Good evening Penguins fans and welcome to the latest edition of the Big Dave's Pens Pregame show. It is a huge matchup between the Penguins and Devils tonight at Consol Energy Center. The game starts at 7:00pm but you can begin enjoying my Pregame right now...
Today's "Big Dave's Gameday Jam" comes from a New Jersey legend. It seemed only fitting that we should use a song from the man they call "the Boss," who rocked Consol just two weeks ago. This song is nearly 40 years old and comes off Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town." It is called "Badlands," and I hope you enjoy it!
The State of the Penguins
I know @pensfan2259 will appreciate that opening, and to get to the point, the Penguins are rollin! They earned a huge win v. Philadelphia last Thursday at Consol Energy Center before coming back in a matinee Saturday from two goals down to earn their second win in a row! That's two straight wins, and it seems like forever that we have seen the Pens get on any type of streak.
So anyway, the Penguins are rolling and it's good to see it.
Evgeni Malkin had a huge game Saturday. He posted his 10th career hat trick and continues to lead the Penguins in both goals and points. Sidney Crosby, who has been on fire since the Sullivan hiring, scored an empty netter to continue his streak. He enters tonight riding a six-game point streak and has posted points in 10 of his last 12 games. Phil Kessel has been better of late as well. He scored two huge goals v. Philadelphia on Thursday and has points in 4 of his last 5 games as well. Finally, there is Kris Letang, who despite an injured hand, has played some of his best hockey of late, scoring points in 8 of his last 10 games, four of those injured.
It is unfortunate that the All-Star break comes this weekend, because the way the Pens are playing I'd like to see them get a few more games in during this stretch. Unfortunately, the schedule doesn't work that way and the Penguins have just one final game, tonight, v. New Jersey.
The Penguins need to take advantage of their hot play, because the Devils are from the bottom dwellers they were the previous two seasons. The Penguins need their stars to continue shining, otherwise, the Devils may steal another win and retain their current standing as the last wild card recipient in the East.
Surprise Contenders: The New Jersey Devils
Despite the glaring holes in the roster, the Devils have been able to overachieve in a year that should have found them contending only for the number one overall selection in this summer's NHL Draft. Instead, former Penguins personnel Ray Shero and John Hynes have this team looking to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since their appearance in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. They enter tonight winners of four straight games.
So how is it that New Jersey is in the hunt?
The biggest reason for the Devils success comes from Vezina candidate Cory Schneider. Schneider, who was acquired to replace the legendary Marty Brodeur a couple season's back, is reminding many of the Devils' faithful of the glory days with the future hall-of-famer in net. New Jersey's only All-Star this season enters tonight's matchup with a 22-14-5 record, a 2.03 GAA and 4 shutouts. Without him, the Devils would be out of contention for sure.
Offensively, the Devils are getting production from a group of veterans and their biggest offseason acquisition. The 33-year-old Mike Cammalleri leads the team in scoring, posting 38 points and a plus-15 rating through 41 games. Lee Stempniak, who had a brief stint with Pittsburgh just two years back, has found a home in Newark after struggling with the Rangers. Stempniak has 14 goals and 36 points thus far. Unlike the Rangers, who have already traded their offseason addition from Anaheim, the Devils' Kyle Palmieri has been outstanding. He is following up a solid season for the Ducks with a 35 points first half for New Jersey. Finally, there is Bobby Farnham, who since being waived by the Penguins has gone on a scoring streak with 7 goals in 25 games for the Devils. He will be in the lineup tonight after missing four games due to suspension.
Coach John Hynes was known for his defensive systems with the Baby Penguins, and he has brought that to New Jersey as well. Like the Devils teams of old, the new edition has another group of solid, young defensemen. Adam Larsson leads the blue line with points (13) and a plus-12 rating. David Schlemko had 12 points along with the young Damon Severson, who also has 12 points. Between Schneider and the decent defensive corps, the Devils only have a minus-2 goal differential.
