INSIDE THE IGLOO - My Weekly Thoughts On the Penguins

We Know What Malkin Can Do When Sid Is OUT of
the Lineup, but Can He Do That With Sid IN the Lineup?

Today I am taking a look at some of the questions, concerns, and hockey comments regarding the Penguins in this young lockout shortened season.  I take 5 "burning questions" to answer...Inside the Igloo.  Lets do this:

- Can Crosby and Malkin Co-Exist? - When confronted with this question I immediately think back to the "Penguins vs Capitals - 24/7" that aired before the Winter Classic on HBO.  Bruce Beaudreau was  talking to his Capitals team about how to play against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.  He said "Crosby, it doesn't matter how you play him...you can't take him off his game.  Malkin though...you can take him off his game very easily.  A late hit, an extra shove, and he will retaliate."  This always comes to mind when talking about how Malkin doesn't play as well when Crosby is in the lineup compared to if he isn't.  Crosby is that consistent player that he has always been.  Sid is good for at least an assist almost every game.  Malkin on the other hand.  His game ebbs and flows like waves in the ocean.  He can easily be taken out of his game, and that is something that doesn't always work with Sid in the lineup.  Sid is a player that thrives on consistency.  He wants to know exactly where players are and he expects them to be there where he expects them.  Malkin is the typical Russian player who "plays off the cuff".  That isn't something that always works with Sid.  I like how Bylsma has been spotty in terms of playing them together...only certain situations and the power play.  I think Malkin will start to heat up as the season progresses...this time, WITH Sid in the lineup.

- A Good Goaltending Problem - The Penguins are a team that has a unique, but good problem when it comes to their goaltender(s).  Look at some NHL teams that are struggling to find ONE goaltender who is capable.  The Washington Capitals are the perfect example of this.  Braden Holtby and Michael Neuvirth are battling for one spot, and neither really seems to WANT that job.  Think the Caps are wishing they still have Tomas Vokoun as a goaltender?  I guarantee they are kicking themselves for letting him walk.  The Penguins took advantage signing Vokoun to a 2 year deal and he hasn't disappointed.  He and Fleury have made a tremendous 1-2 punch for the Penguins as both have been extremely stellar in net.  The Penguins have the luxury of being able to rest their starting goalie, and know they have a capable backup that can step in and win games.  Something they haven't had since Marc Andre-Fleury took over as the starter in cage.  With this short season, having 2 quality goaltenders is an advantage against almost all NHL teams.

- Is This Team A Legitimate Contender? - Outside of talking about Crosby and/or Malkin, this is the question that I get asked the most by fans that I know.  I have to say that if the defense and goaltending stays solid, they are a legitimate contender.  However, that is one BIG 'IF'.  Look at the last 3 playoff series and you will see a Penguins team that is full of fire power, but not a blue line that can win when it counts.  In the playoffs everything tightens up and the Penguins would struggle to even find the zone.  I feel this team is better prepared this season for the playoffs than any other team except the '09 Stanley Cup team.  The pairings are all solid on the blue line.  Orpik and Martin.  Engelland and Letang.  Despres and Bertuzzo.  If everyone stays healthy and this team remains focused on defense and not outscoring every team they face...they have as good a shot as anyone to bring home Stanley Cup #4 to 'the Burgh'.

- Tough Stretch Ahead - The next 5 games are huge for the Penguinos.  However, the next 2 might be the most important.  Saturday the Penguins will travel to New Jersey to face the Devils, the second place team in the Atlantic Division and in the Eastern Conference, and then turn back around and come back to Pittsburgh for a home game against the Devils on Sunday.  I do love the rare "Home and Home" that only happens in the NHL.  In a season where division wins are crucial to success, these two games could play a large roll in the success of the Penguins this regular season.  The Penguins are riding high on a 5 game winning streak, and are fully capable of riding that to 7 if they continue to play the way they have...up to their capabilities.  Even with a 5 game streak in tact, there is room for improvement.  The Penguins can't continue to have "flat" periods like they did in the 1st against the Capitals last night.  The Penguins can't make poor decisions with the puck...ESPECIALLY in their own end!!  If they continue to win face offs, win those 50/50 puck battles, and keep heat off of the goalies...then they very well might be on their way.

- Power Play Resolution - The Power Play has been hit and miss with the Penguins, but I think they might have found a resolution.  There is only one game of evidence, but anyone that says the Penguins Power Play didn't look better last night wasn't watching the game, or is blind.  The changes made were ones that can lead to success on ANY NHL team's PP.  Biggest reason for the Pens PP recent success?  Its simple...Kris Letang wasn't on the unit due to injury.   Letang is a very talented player with tremendous speed, offensive skills, and tenacity, but one thing he struggles with is running the point on a PP.  Sergei Gonchar was the master of the point when he was wearing the Pens sweater.  Don't get me wrong, I like Letang, but not on the PP.  His shots never get through traffic, he makes poor mistakes with the puck, and at times looks lost.  So if Kris Letang in the problem, what is the resolution?  The Penguins deployed Paul Martin to run the point last night and the PP looked downright nasty.  The Pens were running a different scheme where they didn't always have 2 players on the blue line, but rotated Martin to the middle of the ice, allowing players like Crosby, Neal, and Malkin to rotate without the puck.  This worked tremendously and created a ton of scoring chances.  The Penguins finished 3/4 with the man advantage last night.  Is Martin the long term answer?  Maybe not, but he certainly proved he is capable, and if Bylsma knows his team, he will keep #7 out there tomorrow in Jersey...even if Letang is healthy.