Penguins Eliminated Stats Dissected

As you know the Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated by the New York Rangers in a great 7-Game series, decided in overtime.  While the Penguins players clean out their lockers, say goodbye and book their Tee Times, we should review the stats to see what just happened here.

Below is my Pre- Series Analysis and then I added in the 7-Game Series Stats with my notes.

Pittsburgh Penguins Record 46-25-11 = 103 Pts (3rd in the Metropolitan)

NYR Record 52-24-6 = 110 Pts (2nd in the Metropolitan)

Game Analysis / Pens Scouting Report end of Season Stat Package

(7 Playoff Game Series Stats Review)

Pittsburgh Goals For 272

NYR Goals For 254

The Penguins can score goals in bunches.  Can they produce in May, that is the question.

The Penguins Win when they score 4.3 goals per game.  We shall see how many they can get by Shesterkin.

In the 7 Playoff Games, the Penguins averaged 4.14 goals per game. Twice the Pens shellacked the Rangers posting 7 Goals and running Shesterkin out of the game.  Before the series began, if you would have told me this was going to happen, I would have bet on Pittsburgh winning this series for sure.

The Penguins played within their gameplan in this regard. I guess that’s why they play the games, “cause you just never know”.

Pittsburgh Goals Against 229

NYR Goals Against 207

The Rangers have been more consistent on Defense throughout this season.  We shall see over the course of this series if it was more smoke and mirrors or legit D.

The Penguins Win when they give up 1.76 goals per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, NYR averaged 4.00 goals per game. They are legit. NYR knows how to defend.  That said, they got pumped twice for 7 goals and won the series.  I guess you need a short memory in the playoffs.  Was the Penguins Team D really committed for the entire series?  Was relying on your Third String Goalie on the Depth Chart to much to ask in reality?

Pittsburgh Goal Differential +43

NYR Goal Differential +47

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh had 29 goals, while NYR had 28. However, the final series result turned out to be in favor of the Rangers, by 1 goal, in OT.

Pittsburgh Power Play 20.2%

NYR Power Play 25.2%

This NYR PP is legit, ranking 4th overall in the NHL.  They can score Period.

In the 7 Playoff Games, the Pittsburgh PP averaged 26.10% ranking 4th amongst Playoff Teams.  NYR averaged 30% on the PP and ranked 3rd.  The Penguins did not take many penalties per game, however when they did, NYR made them pay.

Pittsburgh Penalty Kill 84.4%

NYR Penalty Kill 82.3%

This Penguin PK is Legit, ranking 3rd overall in the NHL.  They can Kill off Penalties Period.

In the 7 Playoff Games, the Pittsburgh PK underachieved, averaging 68.4% Kill Rate and ranking 10th amongst Playoff Teams.  NYR averaged 75% on the PK and ranked 9th.  Shockingly, NYR beat Pittsburgh in the Penalty Kill Stat category.  Momentum is a funny thing and is always a crucial part of the game.  The Penguins Players allowed this to be a key swing stat in this series.

Pittsburgh Penalty Minutes 566

NYR Penalty Minutes 675

The Penguins Win when they only take 7.04 Minutes in Penalties per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged 6.85 PIM, in line with their season average.  Penalties are going to happen.  However, its the timing of those penalties and the reason for those penalties that can change the course of a series in a heartbeat.  And it did.

Pittsburgh Shots Per Game 34.7

NYR Shots Per Game 29.2

The Penguins Win when they shoot 35.36 shots per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged 44.28 shots per game.  NYR averaged 38.57shots per game.  The Penguins played within their gameplan in this regard.

Pittsburgh Team Faceoff 51.1%

NYR Team Faceoff 48.1%

The Penguins Win when they average 51.47% in the Face-Off Circle per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged 57.4% in the face-off circle per game. The Penguins dominated in Faceoffs, which also led to immediate puck possession on most nights.  This was awesome to watch.  The Penguins played within their gameplan in this regard.

Pittsburgh Team Goals Against Average 2.71

NYR Team Goals Against Average 2.49

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged 4.00 GAA, NYR averaged 3.88 GAA.  This is not going to get it done in the Playoffs.

