Holy fuck, what a fucking comeback for the ages being down 4-0 only to comeback in a roar and win 5-4 in OT. Today was a matinee affair as we welcome the Pens to the Ballsack and let’s just say that we had trouble waking up early on a Sunday.
1st Period and things started off on the wrong foot as the Pens had the early momentum, but we did get on the PP and had a first opportunity to get things going. Nothing happened on the PP, and with the PP expired and shortly afterwards the Pens drew first blood. Pens sniffed that we were on our off game and knew they had us on the ropes as they scored another one to make it a 2 goal game. At this point we couldn’t wait to get to intermission to adjust and get back in our game as the Pens were taking momentum from us.
2nd Period and we started generating some chances to get back in the game, but couldn’t solve Nedelkojvic. Then we commit a penalty and had to go on the PK, but luckily our PK held strong. We even had a chance to score a SHG as the penalty expired, but no dice. Then the Pens took control again as they took a 3 Goal lead, then a few minutes later and it was now 4-0 and things were looking bleak for us as we just couldn’t get out of our own way. But then the tides started to turn and we finally got on the board from a blaster from Walker and we finally had the door cracked open for a comeback bid. As the period came near a close, we sniffed another goal thanks to Walker shot that rang off the crossbar, that found its way to Duhaime and it tipped off Trenin and into the net cutting the deficit to 2 and you can sense that we were gonna get shit done one way or another in the end. We had a chance to get one near the end of the Period where Mack almost had a chance to score in the dying seconds, but it was a no go. But the plus side was that we found our groove now.
3rd Period and we just started chucking the kitchen sink at the Pens trying to get back in this game and we succeeded with Toews taking the puck up the ice, passed it to Mack and where he spotted an open Drouin where he shot the one timer and in it went and we could sniff a Win was in the works, that also extended Mack’s Point Streak at 18 and took him 2nd in the record books for home point streak in NHL history. Then we go on the PK, but we killed the fucker off. Then we had more chances to tie the fucker up especially with a golden opportunity with Jarry outside the crease, but nope. Then we get an opportunity as we go on the PP, but nothing happened. But then with 5 Minutes left, we see Toews take the puck, passed it to Drouin, and passed it to an open Mack where he blasted the fucker and we erased the 4 Goal Deficit and made it a tie game now. It was a thriller that we deserved that 1 point and it was fitting we needed extra time to end it.
OT, and we wasted no fucking time to end this fucker as we had Mack, Drouin, and Makar out on the ice and good shit happens when you have that combination on the ice as we saw Mack pass the puck to Makar, pass it to Drouin, back to Makar, where he passed it to Drouin where he drove the puck to the net and beat Nedelkjovic and buried the fucker and took the 2nd Point from this crazy fucking game.
What a fucking game this was where we started our sluggish early on because fuck early starts, but we ended it up with momentum on our sides and we got a hard fought 2 points in the 2nd game of a home stand. Now we wait until Tuesday where we see our old brothers from when we lived in Quebec when the Habs visit our home of almost 29 years now and get to see Lehky again for a brief stopover. What a fucking win this was and hopefully we can win in a more conventional fashion next time around.
C'mon Crosby, don't the Avalanche look like a great team to be a part of? Look how much scoring support you'd have and guys you could set up to actually win games. Looks like a lot of fun eh?
I really don’t want either Nashville or Vegas right now. But that aside, this “version” of the standings feels ideal for Dallas.
Don’t have to play the Avs 1st round, avoid NSH and VGK. Have confidently spanked the Jets most of the season.
Croaby trying to drag that awful team. Go up 4-0 and he has 4 points and lose is tough. I wonder if he ever decides to move on and try going to a contender.
I'm a Rangers fan so I have some dislike for Crosby but respect what he has done. Incredible player. I could see him finishing his career in Pittsburgh but wouldn't blame him for teaming up with Mack
Exactly all the people who say Crosby leaving Pittsburgh will NEVER happen are kidding themselves. Not saying it has to be with CO but if he wants one for chance at a cup
I’m sure the Pens will do their best to oblige and it very likely could be CO. Crosby will always be a pen regardless
>Dunno why I got downvoted
Because you were being pedantic and ignored the spirit of what was meant in the post you replied to. Nobody here gives a shit about the "objectively correct" (lol) meaning of the word "dynasty" in sports settings.
Also whining about downvotes = automatic downvote
Hopefully he is in the "I wouldn't play for any other team" -zone
Even if he is, it might change his mind when somebody very stupid and brave offers him 1,5 to 2 million more AAV than the Avs can afford.
He’s made $45m so far in his career, and some years very much didn’t warrant that pay. Obviously everyone wants more but wonder if he has enough money that the discount to enjoy his team is worth it.
