Locked On Penguins - Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Penguins - You can't script that Penguins win any better, right?

Episode Date: November 24, 2022

You really can't script it any better. Evgeni Malkin, on his night, gets the shootout winner to propel the Penguins to victory and the crowd went absolutely NUTS. Hunter starts off the show with that moment as Malkin deked Dan Vladar out of his sockets for the winner and then threw his stick into the crowd. He looks at how this was just a perfect day and a perfect evening for everyone to celebrate his accomplishments over the first 1,000 games of his NHL career. He goes into the ceremony and how it really moved him, plus how he continues to defy his age with how he looks on the ice. After that, he looks at the game overall as the Penguins played a very sound 45 minutes and did just enough in the shootout to come away with the win. He praises the team's defending as it's been much better over the last couple of weeks and gives examples of how the net-front defense in particular was much better. He also analyzes how the Penguins were able to beat the Flames at their own game since Darryl Sutter LOVES low-event hockey, plus shouts out some players individually for some strong performances. Finally, Hunter gets to some listener takeaways as some of the listeners had a couple of fascinating things to say. All that, plus much more on this episode of Locked On Penguins.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnlineBetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!SimpliSafeWith Fast Protect™️ Technology, exclusively from SimpliSafe, 24/7 monitoring agents capture evidence to accurately verify a threat for faster police response. There’s No Safe Like SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafe.com/LockedOnNHL to learn more.Athletic GreensTo make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/NHLNETWORK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Well, how's that for a scripted ending to a Penguins game? Right. Hey, everyone. Of course, I'm Hunter Hodes. Here with a Lockdown Penguins podcast back with another episode for you all as the Penguins win their fourth straight and sixth of their last eight with a two-to-one dramatic shootout win. And of course, Evgeny Malkin gets the game when we're going to get into everything

regarding this game from Gino's ceremony to the goal that he scored. That's absolute filth that he had over Dan Bladr to Yon Ruta's goal, to the Penguins. defensive game to Trishanjari's performance to Crystal Tang finally having a good game. All of that plus the listener takeaways and so much more on this Thanksgiving Eve's special episode of the Locked on Penguins podcast. You're Locked on Penguins. Your daily podcast on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Part of the Locked on Podcast Network. Your team every day.

Hey, everyone, I'm Hunter Hodes here with the Locked-on Penguins podcast. You can follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes and also follow the shows, Twitter, at LORS for Penguins. And, of course, thank you all so much for making this your first listen of the day. Four in a row now, four-year penguins, six and one-in-one in their last eight games, 13 out of a possible 16 points. They are right there standings-wise. If I go to the initial standings right now, and I take a look at it, the Penguins are actually tied for that final playoff spot with the Tampa Bay lighting.

They're one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes, one point behind the New York Rangers, and there are three points behind the Islanders for third in the metro. So they are in the thick of things for the playoff price. I know American Thanksgiving, everyone likes to say, oh, you know, if you're not in a playoff spot by then, you're kind of in bad luck. They're tied right now in Tampa Bay. They have a game in hand, but still, the Penguins, they are right there. They are in very good shape.

This stretch has saved their season. and they got the result tonight that they badly needed. But, you know, obviously we got to start out with the Ganyi Malkin, right? Just a wonderful pregame ceremony by the Penguins. They did an amazing job for Crosby's 1,000th game. Actually, they're going to do an amazing job for Latang's 1,000th game later. This year, he stays healthy. And for this one, just top-notch.

