Pittsburgh Penguins Game Day vs Colorado Avalanche Feb07.23
By Marc Penner
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Colorado Avalanche
Tonight’s Game by The Numbers…
Puck Drop 6pm est.
Location: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh Penguins Record as of Feb 07.2023
24-6-9 = 57 pts
5th -Tied in Metropolitan Division
7th -Tied in Eastern Conference
11th -Tied Overall in NHL
Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 Wild Card Playoff Spot, Eastern Conference.
As of Nov18.2022…the Penguins were…
7-7-3 = 17 Pts (as of Nov18.22)
5th in Metropolitan Division
10th in Eastern Conference (Note: there are many teams tied with points)
18th Overall in NHL
The Penguins have improved somewhat from November, however, are playing below expectations.
Vs
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Colorado Avalanche Record as of Feb 07.2023
27-18-3 = 57 pts
4th in the Central Division
7th in the Western Conference (ties)
11th -Tied Overall in NHL
Colorado Avalanche are 1 point out of the final Wild Card Playoff spot, Western Conference.
This will be their first game against each other this season. Both teams have had similar paths, so far this year. Injuries have slowed them down, which has led to below expectations in the standings.
The Penguins enter this game on a 2-game losing streak. So, you would think, they would be motivated to win, right?
Well, it seems the narrative this year is, you just never know which Penguins team will show up on any given night.
Is it the Rock-Solid, Defensively Sound Stanley Cup contender Penguins? Or is it the, Slow Skating, Turnover Prone, Disinterested, 2 time 6+ game losing streak Penguins?
Either way, you are what you record indicates. And the Penguins record to date, tells me, they better start being Motivated, going forward. Don’t believe me? Check out the standings and see what motivation looks like.
An Islander, a Buffalo, and a Panther, are all stalking the Penguins as we speak.
The Avalanche meanwhile, enter this contest on a 1-game win streak, beating St. Louis just before the All-Star break. Winners in 7 of their last 8 games, tells me that the Defending Stanley Cup Champions are getting somewhat healthy and very motivated to defend that cup.
They too have performed below expectations so far this year. They also know that the game gets incrementally tougher, from now until June.
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PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Crosby #87 F 24G-36A-60 Pts 52.5% Faceoff Win%
Malkin #71 F 19G-31A-50 Pts 51.1% Faceoff Win%
Guentzel #59 F 20G-26A-46 Pts 58.3% Faceoff Win%
Jarry #35 G Jan 23.23 DTD Lower Body
Archibald #15 F Dec18.22 IR Lower Body
Kapanen #42 F Jan17.23 IR Lower Body
Rutta #44 D Jan15.23 IR Upper Body
Penguins News and Notes
The Good
Crosby has been the lone bright spot for the Penguins. It’s still a joy to watch him play.
The Bad
Injuries are holding the Penguins back. To Old, to Slow, to many Turnovers and Uninspired play, have caused this year to be on the verge of a trainwreck. Lack of Rock-Solid Goaltending and overall poor Team D, has added to the disappointment.
The Penguin Power Play is trying to find its way.
The Penguins Penalty Kill has dipped of late.
Team Depth is questionable, as well as a lack of focus for 60 minutes. Because of this, teams have bee able to come back on the Pens and win games late or in OT.
Authors Note: I am really trying to remain positive about the Team, however I must admit, that it is becoming more difficult with each passing game….lol, but I’m trying.
light. Trending. Here is what Really Matters to the Penguins going forward
Colorado Avalanche
Rantanen #96 F 34G-27A-61 Pts 44.7% Faceoff %
MacKinnon #29 F 13G-41A-54 Pts 46.8% Faceoff %
Makar #8 D 13G-32-45 Pts
Nichushkin #13 F Jan25.23 DTD Upper Body
Helm #43 F Jan11.23 DTD Lower Body
Landeskog F Sept21.22 IR Knee
Avs News and Notes
The Good
These guys are getting healthy and putting solid games together. They are playing with a little more sense of urgency. Never count out a team with #29, and #8 on it, especially if they are defending a chip.
The Bad
Losing Landeskog so early in the year has certainly hurt them. If they sustain any more injuries to key depth players, they may find themselves on the outs, looking in.
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Game Analysis / Pens Scouting Report
Pittsburgh Penguins Record 24-16-9 = 57 Pts
Colorado Avalanche Record 27-18-3 = 57 Pts
Pittsburgh Goals For 160
Colorado Goals For 147
Pittsburgh Goals Against 152
Colorado Goals Against 131
Pittsburgh Goal Differential +8
Colorado Goal Differential +18
Pittsburgh Power Play 22.7%
Colorado Power Play 24.5%
Pittsburgh Penalty Kill 81.1%
Colorado Penalty Kill 76.8%
Pittsburgh Penalty Minutes 388
Colorado Penalty Minutes 402
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Pittsburgh Shots Per Game 32.9
Colorado Shots Per Game 32.9
Pittsburgh Team Faceoff 52.2%
Colorado Team Faceoff 46.3%
Pittsburgh D-Zone Give Aways 239
Colorado D-Zone Give Aways 143
Pittsburgh O-Zone Give Aways 158
Colorado O-Zone Give Aways 102
Pittsburgh Offside For 99
Colorado Offside For 100
Pittsburgh Offside Against 92
Colorado Offside Against 110
Pittsburgh Team Goals Against Average 3.10
Colorado Team Goals Against Average 2.73
Pittsburgh Team Save % .912
Colorado Team Save % .919
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My View from the Cheap Seats
Well folks, the real games are about to begin.
If you weren’t paying attention or watching many Penguins games up to this point, might I suggest you tune into a few games coming out of the All-Star break.
If the Pens decide they are motivated and want to win….they can.
If the Pens decide the paycheque is nice and golf season sounds like more fun…they will lose.
Offense: Pittsburgh
Defense: Colorado
Special Teams: Tied
Who’s really motivated to get this Win?
In my humble opinion, comparing and analyzing the data listed in my scouting report above, the stats say the Avs should win this one, however my eye test tells me, it’s a Penguins W.
Pen’s Pick: Penguins to Win.
Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes you must simply throw logic out the window and see the reality of it all”
Marc Penner
Video Added in Feb09.23…enjoy.