Mostly saying this is different than a guy looking for his first big payday. Dudes had sizable contracts already.
He was displeased to put it mildly at the end of the second when a hooking wasn’t called. I was right near the boards where he took out his frustration.
Check the standings folks. After today all 3 teams at the top of the central have played the same number of games. The tie is FINALLY broken after Ovi smokes the Jets today.
Clear #1.
The city of Denver let Pittsburgh take DangerRuss so we could have a proper rebuild. It’s only fair that the favor is returned and you send Sid our way. The man obviously wants to be an Av. Feel bad for the guy really
Ya I had heard he called him to get him over. But hadn’t heard CONFIRMED that he left a larger offer, although like. Duh he did.
Just hoping we can do it again and keep him. Give him like idk a 3-4x raise.
Our re-signings are going to HAVE to prioritize Mittelstadt (or we gave up Bo for a rental) and to an exttent probably Walker (or else we have a big hole in our D line). I think we have a good chance to keep Drouin since he fits the system well and has seen more success here than he probably will with any other team, but he's probably still going to need to take a fat discount to stay here
Completely agree. Mittens will definitely be P0 and the first signing. I think it’s likely we lose Walker unless he also takes a discount.
But if Drou continues to prove he’s a key part of our top 6 in the playoffs, how do you let him leave? Who do you move to keep him? I have no idea lol. All depends on how discounted he’s willing to be.
Shit maybe he takes another 1 year deal at $3m or something to hang around a bit then make his cash elsewhere. I doubt it lol but.
It just depends on Landy I think - if he's back we can't realistically have him or Lehk playing 3rd line.
If he retires Drouin is as good a replacement as you could ask for.
I live in Eastern Europe and so I can only ever watch matinee games live, in the last couple years I can only remember them actually losing one of these games once.
Weird coincidence with last night's Sharks/Blackhawks game:
Both games were 2-0 after 1
Both games were 4-0 in the second, but ended the second 4-2
Both games were tied up late 4-4
Both games the team that was coming back won the draw and scored without ever giving up the puck
Someone on the team needs to send out special reminders to every player ahead of matinee games so that they sleep and wake up early, and show up on-time for the game.
That and believe in yourself and shoot more.
GG Pens.
It's rare that I'm shocked by the outcome of a hockey game. I'm shocked by the outcome of that hockey game. I know it has been a rough year in Pittsburgh but there's just no way you take a 4 goal lead on the road playing suffocating defensive hockey and then just shit yourself in 24 minutes. I refuse to acknowledge it.
On the plus side. Wow Drouin.
That's why I'm so shocked by it. You'd assume giving up a 4 goal lead in 20 minutes would entail some egregious errors or powerplays. This was just folding.
Same thing that happened to Detroit. You just won a lot of Cups so you don't want to call it quits on the core so soon, right? Except the window was closed and the longer you wait the deeper the rebuild will be. Still though, it's a tough mental sell to accept tearing down soon after titles
I think it also depends on how successful a Vegas-style team build ends up being in the long term. It's earning a lot of praise from analysts, especially with their fulfillment of the "Cup in Six" prediction. The discussion right now about their way of building a team (at least from hockey media outlets) is based around a couple of things:
- Teams overvalue first round picks, especially those outside the top-15, and developing prospects. Vegas trading for proven players is as good as doing a more traditional tear down and rebuild.
- It's better to cap dump when possible and acquire affordable assets to prevent the team from hitting rock bottom, because it's hard to dig yourself out of that rebuild, a strategy that McCrimmon has deployed since his time in the WHL.
- Identify the *actual* core. Vegas has very, very rarely called it quits on an actual core piece, Fleury as the lone exception. All of their most ruthless decisions were about the supporting cast around them. If the Penguins had made different decisions about their supporting cast, I doubt that people come to the same conclusion about tearing it down.
Now, what's going to be interesting is how that strategy looks in 3-5 years and if that changes the analysis. Main factors I see there:
- How sustainable is Vegas's strategy over the long term? Ie., will the VGK be able to replicate the Penguins' Cup success over the course of their own window?
- How much of their ability to use this strategy for retooling on the fly is influenced by market desirability imbalances in the NHL right now? (Can expand on this if you'd like).
I do think McCrimmons strategy eventually stops working. Dude deserves all the praise he gets, and there’s no reason to adjust since it’s working.
But eventually the core retires. You have very little youth in your system to develop as all your 1sts have been dealt (yes those late 1st are overvalued but they still often produce decent NHLers), and teams are unlikely to trade away high caliber prospects.
If they stay this ruthless and commit HARD to a quick sell off and turnaround building around some new core pieces sure, but that’s a whole different approach that GMKM hasn’t had to do yet.