The Devils are exceeding expectations with few signs of giving up of late. The Penguins were shutout in their first meeting of the season, and now they hope to exact some revenge on their Metro Division rivals.
What You Need To Know About New Jersey:
- 25-19-5 on the season.
- The Devils currently sit 4th in the Metro and hold the last wild card position in the East.
- New Jersey only has a 5-5-0 record over their last 10 games, but they are winners of 4 straight entering tonight.
- The Devils have a minus-2 goal differential entering tonight.
- The road has treated the Devils well, with them going 14-9-2 on the season away from the Prudential Center.
Scoring Leaders:
- LW Mike Cammalleri - 38pts (14G-24A)
- RW Lee Stempniak - 36pts (14G-22A)
- RW Kyle Palmieri - 35pts (20G-15A)
- C Adam Henrique - 31pts (16G-15A)
- C Travis Zajac - 23pts (7G-16A)
Injury Report:
- D Adam Larsson (illness) is a game-time decision tonight. The young defenseman missed practice Monday because of illness, but should play tonight.
- C Sergey Kalinin (illness) will be a game-time decision tonight too. He missed Saturday's game with an illness, but did practice yesterday.
- LW Jiri Tlusty (upper-body) is OUT tonight. The veteran winger will likely miss the remainder of the year after undergoing wrist surgery last week. Prognosis is 3-4 months.
- D John Moore (lower-body) is OUT tonight. The veteran defenseman was placed on IR on Friday after aggravating a lower-body issue that cost him games earlier in the month.
- LW Patrik Elias (lower-body) is OUT tonight. The Devils' former captain hasn't played a game all season due to a nagging knee issue. He underwent surgery in early January and no timetable has been announced.
- D Jon Merrill (upper-body) is OUT tonight. Merrill is considered "week-to-week" after injuring his arm in a game v. Arizona. He is expected to return coming out of this weekend's All-Star break.
Projected Lines:
- Mike Cammalleri - Adam Henrique - Lee Stempniak
- Joseph Blandisi - Travis Zajac - Kyle Palmieri
- Reid Boucher - Jacob Josefson - Bobby Farnham
- Tuomo Ruutu - Stephen Gionta - Jordin Tootoo
Projected Pairs:
- Andy Greene - Adam Larsson
- Seth Helgeson - Damon Severson
- Eric Gelinas - David Schlemko
Cory Schneider will start in net tonight for the Devils.
News & Notes Around the Penguins
- F Beau Bennett (upper-body) is OUT tonight. No shocker here, as the fragile winger re-injured his shoulder area and will be out for through the All-Star break.
- F Chris Kunitz (lower-body) is a game-time decision tonight but likely out tonight. Kunitz missed Saturday's game despite taking the warmup and missed yesterday's practice and today's skate. He may just sit this game out to get an extra day of rest with the break upcoming.
- D Kris Letang (upper-body) is expected to play tonight. The streaking defenseman has missed every practice since injuring his hand v. Tampa Bay, but has played in the Pens last few games. I'd expect him to play tonight.
- No update on C Nick Bonino.
Transaction News:
- F Scott Wilson has been recalled from WBS. He has 5 goals and 10 points for the Baby Pens since being sent down in early January.
Pens/Devils Matchup Notes:
- This is the Pens second matchup of the season with New Jersey and their first in Pittsburgh.
- New Jersey shut the Penguins out in their first matchup of the year.
- Jeff Zatkoff got the start in that first game, giving up 4 goals on the night.
- Mike Cammalleri leads the Devils in scoring v. Pittsburgh this year with a goal and three points. Lee Stempniak and Adam Henrique each have two points.
Miscellaneous Notes:
- The Penguins have a 5-game points streak against Metropolitan opponents (3-0-2).
- Pittsburgh is hot of late, going 8-3-4 over their last 15 games.
- The Pens are 5-0-2 in their last 7 games at Consol Energy Center.
- Marc-Andre Fleury has gone 4-0-1 in his last 5 home games.
