add Evgeni Malkin to the list. He won't make the trip this weekend due to a "nagging" lower-body injury. Thus, the Penguins will enter the weekend trip to Florida with only 2 of their top 5 centers.
This will be a tough weekend for the Penguins. The Florida swing is always really tough on this team and with the injuries, it won't be any easier. The Lightning are rolling right now, and tonight the Penguins look to place a bump in their road...
Ride the Lightning: The Tampa Bay Lightning
When we last faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, the defending Eastern Conference Champions were situated in the middle of the divisional race. They had suffered a plethora of injuries to key players. The contract situation of Steven Stamkos was, and still is, up in the air. Same with the Jonathan Drouin situation, but that has become less of a locker room problem and more for GM Steve Yzerman at this point. When we last faced the Bolts, a lot of things were just starting to come back together...
Tonight, things are firmly back in place. Despite still not re-signing Steven Stamkos or trading frustrated winger Jonathan Drouin, the Lightning are streaking entering their showdown with Pittsburgh tonight. They have pulled themselves up to second in the Atlantic Division and within earshot of the leading, cross-state rival Florida Panthers. This is not the struggling team of October, November, this is a team firing once again on all cylinders. Frankly, I wouldn't expect them to let off the gas any time soon.
The Lightning took down the Red Wings Wednesday night by a score of 3-1. The win gives the Bolts their second straight win, and their ninth over their last ten games. In those 10 games, the Lightning have outscored their opponents 32 to 20. This includes the Lightning's 5-4 (OT) win over the Penguins on January 15th.
Scoring is coming easy to the Lightning, and that is no surprise. Nikita Kucherov leads the way with 43 points through 50 games. Steven Stamkos is just five points back with 21 goals and 38 points. Vlad Namestnikov, who scored a hat trick against the Pens in the last matchup, is fourth on the team in scoring with 25 points. Victor Hedman leads the blue liners with 29 points.
Tampa is streaking. This is a high-flying offense with a great defensive corps and goaltender. Don't expect an easy game for the Penguins tonight.
What to Know About Tampa:
- 28-18-4 overall record
- Currently sitting 2nd in the Atlantic Division with 60 points.
- Tampa is hot of late, going 9-1-0 over their last 10 games including winning two straight.
- Home ice has been huge for the Bolts, as they are 16-8-2 at home this season.
- The Lightning are a plus-15 goal differential.
Scoring Leaders:
- RW Nikita Kucherov - 43pts (21G-22A)
- C Steven Stamkos - 38pts (21G-17A)
- D Victor Hedman - 29pts (4G-25A)
- C Vladislav Namestnikov - 25pts (10G-15A)
- C Valtteri Filppula - 24pts (6G-18A)
- D Anton Stralman - 24pts (6G-18A)
Injury Report:
- No injuries at this time.
- F Jonathan Drouin (suspension) continues to sit in the AHL after failing to report to a game a few weeks back.
Projected Lines:
- Ondrej Palat - Vladislav Namestnikov - Steven Stamkos
- Alex Killorn - Tyler Johnson - Nikita Kucherov
- JT Brown - Valtteri Filppula - Ryan Callahan
- Cedric Pacquette - Brian Boyle - Erik Condra
Projected Pairs:
- Victor Hedman - Anton Stralman
- Jason Garrison - Andrej Sustr
- Nikita Nesterov - Braydon Coburn
Ben Bishop is expected to start in net for the Lightning tonight.
News & Notes From Around the Pens
- C Evgeni Malkin (lower-body) is OUT tonight. It was announced yesterday that Malkin would not make the trip to Florida due to a "nagging" lower-body issue. He will remain in Pittsburgh to rehab the injury.
- C Eric Fehr (lower-body) is OUT tonight. Coach Sullivan announced that it is a long-term injury for Fehr, but NOT season ending. Early indications is he will be out a least a month.
- No updates on F Beau Bennett, D David Warsofsky, F Nick Bonino.
Transaction Notes:
- Pens have recalled F Oskar Sundqvist from WBS. Sundqvist will make his NHL debut tonight and wear number 40.
Scheduling Note:
- The Penguins/Capitals game for January 24th has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 1st in D.C. The previous game was snowed out.
Pens/Bolts Notes:
- Tonight is the second game of the three-game series this regular season. The Pens will host the Lightning on February 20th at CEC.
- The Lightning took the first matchup in Tampa via overtime 5-4 on January 15th.
- Patric Hornqvist leads Penguins scorers thus far with a goal and three points. Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin each have 2 points.