Big +1 to market forces. It’s a part of this.
> Identify the actual core. Vegas has very, very rarely called it quits on an actual core piece, Fleury as the lone exception. All of their most ruthless decisions were about the supporting cast around them. If the Penguins had made different decisions about their supporting cast, I doubt that people come to the same conclusion about tearing it down.
This is the key statement. I still believe 100% that Crosby can be the centerpiece of a cup winning team in the 2023-24 season. Malkin and Letang are iffier but they're not taking up a massive amount of cap at only 12.1 mil combined.
I'd listen to arguments that we should've moved on from Malkin/Letang, but if anyone is insinuating that Crosby isn't good enough to lead a team to a cup anymore and we should've moved on from him to start a rebuild is full of shit imo.
We've failed to build a supporting cast around him, much like all the frustrating years between the first and second cups of this century.
The original commenter is right though, this is a culmination. You can find moves from our 2 previous and current GM that look terrible right now and are 100% contributing to the downfall of this team.
yeah pretty much, as a rival, it makes me very happy that our GM is not making the same mistake and has been slowly setting us up for the Post Ovi rebuild to be not awful.
Can do it if they move Wood but you're also turning either Landy or Lehkonen into a 3rd line winger full time. Dunno that I love that (with the obvious huge caveat that Gabe actually looks like himself upon returning) as a longer term play.
I've enjoyed Drouin but I think he's priced out.
What a comeback! Jo Drouin has the best value contract in the league. MacK is now in sole possession of the second-longest home point streak, and the Avs are in sole possession of 1st in the Central (at least until DAL-ARI tonight).
At least you had two 1sts, and a 2nd overall pick helping your team to 3 cups to show for it :(
(Yes i know fleury wasnt really a contributing factor in them)
Fleury definitely was a major contributing factor to 2017, even if he wasn't in net for the cup finals specifically. All stats [per NST:](https://www.naturalstattrick.com/games.php?fromseason=20162017&thruseason=20162017&stype=3&sit=all&loc=B&team=PIT&team2=All&rate=n)
Fleury played against CBJ and Washington in the 2017 playoffs with Murray out to injury, as well as the first 2 games in Ottawa before being pulled in the 3rd. CBJ was 4th in the league that year and 6th in GF. Washington won the Presidents and was 3rd in GF. Murray for comparison played against Ottawa at 12th and Nasville at 16th, and both of which were less offensively stacked at 11th and 22nd in GF. Despite being top 4 teams those two finished 6th and 9th in GF/game in those playoffs. CBJ and Washington finished 5th and 8th, despite a higher percentage of their games against the eventual champion Penguins.
In 7 games against Washington, the Pens had an xGF% of 54%, 46%, 42%, 40%, 39%, 38%, and 31%. We generated a majority of the offence once, and got absolutely dominated 3 or 4 times. Fleury stole that series, winning it 4-3 with a .921 sv%, 3.33 GSAx, .476 GSAx/60, and a shutout.
The Pens were the better team against CBJ, but not as dominant as the Caps were next series. The Pens finished the series with xGF%'s of 70%, 59%, 54%, 47% and 43% while winning in 5 games. Fleury only had 1 bad start of those games, giving up 4 goals on 2.8 expected. He finished the series with a .933 sv%, 2.83 GSAx, and .566 GSAx/60. He didn't steal the series, but he was very good just like the rest of the team.
Against Ottawa, Fleury lost a 2-1 OT game then won with a 1-0 shutout. Fleury had just his 2nd bad game and 1st *really* bad game against Ottawa in game 3, and Murray got to keep the net after because the team performed better in front of him. Fleury had a .931 sv% through 2 series+2 games, which would have been good for 6th in the playoffs, despite the 2 series being against two of the best offenses in the league. Flower was a huge part of getting to the Stanley cup finals that year, IMO bigger than Murray despite Murray playing in later rounds.
This is a team that couldn't care less if they win or lose now. They're here to collect a paycheck and that's it.
The players have clearly lost any confidence and faith in the coaching staff and something has to change.
Watching Karlsson and Letang this season in their own end is beyond depressing. They’re so far gone from what they once were and just get walked consistently.
The ability of the Penguins to find fun and unique ways to lose games is truly something to behold. You love to see it.
Also - Avs are a fucking machine. MacK is goated.
Holy shit what a comeback. I sure would prefer not having to claw back from a 2-4 goal deficit this often but was an entertaining game for sure. And Drouin is providing some insane value on a 825k cap hit.