- Evgeni Malkin scored his 10th career hat trick v. Vancouver on Saturday. He is currently T-2nd in franchise history in hat tricks with Kevin Stevens. Only Mario Lemiuex (40 hatties) has more.
- January has been a great month for the Penguins big three. Crosby has 7 goals, which is T-2nd in the NHL. Kris Letang's 13 points is the most amongst NHL defensemen and Evgeni Malkin's 7 power play points leads the NHL.
Big Dave's Rumblings...
On the All-Star Game and John Scott:
I have been pretty moot on this on social media besides a few mentions, but here it is. I think the All-Star game is ridiculous and I'd rather see the league take a week long break for the player's sake. But since we have the game, might as well talk on it. I think the 3-on-3 thing will be interesting, and it will likely get me to tune it. However, it's really not going to be the answer to the NHL's problems.
Then you have the John Scott situation. Unlike the #VoteScuderi initiative, the fans got John Scott into the All-Star game. Let's face it, the whole thing is ridiculous. There is no reason why this guy should be in the ASG, but with some of the other things the league has done, I'm glad to see the fans stick it to them the only way they could without actually stop attending/watching games. So enjoy it John Scott, you don't deserve to be there, but give the game hell to make the NHL look even dumber.
On the Penguins Defense:
I am growing concerned with the play of the Penguins defense again. We saw a dip in this area in November after a decent start, but they are struggling again of late. While they are scoring more, which is incredibly important, they are giving up more goals. Now, that is part of the system changes, but with the current group, it could be a problem.
The biggest issue at the moment of the Pens is the same one they entered the year with, they only have one, truly dependable pair. Maatta and Letang are great, no worries there, even though Letang is a minus-12 on the year. I am impressed by Brian Dumoulin and Trevor Daley as the Penguins second pair. Despite only playing parts of three-four games together, the two look comfortable together and could be a great pairing.
The problem is the bottom pair, where Ian Cole has been completely atrocious, Ben Lovejoy has struggled and Derrick Pouliot has been recalled. Pouliot looked nervous Saturday, but he played well over the final 40 minutes. Cole was scratched, and about damn time for that. Unfortunately, Lovejoy looked far from great with the young Pouliot. It is a serious concern moving forward.
I still think the Penguins need to add another defenseman by the deadline, though I don't expect them to add a huge name.
On Jonathan Drouin:
The Drouin-Tampa situation took a turn for the worse last week. Drouin skipped an AHL game in the mid-week and the Lightning organization returned his move with an indefinite suspension of the 2013 3rd overall selection.
Drouin's agent, Allan Walsh, released a statement about the suspension and said it is in regards to their request of the organization to sit Drouin so he wouldn't be injured in AHL play. When the organization refused, Walsh advised his client to sit. He will sit until traded now.
This is a disappointing situation for a very talented kid. On one hand, I think it is ridiculous that this kid thinks he can skip games and dictate the situation for his organization. It is selfish and laughable for someone who isn't even an established NHLer. On the other hand, I see where the kid is coming from. The AHL is like the Wild West, and I believe there is a higher risk of injury at that level because of the reckless abandon players play with. The worst thing for all involved would be for him to get hurt, the Lightning included.
At the end of the day, this situation really kills his value. Him skipping games makes him look like a "punk" and teams will be turned off by his "line in the sand" approach. At the same time, him being suspended by the team indefinitely and will hurt his value and the return the team ultimately gets. They need to move him and quick.
On Steven Stamkos' Future:
The Lightning have more pressing issues than Jonathan Drouin's "pissing contest." Their captain and franchise player, Steven Stamkos, is just six months from becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. The Fourth Period reported Saturday that the Lightning have officially made a new offer to their star center, one worth 68 million dollars over 8 seasons.
Though not confirmed, the Fourth Period is reporting that the Stamkos camp has rejected the offer.
There is speculation abound about where Stamkos will play his hockey going forward. His situation in Tampa seems to revolve around his coach, where there are multiple reports that Stamkos and head coach Jon Cooper do not see eye to eye. Stamkos has denied the rumors. If there is a rift, the organization will have to make a decision, the coach, or the franchise center.
