[PGT] Pittsburgh Penguins at Vancouver Canucks | Dec. 21, 2019

[iBlueGreen]

1 hour ago, spook007 said:

Can get after hours ... any chance you could tell the story?

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/hours-jake-virtanen-nickname-toughest-moment-career/

[JM_]

5 hours ago, VancouverHabitant said:

I thought that Louie had a good game.  His job was to shutdown Malkin's line and he did his part.  He took one rough tumble when he dove and crashed head first into the boards.  I actually think that he might've saved us a goal there as he got his stick on Guentzel's glove and he wasn't able to lift it over Marky's pad.  Ended up being one of the saves of the night.  

I'm really happy for Jake and it's nice to hear him talk positively of his development in Utica and now with the Canucks.  Hopefully this puts to bed all the less-then-smart theories that "Green is not giving him his ice time" ... "Green is holding Jake back" ... that we've heard over the last two years. 

 

 

its often interesting to look at the post game shift chart: http://www.nhl.com/stats/shiftcharts?id=2019020563

 

I do think Loui had a decent game as well, you can see the match up plan with him an Malkins line for most of the game. 

[EP Phone Home]

It’s nice to have Marky being so sharp after literally not having any work in the first period. I loved the physical play from the team last night. Miller blew up somebody (can’t recall whom) Oscar with a solid brick wall slam on Letang and of course Jake hitting Letang which then bumped the ref into the bench. The hit to turnover to pass to Boeser to score that 4th goal was all determination by Petey, loved the death stare Brock gave Murray too. Man it’s almost too bad that we are one game away from a break. Keep it up as we are only 4 points behind the division lead. What a time to be alive.  

[sonoman]

9 hours ago, 189lb enforcers? said:

Beat a tired Pens team. 

 

The Canucks “held” them without a shot in the first, but really, it’s was more to do with the Pens playing horribly than some shield wall of the Canucks. 

 

Glad to earn a win from the adventure of a game, at least the first half (I only watched half the first half). 

 

The Pens penalty kills in the first were awful. I haven’t seen anything like that in years. Glad the Canucks capitalized while they could. 

 

This team has its brilliantly-bright spots, but the dawn of something great for this team remains a good ways off, I think. 

 

 

 

[IBatch]

Want to point something out.  The Canucks are 2-2 the past four games, the first two we should have won as we were the better team, Vegas we shouldn't have and PIT was wash ... zero shots one period against - then 20 is 10 on average and then a pretty even 3rd.   The point is this team can play with anyone.  We haven't lost many games all year where we were completely out of it (there has been a couple though) and for the most part we are on an equal footing no matter whom we've played.   It's likely part of the reason so many games go to OT.   We are right now close to the middle of the pack compared to the entire league as far as actual play goes - our offense is above average - our defense a little below (but only with Edler out).  

 

We are definitely at a pivotal point in the season .... what happens in January will likely seal our playoff fate either way...it's an exciting time to be a fan.   JV looks to be that top six player JB is looking for.   If he can grab the spot and keep our second PP unit working (Myers and AG too) that's all the difference this team needs in turning the corner.   The corner is definitely within reach.   I doubt this team has a losing streak in it without a complete rash of injuries - and when Edler is back watch out.   This team is on pace to have a few 30 goal scorers, and up to 7 20 goal scorers.  AG, JV, Pearson, Horvat, Miller, EP and BB.   That's really something.   Wonder what the team record is for 20 goal scorers?  Must be the Linden teams...and those teams won more playoff games then anyone else.  Can't wait to wave a towel again, even if it's from my family room 

[IBatch]

16 minutes ago, Jimmy McGill said:

its often interesting to look at the post game shift chart: http://www.nhl.com/stats/shiftcharts?id=2019020563

 

I do think Loui had a decent game as well, you can see the match up plan with him an Malkins line for most of the game. 

Kudos on TG been brave enough to give him that match up but it makes some sense - he saw him enough in Boston ... back to the press box likely until the next time.   JV should get that spot - he's deserves it at this point.   He's also making our second PP unit that much better...in a lot of ways I prefer watching them as they shoot the puck as soon as they can and look darn dangerous out there.   So does our first unit but too many pretty plays that just run down the clock.   JV is breaking out. 

[stawns]

That's a game that the shot totals are pretty meaningless.  Despite the zone time and high shot total in the second, I never felt the Pens ever really threatened.  Solid team win.

[Attila Umbrus]

1 hour ago, IBatch said:

Actually he only saw PP time when Trouba or Byfuglien were out and then only second line minutes...most of his points were scored even strength on the third pairing.  He's more then capable of doing it when he gets the chance though and I'm glad he's got some - 6 points on the month so far is pretty good, about where he needs to be a 35 point D.   What he's been doing in Edlers absence is a huge difference in what Stetcher was able to do in the past, or Hutton or whomever (Tanev out too).  Take on the leagues best without being a huge minus magnet. 

