With half of the hockey season done, the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking real sharp, and are one of the top teams in hockey.
It seems like the Penguins are playing with a purpose of winning the Stanley Cup, and why not? With their talent and skill– the fluent scoring of Crosby, the efficiency of Malkin, and the production of the team’s young players– they can match up against any other powerhouse in hockey.
Yes, I know it seems odd saying that about the already young team, but even the younger players have stepped up. Brian Gibbons at age 25 who has scored a series of goals in the past few games, has contributed top line help for Crosby now that Pascal Dupuis is out for season. Or even younger teenager Olli Maatta, who at age 19 has taken the NHL by storm. The defenseman has played in 57 games and has 23 points. Maatta will also be competing in the Sochi Olympics for Findland.
Let us also give our proper credit to the experienced players on the Pens’ team. Jussi Jokinen has put together a nice points streak, and has helped the second line with Malkin in scoring 42 points and 16 goals. Not bad for a 30-year-old who has been with four different clubs.
Also, James Neal is producing despite the lack of games he has been in this year. Only playing in 36 games, he has scored more than he has played with 45 points.
With the high-powered offense not a problem for the Pens, it all hinges on defensive play and goaltending. With that being a question down the stretch for last year, the units need to show that they are well improved.
With the defense bolstered after the signing of former Penguin Rob Scuderi, it does not sound bad. Although Scuderi has only played in 28 games this year, he has contributed well on the defensive side of the puck. Also, having one of the more physical defenders in the game in Brooks Orpik does not hurt as well. Let us not forget Olli Maatta’s contributions. Although having a seemingly solid defense, the Penguins do yield a lot of shots on goal for the opposing team.
This brings us to Fleury. Although being a brick wall for most of the year, he still has his hiccups of giving up many goals, but let’s give credit where credit is due. He is leading the NHL in wins with 31, and is tied for second in shutouts with 4. Although there are some stipulations to that. He has an average 91.8% save percentage, and has a 2.22 goals against average, which is top 10 in the NHL, but not really elite.
When the Pens won the Stanley Cup Fleury, was not the best goalie in the game, but he could win games for the Pens when it mattered. Where is that now?
He shows up for the regular season, but has question marks when it comes to the postseason. Last year, it showed when he was replaced by Thomas Vokoun in the playoffs.
It’s obviously not a good sign when you get replaced by a guy who is past his prime and only went to the playoffs once in his career prior.
Another problem the Pens will have to endure is one of the top scoring defenseman in the NHL, Kris Letang, suffering a stroke. Although not career threatening, he will still be out a minimum of six weeks.
With the Penguins half way done with the season and ready for recess, they definitely look like the top team in the Eastern Conference and look like they can also size up to the elites in the Western Conference like Anaheim and Chicago. Let’s hope there is not any setbacks this time around.