Pens split trip North, prepare for end of 2015

The Penguins split their trip North to Minnesota and Winnipeg, winning one and losing one. The games were two opposites with the Penguins showing a more free scoring style of play against the Wild before struggling against the Jets, although that is partly down to Hellebuyck's first shut-out.

The Penguins first game against the Wild saw the return of Crosby after missing the game against Columbus on the 21st December. Crosby had a great game recording a goal and an assist. His goal was sweet one timer from near the wall after a great piece of work by Perron by Dubnyk.

The Penguins power play came to life and was rewarded with a goal by Hornqvist late in the third. A shot from the point went to the net and Crosby and Hornqvist battled away to whack it in. Minnesota's only goal came late in the second period from Jason Zucker after leaving Dumoulin for dust.

The game was somewhat marred with a late hit by Stoll on Letang late in the third. Letang returned to the game but missed out the Jets encounter. The Penguins shouldn't have let him return to the game as there was no need but it is also a shame to see the league fail to take any action.

In the past month or so three Penguins players have been on the end of rough, dirty hits or actions with barely any punishments. The only punishment that the department of player safety has deemed fit is one game for Dubinsky. The league needs to be doing more to prevent these types of hits as they have no place in the modern game.

The game against the Jets was tougher with the game being decided by a penalty shot by Bryan Little, Zatkoff didn't even move to stop the shot. Zatkoff has been out-performed by Matt Murray so far this season in his brief stint. Zatkoff has not been a confident performer and always looks nervous in net, not something you want behind your defence. The performance overall was disappointing.

Going into the end of the year the Pens have two games left against the Leafs and Red Wings, hopefully, they win both as they have really improved their play lately and deserve to be reaping the rewards.

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Pens stop rut, beat Columbus

The Penguins will go into the Christmas break with their first win under Mike Sullivan under their belt. They defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in a fast paced, heated game that saw Phil Kessel have a two goal night. The Penguins were looking for revenge on the Blue Jackets after a 2-1 loss in November.

The Penguins were without their star player,  Sidney Crosby, who was out of the game with a lower body injury. He is expected to be out day-to-day but the Penguins next game isn't until December 26th. Malkin was given top line duties and he didn't disappoint in his increased responsibilities.

The Penguins fell behind in the first period in Matt Murray's second period. A shot rebounded off the boards and into an open space for Wennberg to score his third of the season. The Penguins dominated the second period 10 shots to 7 and scored two quick goals 1:18 apart early in the second through Malkin and Kessel.

The Penguins dominated the game from there on out and controlled the shot clock, limiting the Blue Jackets to just 24 shots throughout the game helping Murray to his 1st NHL win.

The game was tainted somewhat by a reckless piece of play late on by Dalton Prout who crosschecked Sergei Plotnikov 5 times in the neck after a fair hit by the Russian on Prout with just 58 seconds remaining in the game. The reaction from the Department of Player Safety was...nothing. Which is ridiculous, they won't actually take action for these types of incidents until it is too late and injured.

The Penguins are off until the 26th of December where they start a double header away against the Wild and the Jets. Sullivan has gotten the team playing better hockey and they might start seeing results now.

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Pens trouble scoring highlighted in 3-0 loss to the Bruins

The Penguins have struggled to score this season and last night was no exception with them falling 3-0 to the Bruins. The Penguins have improved since firing Johnston going forward. In Sullivan's first two games they've registered 79 shots but only managed to get the puck through once. At those shot rates it won't be long until the Penguins start converting more frequently, it isn't the type of thing you should expect to stay at a low level for long.

The game didn't feel like a Bruins-Pens rivalry game of old, there was something missing. The Penguins started the first with their foot on the pedal with plenty of zone time and offensive battles. Sullivan's system is the complete opposite of Johnston's and it refreshing to see them battling and attempting to the get the puck deep rather than using the perimeter and limiting their shot choices.

The Pens were undone in the first by former Pen Max Talbot. Jimmy Hayes added a second goal in the following period before Spooner ended the game with an empty netter. The Bruins had 29 shots throughout the game to the Penguins 34. Zatkoff played in his first game since the 2-1 loss against Edmonton and looked shaky early on but steadied himself and can't be blamed for the loss.

The Penguins face the Bruins again on Friday in the return game and one thing they could learn from then is how to run a power play. One of Sullivan's main points has been to improve the power play to improve the Penguins scoring opportunities. Boston are keen to move the puck around and pass it off for the best shooting options when possible. This is something that the Penguins should look to employ.

Sullivan will be hoping to get his first win on Friday night and with the system Sullivan employs it should see the forwards contribute more soon.

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Pens trade Scuderi to Blackhawks for Daley

The Penguins have managed to trade veteran defenceman Rob Scuderi to the Blackhawks for Trevor Daley. The news broke during the game last night at around 9pm and explains the late scratch that was bestowed upon Scuderi. The deal also includes the Penguins retaining 33% annually, which will be $1.125m.