- Tampa's Vladislav Namestnikov scored a hat-trick in the first meeting, leading Tampa scorers in the season series along with center Valtteri Filppula. Each has three points.
Miscellaneous Notes:
- The Pens enter tonight on a 4-game winning streak.
- C Sidney Crosby is just 2 points away from 900 career points.
- Crosby also scored his 9th hat trick on Tuesday, which is tied for the fifth most in the NHL since 2005-06. Crosby also has 26 points in the 21 games since Mike Sullivan took over.
- LW Carl Hagelin has assists in five-straight games. That is a new career high for the Swedish winger.
- C Matt Cullen scored Tuesday night, the Penguins are 11-0-1 when Cullen scores a point.
- LW Chris Kunitz is heating up, scoring 8 points (4G-4A) in his last 6 games played.
#AskBigDave
I actually have to disagree with you on this one Reedie, I really don't think he is underrated at all. If you watch out of town broadcasts or read/watch/listen to the national broadcasts (both US and Canadian), they actually talk really highly about Kris Letang. Also keep in mind, he was just named the NHL's Third Star for January.
I think where this idea of "underrated" or "under-appreciation" for Letang comes from is him not being nominated for the Norris on an annual basis. The reason being is he never plays a full season. He usually misses 10-25 games a year with some sort, or multiple ailments. It's a testament to how hard he plays, but it also costs him the awards and nominations. If he could stay healthy, play in 75-82 games per season, he would likely win a Norris and get more notoriety. Until that happens, he is simply not going to win those awards. It's nothing personal, it just all about the numbers.
From Tyler M. on Facebook: "Where do you think our Pens will land in terms of playoff seeding at the end of the season?"
Great question Tyler and one I think will be on many people's minds over the next few weeks. The one thing about the East, and particularly the Metropolitan Division, is it is really down this season. There is really on one, two really strong teams and the rest is up for grabs.
The Penguins are playing great hockey right now. They have 4 straight wins and enter the weekend playing the two best in the Atlantic. As for the Metro, besides the Capitals, who got trashed on Tuesday night by the Panthers, is not playing very good right now. The Rangers are struggling, are on the verge of trading Keith Yandle and have several injuries. The Islanders are holding down the third spot, but they haven't played particularly well at all this year. New Jersey is playing well, as is Carolina, but I don't think either has the sustainable talent to really push for a playoff spot.
Now, the biggest thing for the Pens is that they have 18 games remaining within the division. If they can win 12-14 of those games, they can essentially guarantee themselves the 2nd spot in the Metro, maybe even competing for the division title. Those games are key and they absolutely need to get as many of them as possible.
If I was a betting man Tyler, I would say that the Pens will enter the playoffs in the second position in the Metro and host the third place team within the division. It is possible they could take the division, but I don't see the Caps regressing a ton. Pens get the second spot in the Metro, that's my prediction.
This comes from Rob A. on the Tweety: "So, with Bennett getting hurt...again, do you think it's time for the Pens to move him/release/waive him?"
Well Rob, I know what a big fan of Beau Bennett you are and I think you'll be glad to hear me say that I don't see Bennett back with this team beyond 2015-16. The kid is a bust as far as I am concerned. Sure, he has been mishandled by both Dan Bylsma and Mike Johnston, but that simply doesn't make up for the fact that this kid cannot stay on the ice. He has missed time due to injury every season since being drafted, including the minors. There is bad luck and the freak injury, but not to this level. Bennett is fragile and he simply has underperformed when he has been healthy enough to actually skate.
Now, what do the Penguins do with him?
I think he will likely remain with the team through the end of the year. He has no trade value and waiving him is a waste of the money. I think he stays simply because of those reasons. Also, I'm still not convinced he will still actually play again this year. Maybe they put him on LTIR and get the 900k cap relief.
As for beyond, I don't expect him to be back with the Penguins. The experiment is over and it is simply not worth the trouble anymore. As far as I am concerned, they let him walk, wish him the best of luck and don't let the door hit him in the ass on the way out. With his luck, getting hit by a swinging door would break his hip or something.
Finally, this one comes from Jeff W. on Facebook: "If the Sid, Geno, Letang and Fleury were food, what food items would they be, and why?"
I don't know where you come up with these Jeff, but you certainly always bring me head scratchers. Alright, so if they were food, what would they be and why?.... Let's do this...
Sidney Crosby - Filet Mignon: When it comes to food, there is no finer meal than a great steak in my opinion. And when it comes to steak, there is nothing better than filet mignon. So why that? Is there anyone better than Sidney Crosby in the game of hockey? Of course not, this kid is a generational talent, the cream of the crop, the valedictorian. So naturally Crosby would be the best food in my opinion.