I mean, I'm not someone who usually cries that much. I don't usually get emotional when I watch sports anymore. I mean, I did when I was 12, 13, 14, because I was still. a stupid kid at the time but you know i i got to say i got close there you know just because i was not even 10 years old when he came into the league i've just watched him you know watched his entire career here and you know seeing some of those highlights up there some of the goals i talked about on my tuesday episode and and my monday episode just extraordinary you know to be honest you know what a player seeing his wife anna his son nekita there his message the messages from his mom and dad who are back in russia

right now. I mean, they became folk heroes during the 2008 and 2009 runs at Nellon Arena when they were just firing up the crowd. And I still, and I can go on YouTube and pull those up. They're just amazing. And, you know, he's meant so much to this city, so much to this franchise, so much to so many people that root for this team. And this was his night. And he made sure to deliver, you know, almost has an assist on the, that could have been the second goal, but it was challenged for off sides, which was the right call. I do not know how the official missed poor Jason Zilker, almost by the face off dot.

Just not going to call it. I mean, it's almost like a Danny Breyer thing right there from 2012. They're like, yeah, we're just not going to call it. You know, we'll see if you challenge. Of course, Darrell Sutterer is not an idiot. He challenged that and that goal went off the board. But then, you know, when it mattered most chance to win the game, Tristan Jari's not having the best shootout,

had a couple chances to win it for them. I know the penguin's not usually good at shootouts. She no comes in. you can't write the script any better comes in a little slowly comes in just right to the center forehand backhand top cheese game over crowd goes wild throws his stick into the crowd i mean it's perfect i mean it is truly a perfect storybook ending to this game the crowd was ridiculous i had a couple friends text me who are at the game two friends that i've been friends with for a long time saying that that was probably one of the best regular season crowds that they've been

ever seen, you know, and honestly, that kind of tracks with that Thanksgiving Eve game. I think a lot of fans just, excuse me, they absolutely just love going to that game. I mean, you're in the holiday spirit Thanksgiving's the next day. You're going to be spending time with your family and your friends. You're eating a lot of good food, watching football. You know, you're into it. You're just in a happy mood. And I think, you know, that just plays a role in why this crowd usually is very good.

And, you know, it was funny late in the third period as well. every time the flames would touch the fuck the crowd would just boo them i guess they were just mad that gino got called for the penalty which was kind of a weak call that you know that's that's an official officiating for you but they just didn't let up the rest of the game and you know gino was able to get that winner but you know just again a total storybook ending for him and you know i'll never forget when people were trying to run him out of town this summer saying that players like Andrew Copp and Vincent Trocheck were better options. You know, he's one of the best players in terms of average game score right now.

He's on pace for over 90 points. He's off to a ridiculous start this season. He got them their four straight win tonight. Just an incredible night overall. I loved Crosby's speech to Malkin on the video board when he basically replayed what Gino said for SIDS 1,000th game last year. He was saying, you know, I wish you more points, more goals, happy life, all that stuff. exactly what you know said to him and said had to repay him just because you know that their uh their brothers

love seeing you know sit and letang get a picture with him and his son nekita and the wife you know it's it's the three best friends that anyone could have as you know alan from the hangover says and you know tonight was his night and he he made sure to give the penguins and their fans another amazing memory and i'm so happy about it you know the penguins this is a team in the flames that they've struggled against these last couple of seasons but at least for this night they were able to get the better of them the i know it's a skills competition so some people go well you know who cares but you know a win is a win in my book and you know you know i i had to figure mike solvin was going to send him out at some point in the shootout should have known it would have been

after that save that jari did make mike was just like all right you know go do your thing and you know he did um just you know an excellent crowd Excellent game. That's one I'll definitely remember for the rest of my days, knowing where I was when I watched, you know, it was 1,000th game. And, you know, also throughout the day, the Penguin social media account was tweeting so many throwback players that he played with Ruslan Fedatanko sending a message.

He looks like he hasn't even aged a day. Max Talbot looks like he's put on 70 pounds hitting the gym, wherever the hell he is. Ilya Kovulchuk sent him a nice message. Alex Ovechkin, Billy Garon, Mark Andre Fleury, etc., etc. you know, Pavel Datsuk, even. It was just a very special day, a special night. And it stinks that the 1000th game wasn't played in Pittsburgh.

