Game 4 Rewind: What Did Penguins Exploit? What Are Predators Feasting On?
June 6, 2017, 4:08 AM ET [8 Comments]
Sheng Peng
Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • Vegas Golden Knights Blogger • RSS • Archive • CONTACT
Despite losing 4-1 in Game Four, the Penguins actually played fairly well. Sidney Crosby dominated, and if not for the grace of Pekka Rinne, there might have been at least overtime.
As Head Coach Mike Sullivan observed afterwards:
I thought tonight, of all the games we played, we generated the most chances and the highest quality. It didn't go in the net for us.
There were a lot of things from a process standpoint that we really liked.
There are, however, more serious concerns for the Pens headed back to Pittsburgh, chiefly on a blueline which sorely misses Kris Letang. Letang chewed up 25+ minutes a night, along with hefty special teams contributions.
Duh, right? Any team would miss a player of Letang's caliber. But losing Letang is exacaberated by a lack of defensive depth.
After Letang, Brian Dumoulin and Ron Hainsey have emerged as Pittsburgh's top pairing. Especially for Hainsey, who's a solid journeyman, this is a role which has accentuated the flaws in his game.
Sullivan applauded their effort, but there's no question what -- or who -- is missing:
You know, our blueline crew, they're a simple bunch. They're trying to make plays to get out of our end zone. They're trying to help us along that offensive blueline. I don't think we have anybody back there that wows you offensively.
I believe that they're doing their very best to help us at both ends of the rink.
All this leads to my breakdown of some plays, big and small, which caught my eye in Game Four.
***
Early in the game, Crosby got a rare shift against Nashville's Yannick Weber-Matt Irwin third pairing. Weber and Irwin are chasing, but they manage to get it out. Hainsey, who has taken Letang's right side, is unable to press the attack and take advantage of the mismatch.
Yes, I know Ron Hainsey is not Kris Letang. And that's not Hainsey's fault, he's doing what he can. Hainsey did nothing wrong here. But on this shift, in particular, I wondered what Letang could've done with the mismatch.
***
Nashville's forecheck has been a terror for most of the series and had its moments once again last night:
On a shift like this, the Predators' fourth line didn't generate any offense -- and to their credit, the Penguins defense was firm -- but Nashville gained an offensive zone faceoff, and once again, Pittsburgh had no flow.
Speaking of contributions from lesser lights, it was a Weber keep-in and a hellacious forecheck which led to Calle Jarnkrok's opening goal. It was a P.A. Parenteau incoming stick which prevented Justin Schultz from moving the puck just seconds before Freddy Gaudreau's wraparound tally.
***
That said, the Penguins, especially Crosby, found seams. How?
Here, an activating Hainsey, along with Bryan Rust, do a strong job keeping the play alive. Crosby takes advantage of how much attention Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi pay him, and Jake Guentzel is left on an island:
Here, Josi activates and James Neal takes his place. That's not bad. But then Neal, in Josi's position, misses Josi, who's playing forward, on the pass. Josi chases the puck and Neal, inexplicably, stops moving his feet.
Here, Crosby simply mugged Josi in the corner. Watch Crosby's foot, this is "best player in the world" stuff.
Here, Weber, who got one, almost gave one away. Weber pinches, P.A. Parenteau doesn't fill in, and Chris Kunitz is off to the races. For the offense-first Parenteau, who's not getting a lot of minutes, it's a rough play.
Finally, we're at what I believe was the turning point of last night's game. Midway, second period, 2-1 Predators. Pittsburgh has just killed a listless Nashville power play.
However, the Preds are threatening, and Josi, as usual, freelances. Jarnkrok fills in and Ryan Ellis snaps it from the point, but off of, guess who? A good bounce to Guentzel, Crosby smokes Ellis, and the Pens have back-to-back-to back Grade-A opportunities:
The score should be tied at this point, but Rinne keeps the Pens at bay. Four minutes later, Ian Cole gets caught pinching and Patrik Hornqvist has no chance keeping up with the Victor Arvidsson bullet train. 3-1.
***
Going into Game Five, what's repeatable for both teams?
For the Penguins, Crosby is the best player in the world. He and Evgeni Malkin will benefit from getting better match-ups from time to time with the last change.
Their defense is game, but fundamentally lacking. Nashville's forwards will continue to victimize them on the forecheck.
Malkin needs to be better than his quiet Game Four. Phil Kessel was more noticeable, but needs to be less perimeter at 5v5.
As for the Predators, P.K. Subban was walking around after the game with a limp. If his ankle is a problem, this will seriously weaken Nashville's top-four.
Josi might consider less roving when Crosby is on the ice. But since the coaching staff encourages him to freelance, they're not likely to change up what's gotten them so far.
The Preds' D, as we've seen, is very aggressive. There will be opportunities to exploit this for the Pens.
Which brings us to the goaltending. Matt Murray swept Pittsburgh, while Rinne struggled. Rinne took Nashville, while Murray stumbled. With so many things cancelling each other out in this series, the marginally better netminder might just take it all.