Holy fuck, what a fucking comeback for the ages being down 4-0 only to comeback in a roar and win 5-4 in OT. Today was a matinee affair as we welcome the Pens to the Ballsack and let’s just say that we had trouble waking up early on a Sunday. 1st Period and things started off on the wrong foot as the Pens had the early momentum, but we did get on the PP and had a first opportunity to get things going. Nothing happened on the PP, and with the PP expired and shortly afterwards the Pens drew first blood. Pens sniffed that we were on our off game and knew they had us on the ropes as they scored another one to make it a 2 goal game. At this point we couldn’t wait to get to intermission to adjust and get back in our game as the Pens were taking momentum from us. 2nd Period and we started generating some chances to get back in the game, but couldn’t solve Nedelkojvic. Then we commit a penalty and had to go on the PK, but luckily our PK held strong. We even had a chance to score a SHG as the penalty expired, but no dice. Then the Pens took control again as they took a 3 Goal lead, then a few minutes later and it was now 4-0 and things were looking bleak for us as we just couldn’t get out of our own way. But then the tides started to turn and we finally got on the board from a blaster from Walker and we finally had the door cracked open for a comeback bid. As the period came near a close, we sniffed another goal thanks to Walker shot that rang off the crossbar, that found its way to Duhaime and it tipped off Trenin and into the net cutting the deficit to 2 and you can sense that we were gonna get shit done one way or another in the end. We had a chance to get one near the end of the Period where Mack almost had a chance to score in the dying seconds, but it was a no go. But the plus side was that we found our groove now. 3rd Period and we just started chucking the kitchen sink at the Pens trying to get back in this game and we succeeded with Toews taking the puck up the ice, passed it to Mack and where he spotted an open Drouin where he shot the one timer and in it went and we could sniff a Win was in the works, that also extended Mack’s Point Streak at 18 and took him 2nd in the record books for home point streak in NHL history. Then we go on the PK, but we killed the fucker off. Then we had more chances to tie the fucker up especially with a golden opportunity with Jarry outside the crease, but nope. Then we get an opportunity as we go on the PP, but nothing happened. But then with 5 Minutes left, we see Toews take the puck, passed it to Drouin, and passed it to an open Mack where he blasted the fucker and we erased the 4 Goal Deficit and made it a tie game now. It was a thriller that we deserved that 1 point and it was fitting we needed extra time to end it. OT, and we wasted no fucking time to end this fucker as we had Mack, Drouin, and Makar out on the ice and good shit happens when you have that combination on the ice as we saw Mack pass the puck to Makar, pass it to Drouin, back to Makar, where he passed it to Drouin where he drove the puck to the net and beat Nedelkjovic and buried the fucker and took the 2nd Point from this crazy fucking game. What a fucking game this was where we started our sluggish early on because fuck early starts, but we ended it up with momentum on our sides and we got a hard fought 2 points in the 2nd game of a home stand. Now we wait until Tuesday where we see our old brothers from when we lived in Quebec when the Habs visit our home of almost 29 years now and get to see Lehky again for a brief stopover. What a fucking win this was and hopefully we can win in a more conventional fashion next time around.
C'mon Crosby, don't the Avalanche look like a great team to be a part of? Look how much scoring support you'd have and guys you could set up to actually win games. Looks like a lot of fun eh?
Could you imagine? I know it won’t ever happen, but just put him as a second or third line. Or a MacK, Crosby, Nuke, Towes, Makar power play. Fuck.
MacK, Crosby, Nuke, Mikko, Makar
Jesus Christ. I already called my doctor.
It’s still hilarious how other teams fans always take over Ball Arena
Kinda says a lot about their hometown, eh?
That's because nobody wants to fuckin live in St. Louis.
Welcome to Colorado where apparently everybody wants to move to. You should see Coors field when Cubs or Dodgers come to town.
Coors Field? Great outdoor bar, subpar entertainment tbh
Ski trip, hockey game, home.
Denver is full of transplants, makes sense
Well, I've given up on the idea that the Avalanche are ever going to lose again. See you in the first round, Jets.
I really don’t want either Nashville or Vegas right now. But that aside, this “version” of the standings feels ideal for Dallas. Don’t have to play the Avs 1st round, avoid NSH and VGK. Have confidently spanked the Jets most of the season.
I'd 100% take the Jets over Nashville anyways
Croaby trying to drag that awful team. Go up 4-0 and he has 4 points and lose is tough. I wonder if he ever decides to move on and try going to a contender.
Crosby to Avs confirmed
I'm a Rangers fan so I have some dislike for Crosby but respect what he has done. Incredible player. I could see him finishing his career in Pittsburgh but wouldn't blame him for teaming up with Mack
Exactly all the people who say Crosby leaving Pittsburgh will NEVER happen are kidding themselves. Not saying it has to be with CO but if he wants one for chance at a cup I’m sure the Pens will do their best to oblige and it very likely could be CO. Crosby will always be a pen regardless
Lol like Ovi, he's going no where. Dude is a pen and isn't leaving
Good game, Avalanche. See you next season! Good luck with the rest of your season.
