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I've seen the Penguins play a lot over the years and I've kind of watched several games this season, but just recently I watched them play live. So I'm gonna give yinz a 1/2 assed scouting report so you'll know what to expect and who to watch out for, n'at.
Overall they are a fast, hard working, and perhaps the most physical team in the league. They aren't an overly large team, but pound for pound they pack a wallop. Their special teams play is in peak form, and unfortunately the Sabres will have to face their back-up, who is way tougher then their #1. Sidney Crosby is simply amazing, enjoy.
Chris Kunitz. One of the more underrated players in the NHL, he's every bit as good as a Dustin Brown. He hits very hard, not a dirty player but there is no let up at all. Solid skills, always brings his lunch box, and no real weaknesses to his game.
Chris Letang. The last great draft pick from legendary general manager Craig Patrick. He's always been pretty good but he is taking this new contract to heart, and making sure he earns every penny. Letang has been Mr. Everything for the Penguins this season, it used to be that he couldn't find the net with a road map, not this season. He is using the extra space in the o-zone to his advantage, hanging back further and taking his time to aim his shots better. His one-timer is still out of control, so if he's on the left circle that's a good thing. He's also a very strong kid, and he doesn't mind landing big hits.
Derrick Engellend. This guys fighting ability is to be respected, make damn sure you get a good strong hold of his right. He can still beat you with the left, but you risk serious injury if he gets that right free.
Alex Goligoski. Quick footed diminutive blue liner who is without a doubt their Achilles Heel in the defensive zone. If you catch him while turning, turn up the speed and go hard to the net. He is surprisingly below NHL standards going in reverse (seen him trip over his own feet a FEW times), and he's not going to physically over power anybody one on one either. Well, maybe Ennis or gerbe...or Roy...or Connolly..you know what just attack him anyways. He moves the puck extremely well, and he WILL crash the net in the o-zone not unlike Leopold's cerebral style.
Evgeny Malkin. One of my favorite players, and luckily he is still kind of taking it easy by his standards, and he still sucks at face-offs. You definitely want to play it physical on Geno, but be ready for war because there is no shortage of willing combatants on the penguins team, and they don't like it when you so much as sneeze in his general direction.
Fluery is overrated, his soft goals hurt way more then his big saves help, his picture is next to the definition of "inconsistency". Unfortunately, Johnson will be getting the start, and he is rock solid. Not overly mobile post to post but he's big and the glove hand is rattle snake fast. He's hardwired with resiliency and he sports wicked cool Led Zeppelin masks! So I guess, get lots of jam after shots and try to make him move laterally a lot.
As a team they like to pound bodies in the o-zone and keep the puck there for 2/3 of the game. They aren't always as concerned about scoring on the power play as much as they are about getting good zone time, what that means is that they wont allow a power play to thwart their momentum, and they will protect the puck in the o-zone before forcing shots. Much to the frustration of their fans. They don't always back check hard, that goes for all lines, so make good breakouts and attack them with speed!
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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal
"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger
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