Some notes to preview the game for Saturday. I am disappointed in the afternoon start. Not only would I personally prefer all day to get primed up for this event, the Penguins have not done well in early games the past two seasons. This is a trend I hope they change on Saturday. To counter that, it is also true that they have not lost any recent playoff series in which they won Game 4. Some other notes from the past game. The Penguins penalty kill rebounded from a couple of poor games to shut the Lightning power play down at 0 for 4. In addition, their anemic power play chipped in a goal by Tyler Kennedy, his 7th in 58 playoff games, and 2nd game in a row in this series in which he scored. Let's hope that TK finds the back of the net Saturday, as the Penguins have nver lost any of the 7 playoff games in which Kennedy has scored a goal. Nobody has stepped up more down the stretch and in the post season thus far than Mr. Kennedy. Marc Andre Fleury currently has a strong .923 save percentage in this series, something the Penguins will need to see continue to close out this team. They have also blocked 58 shots. Arron Asham who has 3 goals and an assist to lead all Penguins with 4 playoff points is 4th in the whole league in playoff goals, 5th in the league in +/-, and 13 overall in points. Not bad for a guy on the 4th line! Also interesting is the fact that the Penguins are winning the series despite losing the special teams battle. The Lightning have scored 4 power play goals, while the Penguins only have one. However, the Pens have been dominant 5 on 5, outscoring Tampa 8-3 at even strength. A big part of that factro is the defensive corps. The Penguins defense has been solid other than their game 2 meltdown, with the following stat line:
Letang 3 assists and +3
Orpik 3 assists and +2
Michalek 1 assist and +2
Martin 2 assists and +2
Lovejoy 2 assists and even
Niskanen o assists and -1
It is coming out now that James Neal has an undisclosed injury and was close to not playing in game 4 at all, making his double OT game winning goal all the more impressive. Time to finish the job on Saturday guys. Fleury, the defense, and the 4th line have carried the load for the Pens thus far. In a potentially deciding game 5 at home, it would be nice to see guys like Jordan Staal, Alex Kovalev, and Mark Letestu fiind the net. If not, maybe Kennedy and Asham can keep their hot hands, and Neal can go on a streak. On that note, Kunitz returns to the lineup Saturday, meaning one of the forwards will have to sit. I like the presence Tangradi added in front of the net, as well as his size. He played a good game the other night, setting the screen that led to the Kennedy goal, collecting 5 hits and looking right at home on the big stage. That said, Connor has been a big part of the Dupuis, Talbot, Connor line, and they have been one of the better lines for the Pens. I assume the Big Dog will sit, not Connor, but I could live it with either way. Finally, with the Penguins winning the series 3-1, this is not likely to happen, but I would not mind seeing Deryk Engelland get some time as opposed to Niskanen. I like the edge to his game, and he has a sneaky shot from the point. I think Niskanen's skating will keep him in the lineup though. Let s Go Pens!!!
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