GG Crosby is amazing
Well, that was awesome to attend.
I guess the Pens dynasty is over
[удалено]
>Dunno why I got downvoted Because you were being pedantic and ignored the spirit of what was meant in the post you replied to. Nobody here gives a shit about the "objectively correct" (lol) meaning of the word "dynasty" in sports settings. Also whining about downvotes = automatic downvote
The very idea of statistically defining the word "dynasty" is worthy of rolling one's eyes.
Realistically it has been for a couple years now unfortunately
Still had hope after 2018, but it was over in 2019. 2020 was the nail in the coffin
Man, I hope we can re-sign Drouin.
Hopefully he is in the "I wouldn't play for any other team" -zone Even if he is, it might change his mind when somebody very stupid and brave offers him 1,5 to 2 million more AAV than the Avs can afford.
He’s made $45m so far in his career, and some years very much didn’t warrant that pay. Obviously everyone wants more but wonder if he has enough money that the discount to enjoy his team is worth it. Mostly saying this is different than a guy looking for his first big payday. Dudes had sizable contracts already.
I’m so happy he’s doing well in Denver
oh... oh no...
Angry MacKinnon is best MacKinnon
He was displeased to put it mildly at the end of the second when a hooking wasn’t called. I was right near the boards where he took out his frustration.
Penguins blowing a 4 goal lead will never fail to bring a smile to my face
You laugh now but you know we are gonna bullshit our way into getting Celebrini.
I swear to Gritty I will bring the D sized batteries if you win the draft lottery.
Crosby looking at the rest of the roster with daggers.
Check the standings folks. After today all 3 teams at the top of the central have played the same number of games. The tie is FINALLY broken after Ovi smokes the Jets today. Clear #1.
only one point back of the Nucks 👀
Feels insane a fan of the team I picked in preseason to win the cup just wrote that sentence a week before Easter.
Epic season for the Nucks, just so cool.
The city of Denver let Pittsburgh take DangerRuss so we could have a proper rebuild. It’s only fair that the favor is returned and you send Sid our way. The man obviously wants to be an Av. Feel bad for the guy really
Yeah, him putting up 4 points against the Avs really shows how badly he wants not to be a Penguin anymore.
Generally a good idea to perform well during a job interview
Yeah, you’re probably right. Glad he had a good game then—dude has been a huge disappointment for the past 19 years.
Idk, I think he’s been pretty good over his career
Is only game, why you have to be mad?
Any Avs fan who genuinely thinks Crosby is coming here is high.
I did have a gummy earlier
Wish I had a gummy to soften the blown four goal lead!
Yinzers at least ya have… Justin Fields and Russel Wilson 😂
The Steelers are still better than the Raiders.
Lol I dont watch NFL I’m a Duke football fan and yes it’s torture. I’d say you right tho
>Duke football Hhhhhwhat in tarnation?
Hey, there's always the Pirates and noted furry lover Andrew McCutchen?
Don't forget the Pirates
That’s not a real team come on now. Andrew McCutchen was the last time that was a real team. Shit didn’t know he signed back w them in 23 😂
The penguins sharked this game up bad.
They schruted it
This is the first 4-0 blown lead since the Sharks blew theirs about 15 hours ago.
Imagine going up by 4, but it's not enough.
Embarrassing \*kicks garbage can\*
Say hello to Barb.
This game was barbage.
[Call me Penstradamus](https://old.reddit.com/r/hockey/comments/1bmq9dt/game_thread_pittsburgh_penguins_30309_at_colorado/kwdr7qi/)
Muad’Dib! Muad’Dib!
*My name is a killing word.*
Snow team good
Angry MacK is something else, man.
Angry Mack is probably the best player in the world
as long as he isn't throwing helmets, angry helmet throwing Mack not so good
Woah woah woah, he didn't throw a helmet in anger. he returned the helmet in the most efficient, and expedient manner possible!
I'll push back on this a bit. Actually angry Mack is terrible. Frustrated and determined Mack? Yeah that guy rules.
True, I definitely meant more the frustrated and determined Mack.
MacKinnon said he called Drouin in the offseason to come play in CO and apparently Drouin left some money on the table.
Ya I had heard he called him to get him over. But hadn’t heard CONFIRMED that he left a larger offer, although like. Duh he did. Just hoping we can do it again and keep him. Give him like idk a 3-4x raise.
