POINT SHOTS
I try to avoid absolutes when analyzing the Penguins — and all sports really. We can make predictions based off sound reasoning but we don’t know for sure how things will play out. Just look at what happened in this wild playoff race.
Many of us — this reporter included — were ready to stick a fork in the Penguins after they collapsed in Western Canada then traded Jake Guentzel. Hey, to be honest, it didn’t feel like the Penguins had much belief in themselves, either.
But other teams faltered, the Penguins rediscovered their fire and focus at the last possible moment, and suddenly they are back in it after this inspiring four-game winning streak.
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I don’t know if the Penguins will roar all the way back. After getting everyone’s hopes up, I could see them suffering one more of their meltdowns, costing them a playoff spot. Almost happened Saturday against Tampa Bay. There is a large body of evidence that points to the last few games being a mirage. But the mood around this team has changed.
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So what has been different? And is it sustainable? Obviously, Sidney Crosby (above left) has gone back into hockey god mode and Alex Nedeljkovic (above right) has provided reliable goaltending. Drew O’Connor and other young guys have given them a jolt. They are showing more of a commitment to defense with their backs against the wall.
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One major issue that lingered throughout the point streak was odd-man rushes allowed. The totals, per Sportlogiq, during those games: 4, 6, 10, 7, 12, 16, 8, 11.
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Another interesting stat from our friends at Sportlogiq: The Penguins lead the league in goals scored on shots taken from the point with a screen in front. They had two more of those Thursday and another two against Tampa Bay. They are especially good at generating those chances off of O-zone faceoff wins.