Good evening Pens fans and welcome to the latest edition of Big Dave's Pens Pregame show. Tonight, our Penguins play host to three-time Stanley Cup winners Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks.
The puck drops on Pens/Hawks at 7:00pm, but you can begin enjoying tonight's pregame right now...
Tonight's "Big Dave's Gameday Jam" comes from a classic rock band of legendary status. We hear this band, and this song also, often at Consol during Penguins games. This song is "Unchained" by Van Halen.
The State of the Penguins
The Penguins laid a smackdown on one of the best teams in the Metropolitan Division on Saturday night when they posted 5 goals on the Islanders. In that night's Pregame, I called on the likes of the stars to play like the stars they are and to have the likes of Crosby continue his hot streak and Kessel score a goal.
Well, all of that happened.
Sidney Crosby continued his hot streak of late with 2 goals on 7 shots. Evgeni Malkin posted 3 assists, as did defenseman Kris Letang. Patric Hornqvist posted a goal on seven shots while Phil Kessel added another goal as well. In net, Marc-Andre Fleury was solid in his return after missing the previous three weeks with a concussion. He stopped 37 of 39 shots.
The role players were solid as well. Matt Cullen, the 39-year-old fourth liner, jumped into the top six and posted two points, including a shorthanded goal. David Perron posted seven shots and four hits. Brian Dumoulin added an assist, as did Olli Maatta.
While the personal accolades are great news, the best part of the win was the manner in which the Penguins played.
The Penguins put the pedal to the metal and never let up. They posted 20 shots in the first period and finished with 43 total. They converted on half of their powerplay opportunities; adding to the hot play in that regard. Pittsburgh was incredibly disciplined in this game, taking only one penalty and killing off their 16th consecutive one. Finally, the Pens managed the puck smartly; only turning it over once and getting four of their own.
The Penguins are rounding into form. They have played well of late, going 3-1-1 over their last five games. Tonight, they begin a home-in-home on back-to-back nights against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
No Hangover in the Windy City: The Chicago Blackhawks
That is exactly what the Chicago Blackhawks of the 2010s are. They have won 3 championships in 6 seasons. They have appeared in the Western Conference Finals in 5 of those six seasons. They control a core of players that are about equal to that of the Penguins and they currently are in the mix for yet another Stanley Cup.
The Blackhawks had a tumultuous offseason. It saw the likes of fan favorites Brandon Saad, Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya leave the Windy City. Veterans Antoine Vermette, Brad Richards and Kimmo Timmonen, all brought in for the run, were allowed to leave via free agency.
In their place, the Penguins looked for salary cap relief while still remaining in contention. Brandon Saad was shockingly traded to Columbus for Artem Anisimov, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp, Marko Dano and a 4th-rounder. Patrick Sharp was traded to Dallas for Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt. Kris Versteeg and Joakim Nordstrom were sent to Carolina for further cap relief to re-sign Marus Kruger. Finally, Artemi Panarin was signed from the KHL to add to the top six.
The moves have paid off well for the Hawks. After a sluggish start, they find themselves in the playoffs at this moment. While the Dallas Stars, like the Caps in the Metro, have run away with the division at the moment, the Hawks remain just two points back of second place and have gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games.
The success of the Hawks has come from their former Conn Smythe winning winger Patrick Kane. The American Olympian set a franchise record with a point in 26 consecutive games. Through 39 games, he has posted 23 goals and 56 points while playing on Chicago's second line. Artemi Panarin, the offseason signing from the KHL, has paid off handsomely for Stan Bowman as well. He has 34 points in 39 games, including 11 goals. Captain Jonathan Toews has 24 points so far and Brent Seabrook leads the Hawks from the blue line with 25 points in 39 games played. Corey Crawford has won 19 of his 31 games with a 2.31 GAA.
I have no doubt they will be in contention again this spring and make moves at the deadline to solidify it. The Hawks have already begun adding pieces to the puzzle. On December 14th, they teamed up with the Pens to exchange Trevor Daley for Rob Scuderi. The trade has paid off for the Penguins well to day. Sunday night, they made a deal with Toronto to acquire bottom six winger Richard Panik for Jeremy Morin, who was acquired in the Brandon Saad deal over the summer.