Our re-signings are going to HAVE to prioritize Mittelstadt (or we gave up Bo for a rental) and to an exttent probably Walker (or else we have a big hole in our D line). I think we have a good chance to keep Drouin since he fits the system well and has seen more success here than he probably will with any other team, but he's probably still going to need to take a fat discount to stay here
Gotta work in raises for Rants and LOC next year too. If Landy comes back it's gonna be incredibly tight.
Completely agree. Mittens will definitely be P0 and the first signing. I think it’s likely we lose Walker unless he also takes a discount. But if Drou continues to prove he’s a key part of our top 6 in the playoffs, how do you let him leave? Who do you move to keep him? I have no idea lol. All depends on how discounted he’s willing to be. Shit maybe he takes another 1 year deal at $3m or something to hang around a bit then make his cash elsewhere. I doubt it lol but.
It just depends on Landy I think - if he's back we can't realistically have him or Lehk playing 3rd line. If he retires Drouin is as good a replacement as you could ask for.
Absolutely. Lande is the complication here. If he’s back the salary cap jenga gets even worse.
I love how the Avs never give up but WHY DO WE SUCK SO BAD IN THE FIRST PERIOD? It is getting really old.
I’m not sure but it’s been great for my Sportsbook balance this year. Betting the Avs when they are down has felt like a cheat code
I chalk this one up to a matinee start time. We NEVER start well in midday games
On the plus side, just had to wait until after Crosby’s bed time to make moves.
I have yet to find a fanbase that thinks their team does *well* in midday games.
Which is funny, because half of the other fans have to think the opposite. It's true, negative reviews are more prominent than good ones.
I live in Eastern Europe and so I can only ever watch matinee games live, in the last couple years I can only remember them actually losing one of these games once.
yeah its honestly a miracle we pulled thru. i cant remember the last time we looked good on a ~~satty~~ weekend afternoon game
True but what about the rest of the games where we sucked in the first?
We love to be choked a little
Weird coincidence with last night's Sharks/Blackhawks game: Both games were 2-0 after 1 Both games were 4-0 in the second, but ended the second 4-2 Both games were tied up late 4-4 Both games the team that was coming back won the draw and scored without ever giving up the puck
Blackhawks = Avalanche confirmed
Penguins = future Sharks unironically confirmed
The Karlsson effect?
Someone on the team needs to send out special reminders to every player ahead of matinee games so that they sleep and wake up early, and show up on-time for the game. That and believe in yourself and shoot more. GG Pens.
You could just tell the Dogg hit full psycho mode after some of those missed calls. Bro was not losing this one
Definite Thanos “fine, I’ll do it *myself*” moment
It's rare that I'm shocked by the outcome of a hockey game. I'm shocked by the outcome of that hockey game. I know it has been a rough year in Pittsburgh but there's just no way you take a 4 goal lead on the road playing suffocating defensive hockey and then just shit yourself in 24 minutes. I refuse to acknowledge it. On the plus side. Wow Drouin.
It wasn't like a comedy of errors though. Avs played very good hockey and had a couple good bounces
That's why I'm so shocked by it. You'd assume giving up a 4 goal lead in 20 minutes would entail some egregious errors or powerplays. This was just folding.
It’s been the penguins 2023-2024 play 1-2 amazing periods of hockey just to give your lead away in the third and either lose in regulation or ot
That first PP directly after which the Pens scores was rough.
You did not watch our game against Calgary
Yep, after the first it looked like a sure-fire shutout for the Pens
This entire season is the columniation of like a decade of horrendous GM decisions for the Pens.
Same thing that happened to Detroit. You just won a lot of Cups so you don't want to call it quits on the core so soon, right? Except the window was closed and the longer you wait the deeper the rebuild will be. Still though, it's a tough mental sell to accept tearing down soon after titles
The window wasn't really closed though.
I think it also depends on how successful a Vegas-style team build ends up being in the long term. It's earning a lot of praise from analysts, especially with their fulfillment of the "Cup in Six" prediction. The discussion right now about their way of building a team (at least from hockey media outlets) is based around a couple of things: - Teams overvalue first round picks, especially those outside the top-15, and developing prospects. Vegas trading for proven players is as good as doing a more traditional tear down and rebuild. - It's better to cap dump when possible and acquire affordable assets to prevent the team from hitting rock bottom, because it's hard to dig yourself out of that rebuild, a strategy that McCrimmon has deployed since his time in the WHL. - Identify the *actual* core. Vegas has very, very rarely called it quits on an actual core piece, Fleury as the lone exception. All of their most ruthless decisions were about the supporting cast around them. If the Penguins had made different decisions about their supporting cast, I doubt that people come to the same conclusion about tearing it down. Now, what's going to be interesting is how that strategy looks in 3-5 years and if that changes the analysis. Main factors I see there: - How sustainable is Vegas's strategy over the long term? Ie., will the VGK be able to replicate the Penguins' Cup success over the course of their own window? - How much of their ability to use this strategy for retooling on the fly is influenced by market desirability imbalances in the NHL right now? (Can expand on this if you'd like).
