Two straight games with 5 goals scored; maybe the Pens are realizing that the object is to put the puck in the back of the net and not cycle around the boards with it. And the best part, even though I' love to see Sid or Geno break some scoring records, is that more players got on the scoresheet. I believe the two major reasons for this offensive semi-explosion are: a much improved transition game and better ice. Maybe they go hand in hand.
They actually had odd man breaks the past two games, a rarity so far this season. And the ice surfaces in Ottawa and even at the Igloo on Saturday night looked to be smooth and hard. No bouncing pucks and slush. For a team with this talent to be handicapped by poor ice on your home surface is shameful - invest the money or planning or whatever to ensure your stars have the best ice to work their magic.
- Mark Madden has many thoughts for Michel Therrien, including the idea that the team would be better off utilizing its speed and talent in the transition game and not cycling around the low boards. The only semi-poor idea is taking Gonchar off the 1st PP unit.
- Want to know more about the ice? It's all here and pretty much supports the fact that the NHL hasn't done much to improve the quality if ice around the league since ohhh 1920.
- On the Forecheck has an early look at the Hart race, focusing on Sid, Lecavalier, Zetterberg and AO. What is interesting is that he tries to include drawing PPs in the analysis, which helps Sid's argument.
- Darren Elliot at si.com thinks Sid is doing just fine as the youngest captain ever.
- Empty Netters has 2 pretty cool items today: the top 100 scorers in Pens history (Dan Frawley at #89??); and a youtube of the tribute to Badger Bob held after his death in 1991. I was at that Thanksgiving Eve game and it was emotional. I held onto my electric candle for a long while until I moved into my own place.
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