PLAYOFF GAME DAY: Sens @ Pens :: Game 2, Round 2 :: 7:30pm ET :: Fri. May 17th, 2013

Ev wrote:

wprager wrote:I think Andersson needs to come clean to the coaching staff about his ankle. He's had two games in which he's been less than what is needed. The first two goals were very stoppable, and he was cheating on the second one, which could be due to his ankle. If he's not 100% then Lehner is the better option.

And if Karlsson plays like he did last night, maybe it's time to give him a rest, too.

And what has Michalek done to justify his ice time? 2 points on 21 shots on goal through 7 games. And that includes the two blowout games in the Montreal series. Kassian has 2 points as well. Neil has 3.

Lol Anderson's ankel is fine. Did you just forget about his MTL series?

SpezDispenser wrote:They played well in the last half. Friggin frustrating, but if they can channel that, they might win a game or two. Pageau's awesome.

Michallica wrote:Yeah get Andy back. He should have some fire in his belly. Gotta stop allowing those early goals for starters.

And karlsson has gotta go on a heavy drinking binge to forget his terrible game.

wprager wrote:Breaking down the first goal from last night:

Neil goes for the hit on Niskanen in the corner, completely takes himself out of the play. While he takes an extra 2 seconds and risks a charging penalty, Crosby is winding up, going full speed by the time he hits the blue line, and receives the puck. Zibanejad is all by his lonesome in the neutral territory as Silfverberg has to contend with Adams coming off the ice as he tries to catch Crosby. I have to wonder if that is a set play -- Adams comes off crossing in front of Silfverberg slowing him down just a split-second, enough to ensure that Crosby just gets through his attempt at a check. Or maybe Silfverberg is just outclassed here. Regardless, Crosby is in full flight, and all three forwards are now behind him. Karlsson tries for a stick check at the blue line I realize standing the forward up at the blueline with a hard check is not his game, but he could at least track him and slow him down a bit. Instead he misses the puck and the man and Crosby moves inside past him, with only Zibanejad trying to catch up. And still, that shot was not Andy's best.

What can we learn from that play?

1. When Crosby is winding up like that *he* is the most dangerous player on the ice, not Niskanen. If you want to hurt one of their defensemen, go for Letang (who is small and *has* injury history), or Orpik, just because if you don't hurt him he *will* hurt you. But regardless of any of that, you have to slow down Crosby in his own zone first.

2. Two rookies (Silfverberg and Zibanejad) are out against Crosby. I hope that doesn't happen too much in Ottawa.

3. I know Silfverberg is a rookie but he has to be harder on the man than that. Even with Adams crossing in front of him there was still time to compensate. It's like he misjudged Crosby's speed. Or maybe he wasn't prepared for what would certainly have been a fairly hard hit if they connected. I don't expect him to crush anyone but at least slow him down a little.

4. Stick checking is ok when you are tracking the guy along the boards, but not when you're standing flat-footed at the blue line. If you stand at the blue line, deliver a hit, not a stick check.

5. Crosby has a good shot, Andy, be ready for it next time.

This goal was a little over 3 minutes into the game. Not a "first shot in" type of goal, but still, you don't want to get scored on that early in the game.

sandysensfan wrote:
One problem, how many hits do the Sens make on Crosby that they don`t get a penalty? Detroit smashed and banged on Toews most of the game.. clean hits.. no penalties. Sens do clean hits on Crosby they are in the box.

LeKing wrote:On a more positive note, Pageau is a monster. Looking every bit as good as in junior.

TheAvatar wrote:

LeKing wrote:On a more positive note, Pageau is a monster. Looking every bit as good as in junior.

I just hope he doesn't turn into Regin