And I know the 1001 game was, but you really wouldn't know it based on how the crowd was tonight and how that ceremony was. Tonight was basically his 1000th game. And he got honored the way he deserved to. And he finished that game off the only way it could. And his jersey is going to be up in the first. rafters when he stops playing so gino again congratulations on one thousand and one games and here's two one thousand more just a remarkable ending to this one i've probably said that

about three thousand times now but i've kind of just run out of things to say about it you know just you know spectacular and you know that got goal obviously got the penguins to win and no i'm just super thrilled overall um coming up in the second segment we're going to get into my overall thoughts about the performance as well and why this was honestly a really fun game to watch for multiple reasons. But before I get to that, our next partner has a product I use literally every day. I start taking athletic greens because sometimes I didn't have time in the morning to work out. I want a better gut health, more energy. I don't really like taking pills and vitamins sometimes. So what is this stuff? I'll tell you, with one delicious scoop of athletic greens, you're absorbing

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All right, I'm back here on this episode of the Locked on Penguins podcast. I'm your host, Hunter Hodes. I'm going to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes for all the shows, Twitter, at L-Oenersk of Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this your first listen of the day. Overall, I thought this was a very solid performance by the Penguins, you know, to take away of getting Malkins'an's amazing moment. I thought they controlled the play for two of the three periods.

I thought in the first period the Penguins really took it to the flames. Calgary wasn't doing a good job defending. Dan Bladar was making some nice saves. Calgary pushed back in the second period, you know, some really glorious chances. I think Tristan Jari had bailed them out quite a few times. The Penguins just didn't play as well defensively. In the third period, though, they really needed that second intermission

because Mike Sullivan must have given them a good pep talk. They came out, they outshot them, they out attempted them, they outchanced them. I mean, if it wasn't for Dan Bladar, this game would have ended either in regulation or overtime. The overtime period for a little bit that Penguins just could not get the puck. You know, the flames were just hogging up the puck, doing a really nice job, getting a couple quality chances.

Penguins are able to push back with a little bit of the room. They get the power play. Yeah, it's unfortunate that they couldn't score, but I like the puck movement. I like the chances that they did get. They also fired a couple of shots wide. It's still a work in progress. Hopefully it gets fixed at some point here,

even though it's still a bad unit. But you go to natural stat trick, and it kind of lines up with what I watched, the Penguins at 55, 55% of the shot attempts per 60 minutes. Scoring chances, about 52% of those, high danger, 60%. They also had 58% of the expected goals. If you go to all situations, the penguins had 54% of the shot of Thames.

57% of the scoring chances, 66% of the high danger chances and 61% of the expected goals. And funny enough, the flames in the third period, they only had one high danger chance. That just speaks to how well the penguins defended. And speaking of that, I think for most of that entire game, at least two-thirds of that other penguins did a great job in their own zone. flames did not really get that many quality chances. I thought I think it was more quantity over quality, which is what the penguins should be going for.

But one chance that they did get late in the third period, I believe it was a defensive gaff right in front of the net. Elias Linholm with about 320, 3.30 left gets a wide open look. Somehow, I think Jory might have got a small piece of it, or it just went high. Nine out of ten times Lynn Holmary's down, and the Penguins probably lose. Outside of that, I think the Penguins did a really nice job defending the flames.

This was honestly the type of game, for me. It's Darrell Sutter. This is Darrell Sutter hockey. This is how he likes his games to go. The Flames, they're not going to play a lot of four, three, five, four games. I said in my episode with Jess on Tuesday, I predicted a three to two win for the Penguins. I was close. It was two to one. So I got part of the score, right? It's not all of it. But, you know, he likes those three, two, two, one, one-nothing games. That is his brand of hockey. The Flames, excuse me, that are very stingy defensively. They're not going to give you much.