It has been well documented in the media and from Rutherford himself that the Penguins have been looking for a puck moving defenceman and they clearly feel that Daley fits the bill. Daley is a two way defenceman capable of taping passes and moving at speed. The Penguins have struggled to gain entry into the oppositions zone at times this season so this will help.

The Penguins power play has struggled this season too and Daley has in the past, whilst in Dallas, spent time quarterbacking the power play. Right now the Pens are trialling Warsofsky in Letang's place whilst he is out injured. Realistically though they need a long term option and perhaps a back-up if Letang cannot perform in that role.

Daley is a much more offensive defenceman than Scuderi was and he has 237 points in 756 career games. He was included in the trade that took Patrick Sharp to Dallas last season and has found himself struggling to adapt in Quenneville's defence first system. It remains to be seen whether Daley will join in time for the Pens trip to Boston but when he does play he will wear the number 6.

Elsewhere, Wilkes-Barre lost their head coach to the Penguins and they have put in new people behind the bench. Jay Leach has been appointed the interim head coach with Bill Guerin, Mike Buckley and Mark Recchi offering support. Wilkes-Barre have a history of training and giving new coaches a chance so expect to see them involved in some official capacity at some point.

The Penguins next game is against the Bruins in Boston as part of the NHL's Rivalry Night. The return game is on Friday in Pittsburgh as part of a back-to-back, the second game being against the Carolina Hurricanes. It is possible Matt Murray makes his NHL debut in one of those games after being called up today. Here's hoping he gets a chance with Fleury out.

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Johnston fired by Pens, replaced by Sullivan

Mike Johnston has been fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins and replaced with their AHL coach in Wilkes-Barre Scranton,  Mike Sullivan. The moves comes as a surprise even with news that Johnston was being heavily scrutinised by Jim Rutherford, the Penguins General Manager. The general consensus was that he would be given a bit more time, probably until the new year when the NHL abandons its compensation scheme for coaches.

The Penguins hired Johnston before the start of the 14-15 season and after successes at the start things soon went sour. The powerplay which had looked so bright became exposed and with it, it showed the Penguins poor Even Strength performances which were affecting the clubs performances. Some of the games most incredible players have seen their offensive outputs decrease thanks to Johnston's defence first system.

With the depth that the Penguins it should not be possible to coach a team to be as passive going forward as this team looks right now. The biggest problem was that Johnston tried to play it out of defence but with incorrect lines and poor play the forwards didn't receive the puck in areas where they could create chances. A lot of play was pushed out to the sides where it is a lot easier to prevent things from happening.

One of Johnston's biggest problems this season was his player usage. Daniel Sprong had a superb camp and was kept up with the promise of him being given adequate ice-time for him to start his career and adapt to the game at an NHL level. However, Sprong was scratched for prolonged periods under Johnston who seemed reluctant to play him or Plotnikov. This was a sticking point for Rutherford judging by the comments heard in the media.

There was also a seemingly obvious lack of accountability within the team. Scuderi had a stretch of really bad games in November yet instead of playing someone with real desire to prove a point and do well in Clendening, he continued to play him. If players are playing that poorly and they're not instrumental to the team, like Crosby, then they need to be scratched at times.

I think that to be fair it should be pointed out that the Penguins did seem to concede fewer goals but that again could be down to Fleury just being a better goalie than he was two years ago. He has bailed the team out far too much and he needs help in front of him.

Sullivan's Wilkes-Barre team are currently first in the AHL, just ahead of the Toronto Marlies. The team is evidently a strong one going forward with 83 goals in just 23 games, good for 3.6 a game. They're also the third strongest defensive team with 49 goals going against them. The Penguins have been blessed with superb goaltending and that should be one constant at least that transfers across. If Sullivan can get the Penguins scoring up to similar levels then that would be a great success. Sullivan will be given the season and his first game is the Caps on Monday night.

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Dupuis forced to call time on his career

Today is a sad day for the Penguins as a stalwart and permanent fixture in the team, Pascal Dupuis, has had to stop playing for health reasons. He will be retiring but the Penguins are going to put him on the long term injured reserve (LTIR) list to see out the rest of his contract.

Dupuis is one of the most likeable people who you could ever listen to and those who have met him will replicate that. He is a hard working individual who has given everything to his franchise and there is no shame in doing right by his family and his health. Dupuis had appeared in 18 games so far this season after returning from a blood clot in the lung.

The injury hasn't disappeared though and will require further medical evaluation. This has affected Dupuis season and as recently as the San Jose game he stated he was in discomfort. Against the LA Kings it was visible that something wasn't right after the game as Dupuis smashed his stick in frustration.

Dupuis is comically known as "the throw-in piece" in the Marian Hossa trade that brought him to the Penguins alongside the Slovakian winger. Dupuis went from a strong, confident bottom six player to one who was able to play alongside this generations greatest player, Crosby.

He formed a relationship with Crosby and Kunitz and there was a clear chemistry between the three. He finished his Penguins career with 109 goals and 138 assists in 452 regular season games for the Penguins. He finishes his time here 33rd overall in production. Pascal Dupuis will no doubt remain with the Penguins in some capacity whilst his contract winds down but whether this is in an official position or not is to be debated.

Dupuis will be missed by Penguins fans with his witty remarks and ability to make light out of any situation. Dupuis was one of the players playing when I started watching hockey and he helped me get into it. So, from me, thank you Dupuis. Thank you.

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Second period flurry downs Pens

The Penguins slow start against the Kings yesterday set the tone for the game. The Penguins struggled on the shot clock and took over 9 minutes to register their first attempt on goal. Despite the Kings clear dominance in the first period the Penguins were able to stymie their efforts and restrict them from getting any clear chances. However, in the second period it was clear that the Penguins were not able to continue that game plan throughout the 60 minutes.

The Kings took an early lead in the second on the power play through their defensive leader, Drew Doughty. It came off a Rob Scuderi penalty for a delay of game, Scuderi's second penalty of the game. The Penguins power play itself only got given two chances throughout the game. With Letang out Warsofsky was quarter backing the power play. There was a notable improvement with zone time but the same issues of poor passing was evident, the Penguins only managed two shots in total.

Harry How/Getty Images

The Penguins were then caught completely flat footed as the Kings scored three goals in a span of 2 minutes and 25 seconds. It started with Ehrhoff scoring his first as a King, naturally, against the Penguins. Lucic scored his first of two on the night, although it was a shot Fleury should have done better with. The Penguins did attempt to halt the tide with a Kunitz goal 11:20 in. Crosby dug the puck out from behind the net and dished it to Kunitz in front of the net.

It was a short respite as the Kings continued to carve the Penguins defence apart. Jake Muzzin was left wide open on the left hand side and buried it to re-establish the Kings two goal lead. Olli Maatta scored on his return, a nice backhand and although Crosby got a tally late on, Lucic scored an EN to give the Kings a deserved win.

After the game it was quoted that Scuderi, Fehr and Cullen were not happy with the Penguins play. I don't think Fehr and Cullen can blame themselves, that fourth line has been dynamite lately. What doesn't help is an experienced player like Scuderi making simple errors. Scuderi has been poor this season so if there is anyone he should be directing his anger to, it should be himself.

The Penguins continue their trip against the Ducks tonight at 8pm EST.

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Pairing Crosby with Kunitz and Dupuis is not the answer

The Penguins have had scoring problems this season and it has been well documented by many, including myself. Lately the Penguins have been carried by Evgeni Malkin and they are also currently enjoying a 5 game point streak by Crosby. His longest of the season to date. Malkin has lived up to expectations so far this season and you cannot question his performances. You can with Crosby and the biggest issue relating to the lack of goals comes from the top line.

Under Bylsma the Penguins utilised Crosby with Kunitz and Dupuis as their first line on frequent occasions. At the time it was an effective line, one that challenged both in the blue paint and on the boards. Over time both players have regressed however to the point where neither is a first line player any more.

Despite the Penguins signing and trading for a number of top wingers over the years the KCD (Kunitz, Crosby, Dupuis) line has remained constant. Failure to fix it and address the issues are now affecting the team and being felt in a severe manner. The regression in both has been alarming. Obviously, Dupuis does have a bit more leeway due to his injuries.

So far this season through 23 games Kunitz has just 3 goals whilst Dupuis has 2 goals and 2 assists through 15 contests. The KCD line hasn't been used this year as Johnston had originally tried Crosby with Kessel. When that didn't work Kunitz and Dupuis were united on the third line with Bonino. Having both on the third line worked as it is where their skill level and position on the depth chart is.

Kunitz and Dupuis own problems scoring is also highlighted by their dwindling shooting percentage. Kunitz's has dropped from 16.1% in the 2013-14 season before Johnston joined to 7.3% this season. In the same time span Dupuis's has gone from 7.2% to 8% but this is using the shortened 13-14 injury ravaged season. His average at Pittsburgh before that season was 11% which shows that it has dropped.

This isn't exactly beneficial for Crosby if his linemates can't finish his passes. Looking at the previous 70 games with both Dupuis and Kunitz playing we can see that the last time both assisted on a Crosby goal was on the 22nd November 2013. Personally, I believe Kunitz is the biggest problem out of the two.

There are options for Crosby out there. He has been working well with Hornqvist on the right wing, so keep him there. The right wing isn't the problem. There are two options to try on the left wing. David Perron and Eric Fehr. I don't see Fehr being a long term solution but what is the harm in trying it? Perron has played on the top line before and has been performing better lately than at the start of the season. I'd like to see both options given a try before we revert to the failed test of KCD. But, this being Johnston I expect KCD will be here to stay.

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