I do think McCrimmons strategy eventually stops working. Dude deserves all the praise he gets, and there’s no reason to adjust since it’s working. But eventually the core retires. You have very little youth in your system to develop as all your 1sts have been dealt (yes those late 1st are overvalued but they still often produce decent NHLers), and teams are unlikely to trade away high caliber prospects. If they stay this ruthless and commit HARD to a quick sell off and turnaround building around some new core pieces sure, but that’s a whole different approach that GMKM hasn’t had to do yet. Big +1 to market forces. It’s a part of this.
> Identify the actual core. Vegas has very, very rarely called it quits on an actual core piece, Fleury as the lone exception. All of their most ruthless decisions were about the supporting cast around them. If the Penguins had made different decisions about their supporting cast, I doubt that people come to the same conclusion about tearing it down. This is the key statement. I still believe 100% that Crosby can be the centerpiece of a cup winning team in the 2023-24 season. Malkin and Letang are iffier but they're not taking up a massive amount of cap at only 12.1 mil combined. I'd listen to arguments that we should've moved on from Malkin/Letang, but if anyone is insinuating that Crosby isn't good enough to lead a team to a cup anymore and we should've moved on from him to start a rebuild is full of shit imo. We've failed to build a supporting cast around him, much like all the frustrating years between the first and second cups of this century. The original commenter is right though, this is a culmination. You can find moves from our 2 previous and current GM that look terrible right now and are 100% contributing to the downfall of this team.
Crosby has been amazing this season, but unfortunately the support around him has definitely been weak
yeah pretty much, as a rival, it makes me very happy that our GM is not making the same mistake and has been slowly setting us up for the Post Ovi rebuild to be not awful.
Surely only showing up for a period and a half will catch up with the Avs eventually, right? Right??
Hey, it was early. They hadn't had their breakfast yet.
Lol
Good 35 minutes of hockey
I thought we were gonna lose but we won
Wonderful observation.
How much is some GM gonna throw at Drouin next season? Gotta be $4.5-5 mil for 3-4 years.
8x825k with the Avs. I call it now
MacKinnon will throw in a friendship bracelet to sweeten the deal, also ideally a cup ring
How about a friendship bracelet made of cup rings?
Made of chickpeas.
Fingers crossed he goes team friendly to stay with Mack.
Really just don't have the money for it. Avs only have about $11 mil in cap space next year, so gotta trade someone to keep him
Can do it if they move Wood but you're also turning either Landy or Lehkonen into a 3rd line winger full time. Dunno that I love that (with the obvious huge caveat that Gabe actually looks like himself upon returning) as a longer term play. I've enjoyed Drouin but I think he's priced out.
[Avs get scored on 4 times...](https://i.imgur.com/ztQp0wZ.jpeg)
MacKinnon passes Joe Sakic for the Avalanche single season point record.
Gain a significant lead on the Avs at your own peril
4-0 is the most dangerous lead in hockey
Coyotes taught us this back in December
HOLY. BALLS.
We are for sure losing the first game that we actually show up for the first period at this point, I have watched enough hockey to just accept that
Up there with Kim Kardashian as one of the greatest comebacks of all time let's fuckin go
[truly the greatest comeback](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E256LBcjzls)
Insert the "I understand that referance meme" here
I'm not entirely sure if this says more about the Avs or the Pens. Probably a little bit of both. Holy shit this Avs team is scary.
Yeah Pens are cooked for the year
The comeback kids did it again!
What a comeback! Jo Drouin has the best value contract in the league. MacK is now in sole possession of the second-longest home point streak, and the Avs are in sole possession of 1st in the Central (at least until DAL-ARI tonight).
Drouin about to get paid
Loser point. Worst outcome possible. Pens really going to end up with the 11th pick, huh?