Pittsburgh Team Save % .919

NYR Team Save % .921

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged .903 Save%, NYR averaged .913 Save%.  This is not going to get it done in the Playoffs.

The Penguins Win when they average 13.56 Blocked Shots per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh averaged 16.74 Blocked Shots per Game.  Again, it’s great to help your team’s goalie by blocking shots, it also means you don’t have the puck.

The Penguins Win when they get on average 12.84 of their Shots Blocked per game.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh Shots were Blocked 15.14 per Game.  NYR committed to shot blocking also.

The Penguins Win when they average 7.63 Turnovers per game.  I think this will be a key stat to watch over the course of this series.  To many Pens turnovers will lead to a NYR series win.

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh Turned the puck over 17.18 on average per game.  NYR averaged 21.14 Turnovers per game.  The Triple Overtime skewed the stats here, however, in general, there were to many turnovers, which means you do not have a sustained attack.

Key Injuries: New York Rangers

Blais -Nov 13.21 IR Torn ACL

Goodrow -Out

Key Injuries: Pittsburgh Penguins

DeSmith -Out – Groin

Jarry -April14.22 IR Lower Body-foot

Beaulieu – March 03.22 IR Lower body

Crosby – DTD Undisclosed

Rackell – DTD Undisclosed

Dumoulin – Out – Knee

In the 7 Playoff Games, Pittsburgh had to deal with way more injuries to key players than NYR.  This happens to all teams at this time of year.  That is why the NHL Playoffs are called a “war of attrition, and the Hardest Trophy to Win in Sports.

Pens Picks Quick View

Offense: Pittsburgh

In the 7 Playoff Games, as mentioned above, Pittsburgh outscored NYR.  I called it and Pitts can check that box.

Defense: Rangers

In the 7 Playoff Games, as mentioned above, NYR had the better GAA as well as a better Save%. I called it and Pitts never addressed this issue all season.  A Pittsburgh miss.

Special Teams: Tied

In the 7 Playoff Games, as mentioned above, Pittsburgh lost the battle of the special Teams.  I am shocked that NYR had a better PK than Pitts.  This was a swing area in the series for sure.  A Pittsburgh miss.

Shots Per Game: Pittsburgh

In the 7 Playoff Games, as mentioned above, Pittsburgh Outshot NYR44-38 on average per game.  I called it and Pitts can check that box.

Faceoff Win%: Pittsburgh

In the 7 Playoff Games, as mentioned above, Pittsburgh won 57.4% of all Faceoffs.  I called it and Pitts can check that box.

The Penguins Game Plan

Win the Draw and Maintain Puck Possession.

(In the 7 Playoff Games Pittsburgh Did This to Perfection)

I called it and Pitts can check that box.

Shoot as many pucks at Shesterkin as possible.

(In the 7 Playoff Games Pittsburgh Did This to Perfection)

I called it and Pitts can check that box.

Start Fast and Score First.  The Penguins scored first in 36 of their 46 Wins.  Meaning when the Penguins score first, they win 78.26% of the time.

(In the 7 Playoff Games Pittsburgh scored First in 3 of the 7 Games.  Odd Stat is, the Pens lost 2 of the 3 games, in which they scored First.)

I called it and Pitts can check that box, however they did not get the proper outcome, which brings us back to how important holding a lead and maintaining momentum is.

My View from the Cheap Seats

The Penguins and the Rangers matched up very well in this series.  Both teams played their hearts out.

The Penguins had a formula they developed and used to it to perfection in order to win games during the regular season.  They followed it to perfection on most nights throughout these playoffs. Upon final analysis. the Penguins strength (PK and Overall Team D) may have actually let them down in the end.

Penguins All-Star Goalie Jarry returned for Game 7, however it was not enough.

The Annual New York Ranger Seasonal Slump almost happened, however, they never folded and showed what come-back kids really look like.

Three Great Penguins (Letang, Malkin and Crosby). played together for the last time.  Thanks for the Great Memories boys.

When you lose in Overtime of Game 7, the margin for error is ever so small.  It was a fun series to watch.  Thanks for a great season Penguins.

Quote of the Day

“We are now entering into a New Era. “

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