That makes sense, I just checked his career stats. He regularly puts up 25-30 points with out too much PP time but the years in Buffalo and WPG where he got more points it was directly related to him getting more PP time, his PP stats jump up quite considerably in some seasons. Which as you said points to him being used on the PP when injuries occur. I really did think he has always been used on the power play! I stand corrected. 
 

I really like how he has been looking on that second unit. I doubt he stays there when Edler comes back. But he’s in my opinion making it hard to take him out. I also like having a right shot option on the PP, it gives some different looks.

[sonoman]

9 hours ago, Johnny Torts said:

Bum eh?

 

So that’s what rushed yet developing prospects are called these days. 
 

Nice.

Same goes for every other player in the NHL. It bugs me when posters (not you) call some of  these guys trash, bums etc.  They are the best players in the world. 

[canuck2288]

1 minute ago, sonoman said:

Same goes for every other player in the NHL. It bugs me when posters (not you) call some of  these guys trash, bums etc.  They are the best players in the world. 

They are amongst the best players in the world. We have a cap in place so frankly each team is not allowed to effectively have a roster of the best players in the world. 
 

there are world class players playing in several international leagues that simply are under contract or chose not to play in the NHL, in addition some are at a level that they are better than bottom 6 guys in the nhl but the cap won’t allow space for teams to fit them in 

 

the biggest issue with teams under the cap nowadays is finding price effective bottom 6 forwards or bottom 2 d men 

[Googlie]

6 hours ago, SILLY GOOSE said:

Loved Jake got a highlight reel goal.  Show off some of that talent us believers know he has.

Canadian believers too!!

[JM_]

16 minutes ago, IBatch said:

Kudos on TG been brave enough to give him that match up but it makes some sense - he saw him enough in Boston ... back to the press box likely until the next time.   JV should get that spot - he's deserves it at this point.   He's also making our second PP unit that much better...in a lot of ways I prefer watching them as they shoot the puck as soon as they can and look darn dangerous out there.   So does our first unit but too many pretty plays that just run down the clock.   JV is breaking out. 

I like that we can at least get this from Loui when needed, yeah its not 6 mil yada yada but if it helps put a few more W's up then yay us.

 

I know why people want to reward Jake with top 6 time, but man he's just learning how to be consistent with Rous and AG. I'd just like them to leave that alone for a while longer, even 20 games, just to keep this going for him. Jake seems to understand his role on that line, more than I've ever seen before. And he's one of the top points/60 players we have while only playing about 13 min's per night. Last night was ideal imo, about 3 min extra in selected spots to give him more offensive chances. 

 

On the other hand. we're desperate for a winger for Bo. Tough decision for sure. 

[sonoman]

14 minutes ago, canuck2288 said:

They are amongst the best players in the world. We have a cap in place so frankly each team is not allowed to effectively have a roster of the best players in the world. 
 

there are world class players playing in several international leagues that simply are under contract or chose not to play in the NHL, in addition some are at a level that they are better than bottom 6 guys in the nhl but the cap won’t allow space for teams to fit them in 

 

the biggest issue with teams under the cap nowadays is finding price effective bottom 6 forwards or bottom 2 d men 

Fair points.  Keep in mind, it is the top league in the world.  My point was posters calling them garbage are most likely garbage players themselves if they actually play the game. 

Edited December 22, 2019 by sonoman

[How swede it is]

11 hours ago, AlwaysACanuckFan said:

 

That's cause when he doesn't score, his shots don't count.....posts, crossbars....or just high and wide....

[Tyndall2]

Okay Marky played well and the Penguins might have been a little tired but all teams have to play lengthy road trips.  The tipping feature of last nights game was the strong fore check that the Canucks put on especially in the first and third periods.  The best I have seen this season, to date.

[smithers joe]

11 minutes ago, sonoman said:

Fair points.  Keep in mind, it is the top league in the world.  My point was posters calling them garbage are most likely garbage players themselves if they actually play the game. 

i agree. criticize their play but what it took them to get to and play in the best league in the world took more sacrifice and dedication then any of us ever have. that calls for respect.

[bones]

11 hours ago, redhdlois said:

I am feeling it with Jake......I think he’s arrived.

I’ve noticed Jake’s had a big uptick since the Burrows ROH game. Not saying he’s the second coming of Burr..... but.... 

[xereau]

[mikeyman109]

12 hours ago, sxqhfeh said:

14 shots? lol

Id rather have 14 shots and win than 40 shots and lose

[canuck73_3]

My new addition after last night.