Good evening Penguins fans and welcome to the latest edition of the Big Dave's Pens Pregame. Glad to have you aboard for another edition. Tonight, our Penguins are in the Gateway city to face Vladimir Taresenko and the St. Louis Blues.
Puck drops an hour later tonight thanks to the time difference. 8pm from St. Louis, but you can enjoy the Pregame beginning now...
Tonight's "Big Dave's Gameday Jam" comes from the Penguins commercials on ROOT. This is the latest song featured in the Pens commercial and I really, really like it. It is "Little Monster" by Royal Blood. It has a White Stripes, Black Keys feel. I just dig it. I hope you enjoy the full version instead of the 20 second snippet we hear in the commercial. Cheers!
The State of the Penguins
That is the word to describe Sunday's game. The Penguins sent the Hurricane a statement that they were still the dominant team in the matchup. They also sent a statement to anyone watching that this team still has a lot left to prove and intent to do so.
The Penguins entered this game coming off back-to-back overtime losses and going 1-1-3 in their last 5 games. They made a trade early Saturday morning by trading David Perron and Adam Clendening to Anaheim for Carl Hagelin to bolster the top-six, team speed and the penalty kill. Kris Letang, who scored Friday but missed practice Saturday, would ultimately miss this game after suffering an injury on a Ryan Callahan hit v. Tampa. This game could have had disaster written all over it.
But the Penguins made themselves known and fast. Despite a slow opening five minutes, the Pens revved up their game and took complete control from Carolina and never relinquished it. Olli Maatta got the ball rolling with his 5th of the season. Several minutes later, the recently recalled Conor Sheary added his second goal of his NHL career.
The Penguins played the next twenty-odd minutes rather quietly. They killed several penalties, including a potentially dangerous 5-on-3 chance after Hagelin took a weak hooking call. They had several scoring chances, including several on the power play, but didn't take advantage until the very end of the period.
That's when the captain took over.
Crosby looked good all game, but particularly over the final 30 minutes. He knocked home his 13th of the year in the dying seconds of the second period. He took a Phil Kessel pass off his boot and into the back of the net. After review and Carolina challenge, the goal was upheld. Sid got his second early in the 3rd period when he sniped a shot passed the oft-beaten Eddie Lack. Trevor Daley hammered home the final nail midway through the 3rd to complete the Penguins 5-0 shutout victory.
It was a great game all-around. The Penguins dominated from the opening puck drop until the final horn. It was a game that found 10 different Penguins on the goal sheet. It was Marc-Andre Fleury's best performance of late, and his third shutout of the season. It was a game that finally saw all the defensemen get involved in the offense, something the corps other than Kris Letang had failed to do over the last dozen games. Most importantly, the Penguins got a big, regulation win over a division foe.
Tonight's matchup in St. Louis will be another huge game for the Penguins. St. Louis is a solid, defensive team that is critically stricken with injuries at the moment. The Pens will likely be tired after a game yesterday, and Jeff Zatkoff is expected to be in net. Regardless, the Penguins still NEED to take this game. They currently sit four points behind the Rangers for a guaranteed playoff spot in the Metro and are tied for the final playoff spot in the East. Two points tonight are crucial, period.
Gateway to the Cup: The St. Louis Blues
That is what the Blues have been since our last meeting. St. Louis has suffered numerous injuries since our Thanksgiving matchup with the perennial Western Conference playoff contenders. Six players are listed on their injury report heading into tonight and GM Doug Armstrong has said it is hard to gauge who the Blues are and what their needs will be down the stretch with all these guys missing from the lineup. Among the names who have missed time of late are Jake Allen, Jay Bouwmeester and Jaden Schwartz.
But St. Louis rolls on...
Despite the injuries, the Blues hold a comfortable lead of the 3rd and final guaranteed spot in the tough Central Division. Their 59 points thus far put them just 5 points back of the division leading Blackhawks, 4 behind the second place Stars. St. Louis won last night in Montreal and have gone 4-3-3 over their last 10 games.