You saw that on display tonight, and the chances the Penguins did get, Dan Ladar, who has been very good against them over the years, he was able to step up and make the saves, except in the shootout where the Penguins actually somehow did well in a shootout. I'll get to that in just a second. But again, I just really want to shout out the forwards and the defenseman for the defending in this game

because Tristan, he played well, but he also didn't have to come up with some sparkling saves. as he has in some of the other games the season where he's just like bailing out the team or like you saw last season when he was playing really well. Did Tristan play well? Absolutely, he did. But I don't think he needed to stand on his head in this game

because I thought the Penguins did a really nice shot. Clearing the net front, just not being hemmed in their own down outside of some times in the second period. Only allowed at 5E5. Again, six high danger chances. The most came in the third and the second period. They had so half of their high danger chances,

the flames that is, came in one period. Penguins held them to three high danger chances the rest of the 40 minutes. That's a job well done, if you ask me. So really wanted to shout out the Penguins for that. I knew they were going to play a lot better in this game because they got embarrassed by the flames

a little about a month ago at this point. I mean, you knew it. They were probably on a back-to-back in that game. They didn't have Jake Gensel in that game. They also didn't have Jason Zucker. You knew they were going to push back and show that that was not them. And you saw that on display tonight.

They also had a different goalie net for that game. Casey DeSmith started in the road game, and then Tristan started, excuse me, in this one. As for the shootout, when it went to the shootout, I kind of was like, oh crap, here we go again, because you all know where's you, you all listen to this show, you watch the games like I do, they stunk in shootouts that they barely won any. But it's a new season. Guess it's a new look team. And the Penguins, they scored not one, not two, but three shootout goals.

they had they averaged i think one in the schiots that they played in last year and you know ricard rakel beautiful blast uh blocker side sidney crosbie thought he was just going to do that same old thing he did valar i just you know i call him darth vader all the time but it's dan vladar of course he did did not make this a really nice play shot over the glove of him and then malcon you all saw what he did when he just roofed that backhander way after he deeped Fladar out of his pants. The only reason that shootout didn't end a bit sooner is because Tristan had a little bit of an off time in there. I saw some take saying that he's not good in the shootouts.

That's false. He started out a bit rough last season, but towards the end of it, he had over a 900 Sabresenter. So he's fine. It's just a couple of those shots were really nice. I mean, the Anderson shot, I think, was pretty filthy. The other one that he allowed, I think, was also, you know, I think that was the huge. Huberto one, if I'm not, if I recall correctly, five, hell. I mean, he didn't even move, you know, he just, Heberto came in, put that wicked shot

directly, just right to the right of the stick. If it's a little bit to the other side, that's a save. It was nice that Nazim Kadri fumbled his chance. I think that was a big deal in the shout. Who knows if he doesn't tumble that chance, does he score there? We'll have to see, you know, he didn't really do much. Otherwise, in this game, the Penguins, I think, did a really nice job. on Nassam cadre.

That's for sure. And then Huberto, again, he had that goal in the shootout. Other than that, though, I think they play with.

The only Flames goal that they scored was off of a Dylan Dubay deflection. A nice shot from Chris Tanev to get to the net, and,

you know, Darnie's not going to save that puck. I don't think any goalie is saving that puck. But overall, I think it was a really solid, good team performance

from the Penguins. They defended well. They played a Darylutter-like game. The Penguins, they don't usually like playing those games, but Mike Sullivan's like, okay, we'll do it, we'll beat you at your own game, the Penguins.

They did that. That's four in a row, six out of eight. In terms of I think of a couple individual performances, I thought Chris Lattang was much better tonight. It's a step in the right direction, didn't really see him, cough up the puck or anything like that. I had a couple really nice plays at the blue line to keep on the puck in play, had a couple nice shots to the net, didn't really do anything stupid in his defensive zone.

It's a step in the right direction, which is what I want to see. Sydney Crosby had a couple vintage plays, especially the one in overtime where he drew that penalty. Going one on two to do that. I mean, that's, you all know, that's vintage stuff. Jan Ruta, he's turning into an offensive defenseman before our very eyes. I mean, he's already, you know, past his goal total of last year when he only had, what, one or two of Tampa Bay. He has more than that right now. I just did not think we would see an offensive presence from Ruta because he was always the defensive partner for Victor Hedman, who did all the offense in Tampa Bay.