Today at 6:53 am by Rocky
» MM&C The Iraqi Private Banks Association told NEWS: These are the results of the Prime Minister’s me
Today at 6:52 am by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Today at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The general amnesty law will be passed
Today at 6:46 am by Rocky
» A change in the fuel smuggling map... “control” over the central ports and “laxity” in the north
Today at 6:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani takes three urgent decisions to block the wheat mafias in Iraq
Today at 6:41 am by Rocky
» Electricity embarks on an 11-axis plan to develop the energy sector
Today at 6:39 am by Rocky
» “Thug and smuggler.” A female representative talks about a crocodile in Parliament blackmailing exec
Today at 6:37 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani told the US State Department: Iraq is keen to strengthen its democratic system
Today at 6:36 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $275 million at auction today
Today at 6:34 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Commerce stresses the observance of the Iraqi standard in the supply of goods
Today at 6:33 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Trade Bank announces its participation in the process of localizing the salaries of Kurdis
Today at 6:32 am by Rocky
» Iraq adopts an advanced system to combat money laundering and terrorist financing
Today at 5:25 am by Rocky
» Increase in Euphrates River levels due to Turkish water releases
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Demands the need to legislate the capital law
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» Parliament decided to extend the legislative term by one month
Today at 5:20 am by Rocky
» A bank participating in the process of localizing the salaries of employees in the region
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary request to the Ministry of Finance regarding defense mobilization dues/document
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» Dollar prices in Baghdad and Kurdistan today
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed decides to increase the ceiling for granting “construction” loans to 75 million dinars
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» A government plan to expand the construction of water harvesting dams
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Frozen or banned? An Iranian official reveals the fate of Tehran’s money in Baghdad
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Trade Bank participates in the process of localizing the salaries of Kurdistan Region empl
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Finance confirms the Iraqi government's desire to benefit from the expertise of French companies
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» After targeting its branch in Kurdistan... Dana Gas announces a decrease in its profits to $38 milli
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» A parliamentary understanding to extend the legislative term to approve the 2024 budget schedules
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Stopping the Commission’s procedures regarding the region’s elections
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Foreign oil companies violate Iraqi laws
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» The position of Speaker of Parliament depends on the political agreement
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» The Ministry of Finance decides to send the April salary to the Kurdistan region
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» It did not reach the Council.. Parliament determines the mechanisms for dealing with the 2024 budget
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» 88 projects awaiting resolution.. What will happen to the stalled laws in Parliament? - Urgent
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives the US Undersecretary of State
Today at 4:59 am by Rocky
» It did not reach the Council.. Parliament determines the mechanisms for dealing with the 2024 budget
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Advisor to Al-Sudani: Sanctions on 32 private banks caused financial problems inside Iraq (video)
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» An expert comments on the use of the Iraqi currency in commercial transactions with Iran
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Why does Iraq depend on foreign banks for dollar transfers?
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The fuel smuggling map in Iraq has “radically changed” from what it was years ago
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Petroleum Products announces a decrease in gasoline imports by about 8 million liters
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Government advisor: Collections will shift almost completely to electronic payment in the middle of
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Complete decisions of the Council of Ministers session
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Today at 4:47 am by Rocky
» The National University holds its second international scientific conference with the participation
Today at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary proposals to extend the legislative term of the House of Representatives to resolve th
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Hanoun: We are working on preparing a six-year strategy to combat corruption based on technology
Today at 4:44 am by Rocky
» The Ministerial Council for the Economy decides to stop the import of 6 crops due to their abundance
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Minister of Industry: He turned to Chinese companies to supply Iraq with spongy iron ores
Today at 4:42 am by Rocky
» A foreign report reveals the existence of an undeclared Iraqi-British agreement regarding asylum see
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» “Fares Issa” visits the Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Kurdistan Region
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Today at 4:38 am by Rocky
» The position of Speaker of Parliament.. Representatives confirm: “There is no amendment to the bylaw
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» Demands to put an end to foreign workers
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Iranian official: We do not have frozen funds in Iraq
Today at 4:33 am by Rocky
» Entering 31 countries in the world without a visa.. A look at the Iraqi passport during 2024
Today at 4:32 am by Rocky
» An Iranian plan to export goods to Iraq worth $3 billion
Today at 4:31 am by Rocky
» The Board of Commissioners decides to suspend the technical and financial procedures for the Kurdist
Today at 4:29 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Governorate approves the two paths of the development road
Today at 4:28 am by Rocky
» Mawazine publishes the full decisions of the Council of Ministers at its session today
Today at 4:26 am by Rocky
» Asaib: The Sunnis are accustomed to having an external actor leading them
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» The Iranian ambassador in Baghdad: The Sudanese government enjoys the support of the Shiite and Sunn
Today at 4:24 am by Rocky
» Politician: Representatives of Taqadum “hurt” Al-Halbousi and their party
Today at 4:23 am by Rocky
» “Deficit” is the password.. Parliamentary Finance decodes the budget delay
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The tourism sector will be a substitute resource for oil in the coming years
Today at 4:20 am by Rocky
» Finance confirms the Iraqi government's desire to benefit from the expertise of French companies
Today at 4:19 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Yesterday at 5:10 pm by Rocky
» After a break of more than 9 years.. the resumption of a government trade meeting between Iraq and A
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Yesterday at 8:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Yesterday at 8:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Yesterday at 7:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Yesterday at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Yesterday at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Yesterday at 7:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Yesterday at 7:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Yesterday at 7:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Yesterday at 7:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Yesterday at 7:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Yesterday at 7:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 7:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Yesterday at 7:28 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Yesterday at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Yesterday at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Yesterday at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky