There is an unusual amount of random notes/thoughts to cover today due to the GM Meetings in Florida this week, so I'll start with a short gameday preview and then list all the randomness.
Welcome back to Ottawa, Alexei Kovalev! Based on the media and my friends, it appears many people would like to leave you there after this game, but I have not given up on you yet. Tonight, the 4th place Pens (40-22-8, 88 pts) visit the last place Senators (25-35-9, 59 pts). The Penguins are coming off of a dominant 5-1 win over...last place in the NHL, Edmonton. Meanwhile, Ottawa is coming off of a 6-4 loss to Buffalo. Despite the records, don't be fooled, Ottawa is playing above their talent level right now. The Senators had won 3 in a row before losing to Buffalo and are actually 6-4 in their last 10. (Compare to the Pens, who are 4-3-3).
The lines tonight have not been announced and one of the forwards will have to sit from Sunday. Additionally, defensemen Corey Potter and Steve Wagner have been called up because Matt Niskanen did not make the trip with the flu and Paul Martin missed the game day skate. Despite this, Martin is expected to play tonight according to Bylsma (penguins.nhl.com). Finally, Brent Johnson gets the start tonight. My best guess on lines:
Kovalev-Letestu-Neal
Kennedy-Staal-Cooke
Dupuis-Jeffrey-Kunitz
Rupp-Adams-Talbot
Letang-Potter
Martin-Michalek
Lovejoy-Engelland
Johnson
Thoughts:
- Personally, I would rather see Conner play than Rupp or Talbot (maybe I'll give Talbot a pass for his good Edmonton game). Conner brings a lot of energy and speed to the lineup, and Rupp and Talbot both have been off lately.
- I'm expecting a big game out of Kovalev tonight. He clearly did not like Ottawa at the end and I imagine he will have a chip on his shoulder going there tonight.
- I think it's time to get Lovejoy and Engelland more ice time because Letang, Martin, and Michalek are logging major minutes at this point in the season and they might need a bit of a rest going into the postseason.
- I don't like the idea of starting Johnson tonight. I know he needs time and Fleury needs rest, but we don't have another game until Sunday. On top of that, we play back to backs Sun-Mon and Thurs-Fri next week. I'd rather not see Fleury collect dust when he'll need the breaks next week.
Notes:
- As everyone heard the big news yesterday, Crosby was on the ice for 15 minutes and has been symptom free with exercise for a few days. Bylsma reported today that Crosby had no symptoms after skating, and he is expected to skate again today (penguins.nhl.com)
- The rough prognosis on Crosby is about 3 weeks if EVERYTHING goes perfectly, no symptoms, etc. That would put us at about a week before the playoffs (and right before a game against the Islanders). As Sid said himself, all we can do is take it day to day and hope things go well.
- As you could guess, the biggest topic at the GM meetings is hits to the head and concussions. Mario Lemieux made some waves by putting out a letter publicly that suggests that team owners should be fined for repeat offenders (gee, I wonder if the Isles inspired this). Early rumors are that the NHL is not happy that he released the letter publicly, but many teams are backing the idea.
- Former Penguins GM Craig Patrick was honored at a dinner last night at the GM meetings. Many of the speakers talked about his role with the 1980 US gold medal team. No word on if Hartford has figured out the Francis trade he pulled off yet.
Oh yeah, Prediction: 4-2 Pens. Kovalev scores 2, the Pens powerplay puts up another goal, and Sergei Gonchar questions how much $5.5 million is really worth. LET'S GO PENS!!!
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