Tristan already talked about his performance. Rakell, I thought, had a couple really nice chances and regulation over time had a couple posts. Brian Russ, I thought this was a better game. It looked like he had that goal, of course, before it was called offside. That's really in terms of solid individual performances that I had. I really just wanted to talk about, you know, the overall team game for the payment,

just because that was the one thing that really stood out to me tonight. So that ends this segment of the show. Coming up in the final segment, we're going to get into, you know, stuff that you all have to say, of course, being the listeners. I posted for some listener takeaways on the show's Twitter. And if you listen to this show, you know, you didn't send them in, you can still send them in to the Twitter. You can also DM me on Instagram if that's easier for you. So look for that coming up right after these messages. All right, I'm back here on this episode of the Lockdown Penguins podcast. I'm your host,

Hunter Hodes. We're going to follow me on Twitter at Hunter Hodes. Can also follow the shows, Twitter, at N-RSquare Penguins. And of course, thank you all so much for making this your first list another day. First, we have Jake Mathini, Jan Ruta masqueraded as a defensive defenseman, most of his career, or did Tahrirden unlock God Ruta. I love that takeaway. Thank you for that, Jake. I think it might be a little bit of both. He's been great defensively since the signing, but, you know, his offensive presence has definitely surprised me to say the least.

That was a wicked wrist shot that beat Vlodar just a couple minutes into the first period. I thought that was going to maybe, you know, break the dam. but, you know, Lodars played really well, really well against the Penguins over the years. And, you know, another one of those performances happened tonight. So overall, yeah, I've been impressed with Ruta. I want to see more of that offense. Keep coming. Defensively, I think he's going to keep doing his thing.

I think, you know, he and Brian Duhlin make a really solid third pair. And also shout out to Brian Diblin. He's been a lot better down on that third pair. I don't know if some of you all have noticed that. It's something that you maybe are not looking for at least. But since he's been demoted, I think his play has really improved. he's not making a lot of those gaffs anymore. I think it's just, you know, the time now for him to just, you know, play third pair of minutes,

be sheltered a little bit, kind of like you let the Mike Matheson situation a little bit. So I'm totally okay with that. But yeah, Ruta, Jake, yeah, he's been great. Alan T. Yoder, he has a couple of takeaways himself. Yeah, I mean, the Gino ceremony was incredible, watching that. You know, I definitely got a little bit emotional. Yeah, first period, I agree, Alan, no complaints there, second period. Yeah, I know you didn't like it as much.

I didn't either than the third period. Yeah, it was very entertaining. I thought just great overall chances at both ends a little bit, though I think the Penguins have the better of the play now, and I'm obviously glad that you were able to see that in person. That's definitely a moment and definitely a game you will never forget for the rest of your life. And IRS AJ, yeah, Raquel, Sid, and Jake are the three shootout guys going forward. I think that's fine. You know, Raquel, he was four for five last year.

As a penguin, he's five for six now. and I think it was four for five overall. He's five for his last six now overall. Totally fine with him leading off. Sid, he's close to 40%. He's going to do that vintage little shot. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.

I would like to see him Deek. You know, I've always, I've been saying that for years now. So I don't think he's ever going to change. And then Jake, yeah, he's always been usually really good in shootouts too. So I have no problem with that. And then, um, Jace, if that's how you, you know, say your Twitter at. This is an interesting comment. I think there's been too much hate on Ron Hicks all overall.

The Raquel and Patriot trades are definitely looking like steals currently. I will give him credit for the Ricard Raquel acquisition. I loved him last season. I was fine with him extending him. I just didn't like the term on that contract. You all saw it here when I was discussing it over the summer. The AAV was kind of whatever. But, you know, he's proving me wrong right now.

