For a brief few hours, the Penguins sat atop the East division for the first time this season following a third straight win against New Jersey. After a slow start and mounting injuries, the Penguins are knocking on the door of a division title. They have eight games remaining, four against the Capitals and Bruins. It will be a tough test for this team, and here’s a few specific things I’ll be watching over the final two weeks of the regular season.
Jarry finding his groove
That 7-6 victory over New Jersey on April 20th (blaze it) was the worst of Tristan Jarry. All of the questions and criticisms surrounding his nonchalant attitude were vindicated in that game. Jarry’s mistakes led to several goals, and although he won the game, it certainly didn’t feel like a win. He responded beautifully, as he has all season, in his next game. He stopped 30 of 31 shots, was technically sound, and never looked worried or phased from his last performance. His demeanor is a double edged sword. When it leads to performances like the April 20th game, it’s infuriating. When his resiliency and calm approach leads to a victory, it’s laudable. What I want to see is, simply, consistency. I think he has improved as the season’s progressed, and continuing that will benefit this team greatly in their postseason run.
Tinker, Tailor, Sullivan Spy
The Penguins are finally getting some players back. Kasperi Kapanen’s speed and scoring touch returned immediately with him from injury. Evgeni Malkin is skating and the plan is to get him back into the lineup for a game or two before the postseason begins. Brandon Tanev is skating, still in a non-contact capacity as of today, but his return is nearing as well. With the forward corps taking shape, Coach Sullivan has some serious decisions to make. The line of Jared McCann-Jeff Carter-Jason Zucker has been a productive scoring group the last few games. Will this line stay intact for the playoffs? It is clear that Jeff Carter is staying at center and Jared McCann is his running mate. Malkin and Kapanen showed great chemistry together and I feel they’ll be a lock together for the postseason. That leaves some questions about the left wing position on Geno’s line. Will Brandon Tanev get a shot there? Or will a player like Evan Rodrigues get the first shot? Depending on when Geno and Tanev return, Coach Sullivan will likely have a few games to tinker before their first round matchup.
Teddy Blueger’s Thriving
The most interesting approaching off-season storyline for the Penguins will be what players they choose to protect in the impending expansion draft. Teams can either protect 7 forwards, 3 defenseman, and one goalie or 8 skaters and one goalie. Management will have plenty of hard decisions to make, but there’s one easy one: protect Teddy Blueger. He has taken his game to a new level this season. He’s the Penguin’s best defensive forward and penalty killer, and his three shorthanded goals this season are 2nd best in the league. In addition, he has added a scoring touch to match, registering 7 goals and 21 points this season. For Penguin’s Management, presuming they elect the 7-3-1 model, they’ll only have two spots to protect Jason Zucker, Teddy Blueger, and Jared McCann. A tough decision to make, no doubt, but protecting Blueger isn’t one. He’s an important part of this team that they can’t afford to lose. I’m intrigued by Blueger’s potential in the playoffs. Can he elevate his play again in the most important time of the year? If he does, the Penguins will undoubtedly have the best four centers in the East division, and possibly the league.
Two weeks separate the Penguins from the 2021 postseason and a potential division title. With the exception of a few bad losses, and one scary victory, they have been playing markedly improved hockey. Four games against the Bruins and Capitals will test this team physically and defensively. The Penguins can take a lead in the division by winning these games. And while winning a different title is the priority of the Penguins, snatching up the East Division title wouldn’t be a bad start, right?
Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I wish to put in writing like this moreover ? taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article? but what can I say? I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get something done.
Thanks for these pointers. One thing I also believe is credit cards offering a 0 interest rate often entice consumers in with zero monthly interest, instant endorsement and easy on the net balance transfers, nonetheless beware of the number one factor that will void that 0 easy street annual percentage rate and as well as throw you out into the poor house rapid. ラ ブ ド ー ル
I truly appreciate this post. I?ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again
The very core of your writing while appearing reasonable in the beginning, did not really settle very well with me after some time. Somewhere throughout the sentences you actually managed to make me a believer but just for a while. I however have got a problem with your jumps in assumptions and one might do well to help fill in those breaks. In the event that you actually can accomplish that, I could definitely be fascinated.
Thanks for giving your ideas here. The other issue is that when a problem occurs with a computer system motherboard, people today should not go ahead and take risk associated with repairing this themselves for if it is not done properly it can lead to irreparable damage to an entire laptop. It is almost always safe just to approach the dealer of your laptop for the repair of motherboard. They will have technicians with an expertise in dealing with pc motherboard issues and can have the right diagnosis and conduct repairs.
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your wonderful writing due to this problem.
I?m impressed, I need to say. Really hardly ever do I encounter a blog that?s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the issue is one thing that not sufficient people are talking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my seek for something regarding this.
You could definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
I have witnessed that expenses for internet degree specialists tend to be a fantastic value. Like a full College Degree in Communication with the University of Phoenix Online consists of 60 credits with $515/credit or $30,900. Also American Intercontinental University Online gives a Bachelors of Business Administration with a full education course feature of 180 units and a price of $30,560. Online degree learning has made taking your diploma far less difficult because you could earn the degree through the comfort of your house and when you finish working. Thanks for all the tips I have learned through the web site.