The Blues are all about defense, but their offense has struggled to keep up with the low goal totals they have given up. Because of their scoring struggles, they have been rumored to be in the market for a big-time forward who could facilitate the offense, but more on that in the "Big Dave's Rumblings" section below.
St. Louis does still have some talented skaters on the roster who are healthy. Vlad Tarasenko, who signed a huge extension over the summer, has once again paced the Blues. He has 24 goals and 45 points on the season. Alex Steen has played an iron man for the Blues, playing in every game and posting 39 points. US Olympians David Backes and Kevin Shattenkirk, who are both rumored in trades, each have 26 points on the season.
In net, Jake Allen has led the way for St. Louis with 18 wins, a 2.17 GAA in 33 games. However, he will be out tonight and is currently on IR with an injury. Brian Elliot, who has split starts with Allen, will likely get the start tonight. He has only won 8 of 20 games played in.
The Blues need to get healthy, but the Penguins also need to take advantage of the Blues poor health. They need to take this game in regulation and get those two points.
What You Need to Know About St. Louis:
- 26-15-7 on the season. Currently 3rd in the Central Division.
- 4-3-3- over their last 10 games, but did win their matchup v. Montreal entering tonight.
- Are an even goal differential this season.
- St. Louis is good at home, going 15-8-3 at the Scottrade Center.
Scoring Leaders:
- RW Vlad Tarasenko - 45pts (24G-21A)
- LW Alexander Steen - 39pts (13G-26A)
- C David Backes - 26pts (12G-14A)
- D Kevin Shattenkirk - 26pts (8G-18A)
- C Jori Lehtera - 21pts (6G-15A)
Injury Report:
- G Jake Allen (lower-body) is OUT tonight. The New Brunswick native is considered "week-to-week" with a knee issue.
- LW Jaden Schwartz (lower-body) is OUT tonight. The young winger has resumed skating but there is no change to the 3 month timetable he received in October. Schwartz had surgery to repair a fractured ankle in late October.
- D Carl Gunnarsson (upper-body) is OUT tonight. Like Allen, the Swede is considered "week-to-week" with an upper-body ailment that has not been specified.
- D Jay Bouwmeester (upper-body) is also OUT tonight. Like Gunnarsson and Allen, he too is "week-to-week." The specific nature of the injury is unreported.
- LW Magnus Paajarvi (upper-body) is likely OUT tonight. The Swede has missed the last week after getting hurt v. LA in early January. He is expected to return in the next week or so.
- C Steve Ott (lower-body) is OUT tonight as well. The veteran center has been out since early-December with a hamstring issue. He was given a three month timetable then.
Projected Lines:
- Alexander Steen - Paul Statsny - Troy Brouwer
- Robbi Fabbri - Jori Lehtera - Vladimir Taresenko
- Patrick Berglund - David Backes - Ty Rattie
- Scotty Upshall - Kyle Brodziak - Ryan Reaves
Projected Pairs:
- Alex Pietrangelo - Joel Edmundson
- Kevin Shattenkirk - Colton Parayko
- Chris Butler - Robert Bortuzzo
Brian Elliot is expected to start in net for the Blues.
News & Notes Around the Penguins
- D Kris Letang (undisclosed) is OUT tonight. Letang missed yesterday's game and Saturday's practice as well. He was injured v. Tampa on Friday, and though X-rays were negative, he told DK on Pittsburgh Sports' Josh Yohe he was in a considerable amount of pain.
- D David Warsofsky (upper-body) is also OUT tonight. The journeyman defenseman was reinserted in the lineup to replace Letang yesterday, but was taken out by a referee who lost an edge. Warsofsky fell over the ref and landed on his head/shoulder. He did not return and his status for tonight is unknown.
- No updates on C Nick Bonino or RW Beau Bennett.
Transaction Report:
- Pens have recalled D Derrick Pouliot from WBS. The Pens top prospect has 23 points in 37 games in Wilkes-Barre and was named an AHL All-Star for the second consecutive season.
