Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Will Eller
The talk all over Pittsburgh this week, especially after game 3, was that this series is over. I say, HUH? Two games ago the same people were questioning the Penguins heart and desire after the game 1 loss. Granted the Pens have awakened after Sutton's hit on Leopold and really took it to the Sens in game three. But to say this series is over is, well, pushing it.
Being up 2-1 in a series is a good place, but its nothing if we don't win tonight in game 4. Losing tonight basically means game 5 in a "must" win in order to avoid a possible elimination game in Ottawa for game 6. Stay the course Pens fans, this series has essentially just begun.
There also is a growing concern in Pittsburgh about the return of Jordan Leopold for this series and even the remainder of the playoffs. The rumor is that the Leo might miss the rest of the playoffs because of his history with concussions. Chalk up another reason Ray Shero is awesome. Having Jay McKee as the 7th defensemen will go along way is showing how deep the Pens can go in these playoffs.
The lines looked the same this morning in practice and it seems Feds will get the bench again tonight.
Ponikarovsky - Evgeni Malkin - Pascal Dupuis
Matt Cooke - Jordan Staal - Tyler Kennedy
Mike Rupp - Max Talbot - Craig Adams
Mark Eaton - Kris Letang
Jay McKee - Alex Goligoski
Jordan Staal was nominated for the Selke award this afternoon check back to PensUniverse for Nicole's report.
The Senators will start Jonathan Cheechoo tonight hoping his playoff history in San Jose will pay off.
The Penguins recalled defensemen Deryk Engelland in case of another injury to the defensive core.
My keys for tonights game.
1.) Ride the wave - Ottawa is going to try to come out fast tonight. Hang on then counter punch with the first goal.
2.) Power play - The Sens took some dump penalties in game 3, make them pay tonight.
3.) Be Physical - Keep the Sens frustrated and make them play your game.
Its not the current version from the DVE morning show, but it gets me going for games so I thought I would share.
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