I think he's been one of their more consistent wingers this season. I didn't, I thought he was going to be good when he came over. I didn't think he was going to be this good. As for Petrie, I think he started out the season a little bit too slow, took some stupid penalties, et cetera, et cetera, but really think he's been stringing together some solid performances. I just want to see him be a little bit more better offensively. Just want to see that punch that he, I think, is supposed to bring, you know, in the offensive zone.

He's been steady, though. Don't get me wrong. I think he's been much better as late. But, you know, still want to see more of that offensive oomph that we, thought we were getting in the trade. I do think, though, he's been very, very good. And then Archibald and Ruta signings have also both been amazing. You end your statement with, yeah, Rout has been solid. Josh Archibald, Ali Crow right now, I think he's been one of their better bottom sixers. Heck, he already has three goals this year and a quarter of the season

is gone. I think if he stays healthy, he'll probably get to double-digit goals. You know, it really does say something when he's been one of your more consistent bottom sixers this season. Yeah, I mean, I really don't have too many complaints. It's not really taking any stupid penalties. It's been a fine penalty killer. He lays the boom every now and then he can chip in offensively at times. And the Penguins, that's what they, I think they were after when they looked at his numbers from his previous career seasons, when, you know, he's basically a 10, 11 goal per 82 game guy. They're like, okay, you know, stick him on your bottom six. He can kill penalties. That's really looking for and so forth. You know, I think he's been fine. Tyler Aaron ends this.

So how do you think the Penguins Power Play looked tonight with Petrie on the first powerplay unit? that's a good question Tyler um i think it looked fine it didn't really jump out at me to be honest i get what they're trying to do with the 2d look personally i would just put rakel on there i mean i think he's more consistent at this point i know what they're trying to do with having two defensemen with booming shots at the point but i don't think it's going to totally fix the problems i think if you were to put another pure sniper on there in rakel i think that's able to you know fix more of the problems just because sometimes they just don't shoot as much on the minimum advantage and they tend to overpass.

I didn't really notice anything negative about it. Some of the zone entries were kind of eh, but there was one in particular during, I think, the first period where, you know, Gensel's carrying the puck up the ice. He gives it to Malkin who rips it around. Zone entry, you're passing it around, a couple passes. Boom, shot on net getting a couple chances. That's what I want to see the penguins do every time on the power play. I'm tired of this stupid drop pass.

It pisses me off, honestly, when I see it. It's just like so mind-nobing. I'm like, you don't need to go backwards to go forwards. Like, you just go forward. You know, that's, we'll get the top powerboys in the league. They don't do that. They skate in. They get the zone entry.

They set it up. They get to what pain. We just need to do more of that. We love to see more zone entries like that. I'm sure, I'm sure Mike Sullivan's going to keep tinkering with the unit. I mean, they're three for their last 16 at this point. That's not good enough, especially when you have all that talent on the team. But I think it looked fine overall time to answer your question, but it's still not.

where it needs to be yet. But I think that does it for this episode of the Locktown Penguins podcast. Really appreciate all of you listening for tomorrow. Might have an episode. Might not. It is Thanksgiving overall, at least in the United States. My family is coming in town. If there is one, I'll be previewing the game against Philadelphia on Friday.

I mean, that should be a fun game. They did. They should lose an overtime to the capitals tonight, though the Flyers. They're not good this year. They're also really banged up. But still, Battle of Pennsylvania is always fun. If there is an episode tomorrow, I will be preview. previewing that game and then for Friday there will be an episode that will be me

recapping the game against Philadelphia so for all my American listeners out there I hope you all the wonderful safe and happy Thanksgiving spend time with your family and friends eat a lot of good food watch some football and you know just take a day off and not think about hockey I'm at least angles will back in action on Friday again might have an episode tomorrow might not be spending time with my family but there will for sure be an episode on So again, thank you so much for listening. Really appreciate it. You can follow the show sales again at Hunter Hodes on Twitter,

LNRS4 Penguins on Twitter, and I'll talk with you all very soon.