Chicago remains a great team. They may not have the names of the 2015 squad, but they still have the mentality to grind games out and win important games.
What to Know About Chicago:
- 22-13-4 overall, good for 48 points and 3rd in the Central.
- Chicago is winners of 2 straight and 7 of their last 10 games.
- The Hawks continue to score, posting 108 goals and a plus-11 goal differential.
- The road has not been very favorable for Chicago, as they have gone 8-8-3 away from the United Center.
Scoring Leaders:
- RW Patrick Kane - 56pts (23G-33A)
- LW Artemi Panarin - 34pts (11G-23A)
- D Brent Seabrook - 25pts (6G-19A)
- C Jonathan Toews - 24pts (13A-11A)
- D Duncan Keith - 22pts (6G-16A)
Injury Report:
- C Marcus Kruger (wrist) is OUT tonight. The recently extended center had surgery to repair a dislocated wrist last week and is expected to miss 4 months.
Projected Lines:
- Andrew Shaw - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa
- Artemi Panarin - Artem Anisimov - Patrick Kane
- Andrew Desjardins - Phillip Danault - Teuvo Teravainen
- Bryan Bickell - Dennis Rasmussen - Ryan Garbutt
Projected Pairs:
- Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson
- Trevor van Riemsdyk - Brent Seabrook
- Rob Scuderi - Erik Gustafsson
Corey Crawford is expected to start tonight.
News & Notes From Around the Penguins
- F Beau Bennett (upper-body) is progressing, but no timetable for return has been set, per Mike Sullivan. Bennett was hurt on December 14th on a hit by Washington's TJ Oshie in the 1st period. Though not stated, it appeared to be a shoulder injury.
Pens/Hawks Notes:
- The Penguins lost both games of the series last year in overtime. Pittsburgh lost 3-2 at home in the shootout in January and 2-1 in a shootout in Chicago in February.
- The Penguins will play the Hawks tonight and tomorrow, the only two regular season games between the two this year.
- Pittsburgh has gone 7-0-4 in their last 11 games v. Chicago in Pittsburgh.
- No returning Penguins scored against the Hawks last year. Nick Spaling, Steve Downie and Zack Sill scored the Pens only 3 goals v. Chicago in 2014-15.
- Former Penguin Marian Hossa had a goal and assist against the Penguins last year while Niklas Hjalmarsson added a goal as well.
Miscellaneous Notes:
- D Kris Letang was named the NHL's 3rd Star of the Week. Letang had back-to-back 3-point games and posted 2G-4A to lead all defenseman last week.
- C Sidney Crosby leads the NHL in goals since the Christmas break. He has 5 in that span. Sid has also registered 4-multi-point games in his last 7 games played.
- F Patric Hornqvist has six points over his last six games, including four points (2G-2A) in his last two.
- F Matt Cullen has four points in his last six games, including a multi-point night v. NYI.
- As a team, the Pens have scored 5 goals in their last two games and in three of their last six games played.
#AskBigDave
"What is your take on the Jonathan Drouin situation? Should the Penguins look to acquire him? At what price? Or should they wait and look at our needs at a later date, such as a defenseman or picks in this year's draft?"
This certainly is an interesting situation going on in Tampa with the young Mr. Drouin. For whatever reason, he just doesn't seem to fit into the plans, style, whatever of the Lightning. He played 70 games last season, posting 4 goals and 32 points, mostly in a bottom six role I'll add. He was held scoreless in the 6 post season games he played in in the spring. This season, he got off to a fast start before suffering an injury. Since then, he has done little. On the season, he has 2 goals and 8 points in 19 games. Saturday, he was assigned to the AHL. Today, he asked for a trade out of the organization.
Now, I don't know what exactly is the situation down there or with him. I find it shocking that the 3rd overall selection just three years ago is having such a issue on a team that should have him flourishing. There is no questioning the talent, just look at his Junior numbers and play in national team tournaments. And by all purposes, he should have excellent numbers playing alongside Stamkos or Johnson.
For your next question, should the Penguins look to acquire him?
