Pens vs. Habs Recap: R1G2 (feat. The Wallflowers)

There are three things the internet is over-saturated with: Porn, cat memes, and stuffy hockey bloggers. Last I checked, Ron Cook still works for the failing Post Gazette, so if you want a phoned-in recap feel free to shoot over there. We all know what guys like Madden (hot takes) and Marshoff (detailed statistical / video analysis) provide. I won't do either better than them. We're going to try something different here.

After each game I'll post a random album cover to the heading. We'll then use different song titles from that album to make points about the game. You'll see how it works, and might pick up a good song or two along the way. Today's album is Bringing Down the Horse, the quadruple-platinum 2nd album from The (criminally underrated) Wallflowers.

THE DIFFERENCE: Matt Murray. There were tons of questions going into this game about whether a goalie change should have been made. Nobody claimed Murr was the reason they lost Game 1, but a goalie change is the quickest and easiest way for a coach to get his team's attention. Not that anyone would have rioted if he had - Murray was inconsistent all year and had looked shaky in bubble training camp. Jarry has been mostly sharp this year (though battled his own stretches of inconsistency) and many were calling for him to start before the series even began, so the table was set. Well, Murray shoved all that right back up everyone's candy ass. The Pens controlled most of the play but still gave up a handful of signature terrible high-danger chances, and Murr answered the bell each time. He's at .935 through the first two games, so Jarry can take off his jock and get comfortable for a couple more days.

As for the other difference, Crosby set the goddam tone, giving the Pens their first lead of the series off an alien-level pass from Guentzel. Plenty has and will be written about his greatness and it doesn't bear an essay here. He came out with his ass on fire and gave the Pens some breathing room early. He turns 33 on Friday while the rest of the league's stars like McDavid, Matthews, McKinnon, etc...are in their prime. Enjoy 87 while he lasts.

THREE MARLENAS: "One, two, three, Marlenas. There's got to be someone we can trust, out here among us..." Sullivan needs to start trusting the three guys on the 'third' line or make a change. Game 1 was an absolute abomination for that group. Game 2 was a little better, though they only had 6:25 of ice time together due to in-game adjustments and the entire game being played on the power play. McCann is treating the puck like it has coronavirus, Marleau is OK but his AARP benefits only allow him a chance or two a game, and Hornqvist is what he is - effective in front of the net and nowhere else. Together, they aren't working. Horny made his mark on the game with a shift on Crosby's line and a stint with the #1 PP unit, making everyone in white red and blue want to murder him. Otherwise, they were mostly invisible. They are the 3rd line in name only, with Blueger's line getting just as much (or more) ice in higher leveraged situations. There's no easy fix here, but maybe try Horny on L1 and give Sheary to McCann, hoping to back up the opposing defense with speed. No guarantees though. McCann is the straw that stirs the drink and he needs to play the way we know he is capable.

ONE HEADLIGHT: The headlights provide a path for the car to drive. If they aren't working, the car doesn't have anywhere to go, though you can get by with one if it's bright enough. The Penguins 2nd pair of Marino / Pettersson will always have at least one headlight on. Marino didn't have his best statistical game last night, but again, the game was so out of flux with all the penalties I'm not going to worry about that too much. He still made some incredible plays in big moments. His strength on the puck for his size and age is staggering. His confidence on the opposition's blue line is 10-year vet status. He forces the teams best players to the outside and is quick in transition. This will be a John Marino fan blog before long. What a player.

BLEEDERS: The power play is cut and bleeding profusely. If they don't find a doctor soon, it could be lights out on the season. The Pens are more than likely up 2-0 in the series and neither game is particularly close if they had their shit together. Instead, it's 1-1 and they've had to sweat both out. Teams like Boston and Philly will not let them get away with that kind of squandered opportunity. The common refrain on Twitter is the absence of a strong RH Kessel-style shot on the left circle. Maybe, but very few teams have that kind of weapon and are still somehow able to not look like a bunch of hyenas fucking a watermelon. Crosby needs to be down low on the goal line. When he isn't, it defies logic and neutralizes your best player's strength. I'd give Horny another shot on the #1 unit (for now). Price is seeing shots a little too easily. And I know this is crazy - but I'd give Marino an opportunity to play quarterback. Letang's blue line puck skills are excellent but he misses the net far too often from the point leading to easy clears (and too many shorthanded opportunities). Marino up top, Malkin right circle, Horny in front, Sid down low, and Rust in the Kessel spot. Why not? Save Guentzel's legs for 5v5 where he excels.

Summary: It was good to finally get a "postseason" win after 7 straight losses. They are still the better team and have pushed play throughout most of the series' first two games. Their 5v5 flaws are minor. If the PP gets going, the series will get out of hand fast. In the words of the great Harry Dunne: "I don't know Lloyd, the French are assholes." Don't let these French fuckers hang around. Go Pens.