An NHL insider offers insight on the Penguins' opponents for the week ahead:
Boston Bruins (Home, 7 p.m. today): "A stingy defensive team with two goalies playing very well; the Bruins make you play between the blue lines with turnovers."
Tampa Bay Lightning (Home, 7 p.m. Friday): "You must systematically shift the puck from side to side in their defensive zone, gets pucks up top and bodies in front for success."
Atlanta Thrashers (Away, 7 p.m. Saturday): "Atlanta has taken a defense-first approach this season and is another team looking to take advantage of turnovers."
N.Y. Rangers (Home, 7 p.m. Monday): "The Rangers can be hot or cold with neutral-zone puck decisions because of their aggressive style."
The word
Penguins share their thoughts on system.
Kris Letang: "What coaches say pops into my mind: the system is our foundation. You can have all the best players in the world on your team, but if there is no system or no structure, you're not going anywhere. For defensemen, it's puck possession. Our job is to retrieve the puck, get it to the forwards and manage the puck from there."
Arron Asham: "I think of the 1-2-2 forecheck. I don't know why, probably because that's the one we've been using quite a bit. It seems like it get embedded into my head and when I hear the word 'system' I think, '1-2-2.' It's just been coming to me recently. Usually it takes four or five games to get used to everything. I'm starting to get more comfortable and that's started to become embedded into my head."
Tyler Kennedy: "Details are what I think ? making the right play at the right time, making the smart game, stuff like that. It's a big part of the game. Playing within the system is huge. As a hockey player, you've got to learn to skate hard and work hard, but within the system. That's what makes you a great hockey player."
Ones to watch
Players to keep an eye on this week:
Tyler Seguin, Bruins center: He skates very well and has a high skill set, as well as the ability to make quick decisions/plays in full flight.
Steven Stamkos, Lightning center: His line with Steve Downie and Martin St. Louis is heavily relied on to supply offense. Stay out of the penalty box with this team with him on the ice.
Evander Kane, Thrashers left wing: Another up-and-coming star; he has a good skill set with an edge. Kane can play any way he has to.
Boston Bruins (Home, 7 p.m. today): "A stingy defensive team with two goalies playing very well; the Bruins make you play between the blue lines with turnovers."
Tampa Bay Lightning (Home, 7 p.m. Friday): "You must systematically shift the puck from side to side in their defensive zone, gets pucks up top and bodies in front for success."
Atlanta Thrashers (Away, 7 p.m. Saturday): "Atlanta has taken a defense-first approach this season and is another team looking to take advantage of turnovers."
N.Y. Rangers (Home, 7 p.m. Monday): "The Rangers can be hot or cold with neutral-zone puck decisions because of their aggressive style."
The word
Penguins share their thoughts on system.
Kris Letang: "What coaches say pops into my mind: the system is our foundation. You can have all the best players in the world on your team, but if there is no system or no structure, you're not going anywhere. For defensemen, it's puck possession. Our job is to retrieve the puck, get it to the forwards and manage the puck from there."
Arron Asham: "I think of the 1-2-2 forecheck. I don't know why, probably because that's the one we've been using quite a bit. It seems like it get embedded into my head and when I hear the word 'system' I think, '1-2-2.' It's just been coming to me recently. Usually it takes four or five games to get used to everything. I'm starting to get more comfortable and that's started to become embedded into my head."
Tyler Kennedy: "Details are what I think ? making the right play at the right time, making the smart game, stuff like that. It's a big part of the game. Playing within the system is huge. As a hockey player, you've got to learn to skate hard and work hard, but within the system. That's what makes you a great hockey player."
Ones to watch
Players to keep an eye on this week:
Tyler Seguin, Bruins center: He skates very well and has a high skill set, as well as the ability to make quick decisions/plays in full flight.
Steven Stamkos, Lightning center: His line with Steve Downie and Martin St. Louis is heavily relied on to supply offense. Stay out of the penalty box with this team with him on the ice.
Evander Kane, Thrashers left wing: Another up-and-coming star; he has a good skill set with an edge. Kane can play any way he has to.