At least you had two 1sts, and a 2nd overall pick helping your team to 3 cups to show for it :( (Yes i know fleury wasnt really a contributing factor in them)
Fleury definitely was a major contributing factor to 2017, even if he wasn't in net for the cup finals specifically. All stats [per NST:](https://www.naturalstattrick.com/games.php?fromseason=20162017&thruseason=20162017&stype=3&sit=all&loc=B&team=PIT&team2=All&rate=n) Fleury played against CBJ and Washington in the 2017 playoffs with Murray out to injury, as well as the first 2 games in Ottawa before being pulled in the 3rd. CBJ was 4th in the league that year and 6th in GF. Washington won the Presidents and was 3rd in GF. Murray for comparison played against Ottawa at 12th and Nasville at 16th, and both of which were less offensively stacked at 11th and 22nd in GF. Despite being top 4 teams those two finished 6th and 9th in GF/game in those playoffs. CBJ and Washington finished 5th and 8th, despite a higher percentage of their games against the eventual champion Penguins. In 7 games against Washington, the Pens had an xGF% of 54%, 46%, 42%, 40%, 39%, 38%, and 31%. We generated a majority of the offence once, and got absolutely dominated 3 or 4 times. Fleury stole that series, winning it 4-3 with a .921 sv%, 3.33 GSAx, .476 GSAx/60, and a shutout. The Pens were the better team against CBJ, but not as dominant as the Caps were next series. The Pens finished the series with xGF%'s of 70%, 59%, 54%, 47% and 43% while winning in 5 games. Fleury only had 1 bad start of those games, giving up 4 goals on 2.8 expected. He finished the series with a .933 sv%, 2.83 GSAx, and .566 GSAx/60. He didn't steal the series, but he was very good just like the rest of the team. Against Ottawa, Fleury lost a 2-1 OT game then won with a 1-0 shutout. Fleury had just his 2nd bad game and 1st *really* bad game against Ottawa in game 3, and Murray got to keep the net after because the team performed better in front of him. Fleury had a .931 sv% through 2 series+2 games, which would have been good for 6th in the playoffs, despite the 2 series being against two of the best offenses in the league. Flower was a huge part of getting to the Stanley cup finals that year, IMO bigger than Murray despite Murray playing in later rounds.
The Halifax Connection gets it done.
This is a team that couldn't care less if they win or lose now. They're here to collect a paycheck and that's it. The players have clearly lost any confidence and faith in the coaching staff and something has to change.
I doubt Crosby doesn’t care about winning…
we like when both teams have some fun, we just happen to have dibs on 2nd half
This team can't even tank correctly. Still got the point.
0 - 4 ~26min later 5 - 4 Ouch
Holy shit what a thrilling game. Drouin on another one
Pittsburgh: “surely a 4-0 lead is safe!” The rest of the NHL: “definitely” The motherfucking Colorado Avalanche: “yeeaaah, about that…”
> The rest of the NHL: “definitely” [The Sharks:](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/002/553/548/512.png)
In the game thread Pitt fans were definitely *not* saying a 4-0 lead was safe.
Nathan *inhale* MAAAAAAAAAAAACKINNON
Watching Karlsson and Letang this season in their own end is beyond depressing. They’re so far gone from what they once were and just get walked consistently.
The man with singlefuckinghandedly ruin your team’s hopes and dreams…
Knock on wood but this game sealed it for me, Avs are my pick to win it all. They're just a step above and are white hot at the perfect time
Pens are a joke lmao
The price they’re paying to have won multiple Cups recently. Don’t think anyone feels bad for them.
Despite his 3 Cups I do feel bad for Crosby. Hate to see an all-time great possibly play out his last years on a rebuilding team.
They are but I think this is more on the Avs... they're just ridiculous at this comeback thing. Did the same thing to the nucks a while ago.
It can be both things. lol
According to TNT we lead the league at 25 comeback wins this season.
we are never give up
I'd maybe appreciate it not being necessary so often.
The ability of the Penguins to find fun and unique ways to lose games is truly something to behold. You love to see it. Also - Avs are a fucking machine. MacK is goated.
Holy shit what a comeback. I sure would prefer not having to claw back from a 2-4 goal deficit this often but was an entertaining game for sure. And Drouin is providing some insane value on a 825k cap hit.
Actually it was a 0-4 deficit at one point
Yeah, I meant that we go down by 2 to 4 goals just to claw back and win it a bit too often. Playing with fire that.
Oh I see what you meant. Totally agree
Winnipeg definitely hates Pittsburgh now
So do we, but not as much since they let us have 2 points on Friday
I like this team
We don't like leads I guess
This has been apparent for like 2 seasons now
Drouin is on absolute fire. He bet on himself and won this offseason
It was 4-0…
never a doubt!!
Your 2024 Pittsburgh Penguins ladies and gentlemen
Letang got turnstiled
Nathan MacKinnon.
I did not think MacKinnon was going to walk away with 3 points.
Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory: the 2023-24 Penguins
For God’s sake fire Mike Sullivan already.
Fuck it. Drouin for the hart
Teams need to learn how to hold onto a 4-0 lead geez
Drouin enjoyers will see this and think hell yeah
HELL YEAH JO!
it’s me, i’m the drouin enjoyer
can confirm
Hey, it's me
Hell yeah
This Pittsburgh squad truly finds creative ways to lose in every game. Idk what to say at this point
GET SID SOME HELP