Marc-Andre Fleury - Pizza: This may seem like a silly choice, but is there any food that is more reliable than pizza? I cannot think of any. When you're thinking of the Pens, is there anyone more reliable than Flower? I don't think so. Ultimately, I think this is an easy comparison because both are something we all love and something we are rarely ever let down by.
Kris Letang - Ice Cream: Everyone loves ice cream, but it does depend on the flavor. I feel it is the same way with Kris Letang. While Letang is incredibly talented, some among the nation absolutely love him while others are less than tickled pink by them. If you're eating your favorite brand/type of ice cream, you love it. If Letang is playing well, you love him. If you're eating a crummy brand/type of ice cream, you probably aren't enjoyin it. If Letang is being lazy or playing bad, you're probably not happy with him. I hope this all makes sense.
Evgeni Malkin - Borscht: I know you said I couldn't use it, but tough titties it's my show and I'm going with Borscht. Malkin loves it, he has specifically stated that his mama's borscht is his favorite meal. I'm sure he's been eating it since he's been eatin solid foods. He's borscht, end of story.
Projected Lines & Pairs
- Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Patric Hornqvist
- Carl Hagelin - Matt Cullen - Phil Kessel
- Tom Kuhnhackl - Oskar Sundqvist - Bryan Rust
- Scott Wilson - Kevin Porter - Conor Sheary
Pairs:
- Kris Letang - Olli Maatta
- Brian Dumoulin - Trevor Daley
- Ben Lovejoy - Derrick Pouliot
Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net tonight for the Penguins.
My 3 Keys to the Game
2. Penalty Kill: The loss of Eric Fehr, coupled with Nick Bonino, seriously hurts the Penguins penalty kill. This means Porter, Cullen and Hagelin are going to be joined most likely by recent call up Oskar Sundqvist. The young Swede is known for his PK work, both in the AHL and while playing in his native Sweden. He will have his hands full stepping into the lineup against the Lightning, but he has the ability to replace the defensive play of Fehr on the PK.
3. The Fourth Line: The Penguins fourth line tonight intrigues me greatly. Scott Wilson is in the top 10 in scoring in the AHL through 34 games played and leads the league with 22 goals. Conor Sheary, is just a few points behind him. The common link, besides the obvious, is that they were linemates in Wilkes-Barre and were the primary assisters on the majority of each other's goals. While I have little faith in Kevin Porter centering them, I do like what these two bring to the team and I think it could be key to this game.
my 3 Penguins to Watch
2. Scott Wilson: Wilson was recalled once again following the All-Star break. Before his recall, Wilson collected his AHL leading 22nd goal of the season on Saturday night. He has 22 goals, and 36 points in 34 AHL games. Wilson can certainly score and I'd like to see him add one for the Penguins fourth line. Playing alongside Porter and Sheary should help, as he is comfortable with both, especially Sheary.
3. Oskar Sundqvist: The Pens add another Swede to the lineup as they call upon Oskar Sundqvist to replace Fehr on the third line. The Pens 3rd round choice in 2012 had a great camp in 2014 before he was sent packing by Mike Johnston. Now, he finally gets his chance to show what he can do. Through 39 games in WBS, he has 5 goals and 16 points. More importantly, he was the center of their outstanding checking line and a key to the success of the PK in Wilkes-Barre. Expect him to do the same in Pittsburgh.
What to Know for Watching/Listening
- ROOT Sports has the coverage tonight. Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey with the call beginning at 7:30pm. Dan Potash will have the interviews.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage beginning at 7:00pm.
- Penguins Post Game will follow the game action.
- Mark Madden and 105.9 The X will host a Penguins viewing party at Buford's Kitchen, right across from Consol, tonight at 7:30pm. According to Madden, there will be free food, a Q & A and the game on big screens. Another option for your Friday night.
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 7:30pm.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage at 6:30pm. Josh Getzoff will host.
- Penguins Hot Line will follow the game action.
Pens Points:
- ROOT Sports Pregame Keyword: 5pts
- ROOT Sports Post Game Keyword: 5pts
- Pens Radio Network Keyword: 5pts
- Miller Lite Nite at Tilted Kilt in Robinson: 25pts
- Miller Lite Nite at Wiliam Penn Tavern in Pittsburgh: 25pts
Another note: The Penguins will host the second annual "Skate for Little Hearts" charity event at the Lemieux Center in Cranberry. For more information on the event, use the following link: https://www.givetochildrens.org/skating