In short, it is worth a look. The kid is 20 years old, has a load of talent and plays a position (LW) that the Penguins are horribly thin at. He could be a great fit alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin if acquired and given the opportunity over the likes of aging veterans Chris Kunitz or Matt Cullen in the top six.
As for price, I don't know if they'd have to give up the farm and the kitchen sink to get him. The situation is playing into the buyer's hands. Unlike most rentals, this kid would be controllable for several seasons; which would normally mean a higher price. Teams will call and while the price is high, the longer it drags out the more noise Drouin and his agent will make, thus lowering the price.
Now, I think there will be plenty of suitors for the young man. The Nashville Predators would be a team to watch out for. Montreal could certainly use another winger as could any number of contending teams.
I think the Penguins should take a look at him. I'm not saying they should give up the farm for him, but he's worth a run at the right price. Now, I don't think the Penguins should give up someone like Derrick Pouliot in the deal unless the scouts are absolutely convinced Pouliot will not be ready for the NHL this year or next and that Drouin's problems with Tampa was a result of the staff's use of him. If the Penguins could trade a pick or two (they have multiple second rounders this year) along with some defensive prospects in Wilkes-Barre then they absolutely should put this deal in motion. However, if the price is high, they should wait.
I still think the Penguins biggest need is on the blue line and that is what will make or break a playoff run. I would still make that move first.
Projected Lines & Pairs
- Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - David Perron
- Matt Cullen - Evgeni Malkin - Phil Kessel
- Conor Sheary - Nick Bonino - Patric Hornqvist
- Kevin Porter - Eric Fehr - Sergei Plotnikov
Pairs:
- Kris Letang - Olli Maatta
- Brian Dumoulin - Ben Lovejoy
- Trevor Daley - Ian Cole
Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to start in net tonight.
My 3 Keys to the Game
2. Special Teams: The PK has killed 16 straight and the power play is 9-for-23 over the last 8 games. If those numbers continue, the Pens will really start racking up wins. Both will be critical tonight against a lethal Hawks PP and strong penalty kill.
3. Continue the Hot Play: Crosby, Hornqvist and Letang are all playing outstanding hockey. That needs to continue, as does the steady play of Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Brian Dumoulin. If they are all on their games tonight, the Pens should get a win.
My 3 Penguins to Watch
2. Patric Hornqvist: I am still 100% unwilling to trade this guy and he is proving he was just slumping in the season's early going. He has 6 points in his last 6 games, including 4 in his last two. He has been bouncing up and down the lines, but he is still producing. Was Johnston's system hurting him too? Maybe, for he is certainly playing well now under Sullivan. I think Hornqvist pots another goal tonight for the Pens.
3. Trevor Daley: Gets to face the team that misused and traded him. Tonight, he gets to show the Hawks what they gave up. Daley has been great in his tenure with the Penguins so far. He has a goal and three points, 8 blocked shots and is averaging close to 20 minutes a night. He fits the system and flourishes. I think he has a huge night against his old team.
What to Know for Attending/Watching/Listening
- The puck drops on Pens/Hawks at 7:00pm. Gates at Consol open at 6:00pm.
- The Penguins will wear their traditional home jerseys tonight.
- The Pens Gear Gameday special is the new Pittsburgh Penguins Winter T-Shirt!
- This year's "Pens and Paws" calendar is now available. You can pick one up behind section 120 or 217 tonight or order online. To purchase online, use the following link: http://pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
- Also just in time for the holidays, you can purchase a copy of Eric Fehr's children's book "The Bulliest Dozer" at the Pittsburgh Penguins Silent Auction stand behind the First Niagara Club 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 if you're watching tonight's game:
- ROOT Sports has the coverage tonight. Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey with the call beginning at 7:00pm. Dan Potash will have the interviews.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage beginning at 6:30pm.
- Penguins Post Game will follow the game action.
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 7:00pm.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage at 6:00pm. Josh Getzoff will host.
- Penguins Hot Line will follow the game action.
Pens Points:
- Attending the Game: 50pts
- Concession Purchases: 10pts
- Merchandise Purchases: 10pts
- ROOT Sports Pregame Keyword: 5pts
- ROOT Sports Post Game Keyword: 5pts
- Pens Radio Keyword: 5pts