Pens/Blues Notes:
- Penguins won the first matchup of the season 4-3 in OT at Consol on November 25th.
- Penguins leading scorers in the season series are: Sidney Crosby (2pts), Ben Lovejoy (2pts), Evgeni Malkin (2pts) and Kris Letang (2pts).
- Marc-Andre Fleury got the win in Pittsburgh.
- Blues leading scorers in the season series are: Alex Pietrangelo (2pts), Paul Statsny (2pts) and Alex Steen (2pts)
Miscellaneous Notes:
- Pittsburgh has earned points in 7 of their last 8 games, including four straight.
- The Penguins are 9-1-0 this season when leading after the 1st period and 16-0-0 when leading after the 2nd period.
- The Penguins are also 14-2-1 when the score the first goal of the game.
- G Marc-Andre Fleury earned his 3rd shutout of the year on Sunday v. Carolina.
- D Olli Maatta is currently on a career-high 3-game points streak. (1G-2A)
- RW Phil Kessel has points in 6 of his last 8 games.
- C Sidney Crosby has a 3-game point streak entering tonight and has scored multiple points in 7 of his last 12 games played.
Big Dave Rumblings
On Derrick Pouliot:
The Penguins made a trade on Saturday, but not for the defenseman I personally think they need most. GM Jim Rutherford stated in his media scrum Saturday that he thinks Derrick Pouliot is incredibly closed to joining the team and that Clendening's inclusion in the Perron-Hagelin deal clears the way for him.
David Warsofsky was hurt in the yesterday's game and Kris Letang also missed the game. If neither can go, I expect Pouliot to be the guy in the lineup after a recall.
While Pouliot hasn't been great in Wilkes-Barre, he has been better of late according to reports. I still question his defensive play, and I personally do not think he is the answer to the Penguins defensive corps problem right now. However, if the Penguins want to go with the internal solution, Pouliot does seem the solid choice.
I also wouldn't be surprised if he is dealt at the deadline. I think it would be a rash decision on Rutherford's part, but it wouldn't shock me in the slightest. Pouliot would bring a large haul in return, but I think the deal including him should only be done for a deal "too good to be true."
On Jonathan Drouin:
The Fourth Period reports that Drouin requested a trade out of Tampa in November, but agent Alan Walsh didn't make it public until recently. Regardless, the reports are that Steve Yzerman is aggressively in discussions with teams about the 2013 3rd overall selection.
The teams that have had the biggest discussions with Tampa, and the strongest links, are St. Louis and Anaheim. St. Louis and Tampa were in aggressive talks last week according to multiple NHL insiders, but a deal was never made. The Montreal Canadiens reportedly are in as well, but the Bolts don't want to trade him within the division.
The New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild have also shown interest. The Pens haven't been linked as of yet.
The Lightning are reportedly looking for a top-level right-handed defenseman in return along with other parts. I doubt we will see a straight up deal, but reports are that this deal will be done sooner, rather than later.
On Eric and Jordan Staal:
The former Stanley Cup champions' days in Carolina could be numbered, especially for Eric. The elder Staal, and captain of the Hurricanes, is in the final year of his current contract and could be on the move come February 29th.
Eric is currently 31 years old and has played his whole career in Carolina. Reports are that the team and him are going to sit down again soon to try to settle on a new deal, but according to the Fourth Period the team would rather move on from Staal the elder.
If Eric is traded, there is a possibility that Jordan could be on the move too. Jordan specifically went and signed an extension with Carolina to play with his brother. If Eric is moved, don't be shocked if Jordan asks out too. Jordan Staal's contract is far from friendly, at least with the production he's had since the move to Raleigh. He has 4 more seasons on his current deal, all at a 6 million AAV. The Canes would likely need to eat money on any potential deal.
Also keep in mind, both have full not trade clauses and would have to ok any deal Ron Francis looks to make. One team that reportedly has been in on Eric are the Montreal Canadiens, who have been proactively talking with every team. Other teams linked to Eric Staal have been the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.
