If there was a defining moment in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ need for a tougher and more physical game in their lineup, the first period against the Buffalo Sabers provided posterization. Buffalo defender Rasmus Ristolainen planted Sidney Crosby, and that changed the course of the game, even when the Penguins reached a 4-0 victory.
And don’t think for a moment that hockey operations president Brian Burke didn’t notice. Burke has already told some colleagues in the media to expect some toughness on the way.
Early in the game, on Thursday night, Crosby had to contend with some chips and blows from the Buffalo Sabers’ attackers. Then defender Rasmus Ristolainen leveled Crosby near the left wall like an old tall building.
The Penguins almost had some chances to score in the move, but Crosby not only took time to get up, but also to get back in the game.
This is where you and I usually split up. There is something built into the Penguins fandom that rejects being able to do it back to opponents as if that isn’t going to help.
“Players are playing the way they are going to play,” said Mike Sullivan. “The teams play against us in a certain way throughout my term here. You have to play with this. That is the nature of the game. “
But wouldn’t it be nice to not have to play until the end? Don’t you have to put up with that? It would be beneficial for the Penguins to take the physical game to the other team and do they answer questions about how to play.
On Wednesday night, it was Brandon Montour of Buffalo who took the straw to hit, punch and irritate Crosby.
Now, imagine if the Penguins were able to fight back. Really retaliate. We are not talking about the ability to complete checks in which Brandon Tanev excels, nor are we talking about an idiot. In the midst of the extremes, the Pittsburgh Penguins do not have a guy in their lineup who can crush the opponent with a blow and make the opponent’s star hurt in the second half.
Crosby made three assists on Thursday night. See, Kingerski, you are wrong!
“If you look at Ristolainen, he plays a very physical game, regardless of who is in the lineup,” said Crosby of his strokes. “He’s a guy that you have to be aware of when he’s on the ice. Montour is the same. He’s a good skater. He can get there to hit, so … there are always guys trying to play hard against you, get you out of the game and make the night long for you. “
Crosby is a poor example of a “star” who needs to be protected because he is perhaps the strongest superstar since Jaromir Jagr. Maybe stronger. Crosby got tired later in the first period, and he sent a real hip check to Ristolainen, who threw the defender’s ass in the kettle.
If you watched the game, you also know that Sidney Crosby played a little differently after the successes. Crosby was aware of Ristolainen’s whereabouts.
Hitting does not prevent hitting. But being able to fight back or defend the team does change the crash.
How I know?
Ask a hockey player.
Observe the bank after a big blow. The aggressor gains energy like Mario Bros. chasing mushrooms. The committee is offended. Salty.
What do you prefer: the energy wave or the irritation?
Pittsburgh Penguins – Anxious
Count PHN and this writer as someone who thinks the Pittsburgh Penguins are MUCH better than we expected, at least when the wounded list doesn’t look like a Tolstoy. When fully healthy, penguins don’t have much space to add, but they do have some spots.
“We will try to dictate the terms. We are going to try to play the game that gives the Penguins the best chance of success, ”said Sullivan while dispensing with the need for the Penguins to hit.
But – if the Buffalo Sabers can beat Sidney Crosby, imagine what the Boston Bruins or Washington Capitals will do in the playoffs.
Do you want to know the real secret of having more truculence, toughness or impact on your lineup? This allows your best players to have an easier time playing that game that gives your team the best chance of success.
If the Sabers can reach Crosby, a better team will make much better use of that power.
By the way, these playoffs are six weeks from now. The Penguins have a 10 point advantage over the Philadelphia Flyers in the final playoff berth. Maybe we should stop worrying about Philadelphia and start watching the New York Rangers, which is also back at 10.
If the Penguins survive in the coming weeks without Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen, the playoffs are almost guaranteed. You can then see how to protect Crosby, or Malkin and Guentzel would benefit the team.
One thing is for sure, being able to play Sidney Crosby cannot continue, or he will be watching with Malkin and Kapanen.
