Penguins circling the drain
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight is do or die for the Penguins. Since their 2 game win streak they have dropped their last 3 games, twice to the Flyers.
This past Saturday they played the Blue Jackets and jumped to a 2-0 lead but in typical fashion they managed to lose the lead and the game by 2 points. The Penguins once again were undisciplined and dug their own grave with 6 minutes worth of penalties with Steve Downie taking two of them. I really think the refs are out to get the Penguins and Dejan Kovacevic agrees. DK wrote, "Referees Greg Kimmerly and Brian Pochmara were beyond awful in missing a dangerous boarding by Columbus’ Cody Goloubef on Blake Comeau and much else, including infractions by the Penguins," (http://dkonpittsburghsports.com/2015/04/04/column-do-these-penguins-even-care/).
On Easter Sunday the Penguins visited Philadelphia but could not gain traction. Their in-state rival beat the Penguins up. Penalties were the name of the game again with a total of 10 minutes for the Penguins. It seems to be lost on the Penguins that penalties do not win you games; in fact, they lose you games. It was a hard nosed game but the physical battle was won by the Flyers even though they produced only 20 shots while the Penguins had 47.
The Penguins are facing off against the Senators tonight and it is their last chance for a ticket to the playoffs. Sidney Crosby stated in an interview this morning that the team has done some things well in the last few games but chances were missed. "We had a bad run of about 2 to 3 minutes in the Columbus game that really changed the momentum of the game," said Crosby. The Penguins have faced Ottawa senators many times in the playoffs and each series has been electrifying. Tonight promises to be exciting because the Penguins need the 2 points. The Penguins have been frustrated for the last few months because of losses and injuries.
The Senators are 2 points behind the Penguins in the standings going into tonight's game. There has never been a game this season where 2 points has meant so much for the Penguins. Okay, every game the Penguins have lost in either regulation or overtime were 2 points they absolutley needed. Crosby showed signs of life on Saturday with his effort back checking and pressing in Columbus's zone. Hornqvist also pressed the offensive zone and put forth excellent effort. Ben Lovejoy said the Penguins "are not playing like a team that deserves to be in the playoffs or go far in them," (http://dkonpittsburghsports.com/2015/04/04/column-do-these-penguins-even-care/). Check out this interview Lovejoy gave and you can see how angry and frustrated he is, https://youtu.be/A9bOH3j_Ox0. The Penguins are one of the best teams in the league, at least on paper. They have, or should have, the ability to beat the best teams in the NHL but they consistently have disappointed themselves and their fans this season.
As a fan it would be incredible to see the Penguins get the win tonight and go to the playoffs. However, if they are going to play this horribly then why bother? Just take the loss and re-evaluate during the off season. The one ice talent is unequivocally the best in the league but something needs to be done in the front office. Johnston is complacent and soft in his interviews and seems to be fine with his team taking penalties and losing games they could easily win by 2 or more goals. The Penguins have a chance to make it to the playoffs and if they do I am taking odds they will experience an early exit.