On the Blues and Shattenkirk:
The Pens opponent tonight remain busy on the phones trying to upgrade the forwards corps. Reports are the Blues are trying to add a significant piece up front and have already had serious talks for Tampa's Jonathan Drouin. The Blues are also linked to the likes of Carolina's Eric Staal, Edmonton's Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Tampa's Steven Stamkos.
Any move the Blues make for a big-time forward, will likely result in them moving stud defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. The former US Olympian will be an unrestricted free agent following the 2016-17 season, but due to funds locked up in Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester, Shattenkirk looks like the odd man out. According to the Fourth Period, if Shattenkirk was moved to Tampa, it would not be for Drouin straight up and it would need to be part of a bigger deal.
I personally feel he would be a great fit for the Penguins if they had the pieces to acquire him, but I wouldn't hold my breath Pens nation.
Other names that have been discussed are Robby Fabbri and David Backes. Fabbri has generated considerable interest according to reports. As for Backes, contract extension talks have been put on hold by the team until after the season. However, his name has been rumored in trades as well, including with the Penguins. I personally don't think the Penguins need him and likely wouldn't have the funds to pay him after the season either.
On the Canucks Selling Veterans:
The Canucks are currently in the playoff hunt again after surprising many and making it last spring. However, the team is willing to part ways with veteran skaters who will be UFAs at season's end and others.
Among the names that are reportedly available are defensemen Dan Hamhuis and Yannick Weber, wingers Chris Higgins, Radim Vrbata, Brandon Prust and Alex Burrows.
Higgins has already been placed on waivers and sent to the AHL, so I don't see a trade with him happening unless it is a clear dump by the Canucks. As for Burrows, GM Jim Benning said he'd be willing to trade the 34-year-old veteran with a year remaining on his deal now because he'd get a higher return.
I have a hard time believing the Canucks would give up veterans while they are in the playoff hunt, but maybe they feel the simply won't contend this year regardless if the make it into the final 16.
On the Blue Jackets as Sellers:
The Blue Jackets made a huge deal two weeks back when they swapped star center Ryan Johansen for defenseman Seth Jones. According to reports, the Jackets are far from finished. Columbus has been unable to rebound from their atrocious start, and the hiring of John Tortorella hasn't been as successful as they hoped.
The Jackets remain content on selling several players, including Cam Atkinson, Kerby Rychel, Scotty Hartnell and Fedor Tyutin.
Atkinson remains the biggest prize they have to offer. He is a solid top-nine forward with two years remaining on his current contract. Several teams have been linked to him, including the Rangers, New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens.
Rychel requested a trade during training camp, but the 2013 1st rounder has hardly played at the NHL level yet. The team is expected to resolve this issue by the deadline.
As for Scotty Hartnell, the former Flyer has been linked to the Florida Panthers and the Ottawa Senators. The Panthers would benefit greatly from acquiring him, most likely in a third line role. Hartnell has a full no-trade clause and would have to approve any deal.
Tyutin also has a limited no-trade clause, but no teams have been linked to from what I have read.
On Available Defensemen:
I don't see the Penguins adding another forward unless it is part of a huge deal. I think Hagelin will prove to be a solid pickup and if Kessel and Kunitz can get going for good, then their top six should be lethal. However, the Fourth Period has the Penguins linked to Winnipeg's Andrew Ladd, who will be a UFA at year's end. Just a name to remember.
However, I still think the Penguins need to add a defenseman. Ben Lovejoy hasn't been bad throughout, in fact, I thought he played well the first two months of the year. However, he is an impending UFA and could be used in part of a deal. Ian Cole has been atrocious. Though he has been completely miscast throughout this season, he simply can't seem to replicate the level he played at down the stretch last year. I personally wouldn't hate to see him in a move, since he is young and has a reasonable contract. A rebuilding team could use him if they gave up a bigger name as part of a package.