The other issue may be the monetary figure. This announced deal has an 8.5 million average annual value. While that would put him amongst the highest paid in the league, many believe he can earn upwards of 11 million annually on the open market. Among the teams I could see paying that astronomical fee, his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
If Stamkos refuses to sign before the deadline, I do not expect him to be traded unless there is a guarantee, from him, that he would not resign in Tampa. If that comes to pass, I'd expect the Lightning to maybe wipe the season and get whatever assets they can for him via trade.
Phaneuf to Dallas?:
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be sellers once again this deadline. NBCSports.com released an article Monday stating that GM Lou Lamoriello will be "busy" this deadline season. Among the names reportedly available, captain Dion Phaneuf.
Phaneuf, 30, has not lived up to the lofty expectations of the Toronto faithful since signing a long-term deal in the hockey capital of the world. The price is high, but the veteran's contract of five remaining years at seven million annually will be a tough deal to move unless the Leafs take on some money.
However, one team has been linked to Phaneuf, the Dallas Stars. The Stars and Leafs have been scouting each other aggressively over the last month, the Fourth Period is reporting. The Stars are in need of a defenseman, and the impending free agency of top-pairing man Alex Goligoski is looming. Phaneuf would give the Stars a veteran defenseman to pair with the emerging John Klingberg for the foreseeable future.
The two teams reportedly talked last season about a deal, but they fell through. The talks have restarted however, so it's worth keeping an eye on moving forward.
Projected Lines & Pairs
- Matt Cullen - Sidney Crosby - Patric Hornqvist
- Carl Hagelin - Evgeni Malkin - Phil Kessel
- Tom Kuhnhackl - Eric Fehr - Bryan Rust
- Conor Sheary - Kevin Porter - Scott Wilson
Pairs:
- Kris Letang - Olli Maatta
- Brian Dumoulin - Trevor Daley
- Ben Lovejoy - Derrick Pouliot
Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
My 3 Keys to the Game
2. Stars Streaking: As mentioned above, Crosby, Letang and Malkin are all playing great of late. So are Patric Hornqvist and Phil Kessel. I'd love to see this quintet continue their great play tonight against the Devils. If we can get points from all 5 of these guys, I don't see a scenario where the Pens falter.
3. Kill My Darlings: The Penguins penalty kill has been very good of late, despite their 3-goal allowance v. Philadelphia. The kill is impressive, led by Eric Fehr, Matt Cullen and the defensive corps. What I'd love to see from them tonight is not only to kill off any penalties, but continue to generate offensive chances shorthanded.
My 3 Penguins to Watch
2. Brian Dumoulin: Cannot say enough about this kid's first half. He has been a revelation and earned a spot in the Penguins top-4. The only thing he hasn't done is score a goal yet, despite getting more chances of late. Today is the day folks, I think Dumo get's his first of the year today.
3. Eric Fehr: Fehr has been outstanding since getting elevated to third line center. His line of him, Kuhnhackl and Rust have produced quality chances and I'd love for nothing more for the big center to find the net more himself. Besides offensively, Fehr has been outstanding on the PK and as I mentioned in the keys to the game, Fehr's play in this area will be huge for the team going forward.
What to Know for Attending/Watching/Listening
- The puck drops on Pens/Devils at 7:00pm. Gates at Consol open at 6:00pm.
- The Penguins will wear their traditional home jerseys tonight.
- It's a giveaway night at Consol! Every fan in attendance tonight will receive a Penguins knit cap (pictured above) presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- Stop by Pens Gear tonight where you can pick up the 2016 NHL All-Star jerseys!
- 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 for WATCHING tonight:
- 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:
- Attendance: 50pts
- Concession Purchase: 10pts
- Merchandise Purchase: 10pts
- ROOT Sports Pregame Keyword: 5pts
- ROOT Sports Post Game Keyword: 5pts
- Pens Radio Keyword: 5pts