So, who is available on the blue line?
Let's start with Dustin Byfuglien. The monster defenseman is available as he is looking for a huge deal that Winnipeg may not be willing to give. He comes at a huge cap hit, one I do not think the Penguins could afford, nor should they try. While many in the nation see him as a bruising, offensive player, I see him as a penalty-taking defensive liability. He was once a winger, and should've stayed one.
The Fourth Period reports that Anaheim is willing to move either Cam Fowler or Sami Vatanen in the coming weeks. Vatanen is a restricted free agent at year's end while Fowler has two more years on his deal after this season. Fowler also comes at a reasonable 4 million dollar cap hit. Fowler was recently injured, which may hurt his value too. As for Vatanen, the Ducks would like to sign him to an extension, but the emergence of two defensive prospects and need for scoring may force their hand. I don't see the Pens being in on either guy.
The Rangers are looking to deal Keith Yandle, who they acquired in a major deal last year at this time. Yandle is a big-time defenseman that the Rangers gave up a lot to get last year. They have been trying to re-sign him, but it doesn't appear as if it will happen and the Rangers would like to get something back after giving up so much to get him. I don't see the Pens in on him either, but if he's traded out of the division, that would be a boost for the Pens nonetheless.
There are several impending UFAs that will likely be moved. Among them are Toronto's Roman Polak and Vancouver's Dan Hamhuis. I like Hamhuis, but the deal would have to be just right for the Penguins. Polak, I honestly have no interest in.
While I have mentioned several names here, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Penguins acquire a defenseman that hasn't been rumored. They did that with Carl Hagelin and it wouldn't surprise me to see them add someone else completely off the radar.
Projected Lines and Pairs
- Chris Kunitz - Sidney Crosby - Patric Hornqvist
- Carl Hagelin - Evgeni Malkin - Phil Kessel
- Tom Kuhnhackl - Eric Fehr - Bryan Rust
- Kevin Porter - Matt Cullen - Conor Sheary
Pairs:
- Olli Maatta - Trevor Daley
- Ben Lovejoy - Brian Dumoulin
- Ian Cole - Derrick Pouliot
Jeff Zatkoff is expected to start in net tonight for the Penguins.
My 3 Keys to the Game
2. Offensive Defensemen: The Penguins got goals from Maatta and Daley and an assist from Lovejoy yesterday. Besides two Maatta assists and a Dumoulin assist recently, the defensive corps besides Kris Letang has been lethargic offensively over the last dozen games. I liked what I saw from them yesterday and I'd like to see more of the same, especially from Maatta, Daley and Brian Dumoulin.
3. Special Teams: The Pens special teams has been solid of late. The PP has scored with regularity and the PK has been great. I'd love to see that continue today. The Blues have a good PK, which will make the Pens PP work harder, but I have faith, especially the way they've played lately.
My 3 Penguins to Watch
2. Olli Maatta: Like Geno when Sid is out, Maatta tends to play better when Letang is out of the lineup. He scored a brilliant goal yesterday and has points in each of his last three games. Maatta is a stud defensively, but I'd like to see him start producing more offensively. He has the talent, and with Letang out he has more reason to gamble on the rush.
3. Tom Kuhnhackl: Man, this kid was outstanding yesterday. He was only credited with two shots, but he created several outstanding scoring chances. He is a big body and doesn't mind going to the net. I love it and hope for him to have success. I think he will and tonight, I think he gets his first NHL goal!
What to Know for Watching/Listening
- ROOT Sports has the local coverage tonight. Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey with the call beginning at 8:00pm. Dan Potash will have the interviews.
- Penguins Pregame will precede the game coverage beginning at 7:30pm.
- Penguins Post Game will follow the game action.
- The game can be caught nationally in the US on NBCSN and in Canada on Sportsnet.
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:
- ROOT Sports Pregame Keyword: 5pts
- ROOT Sports Post Game Keyword: 5pts
- Pens Radio Keyword: 5pts