SB Nation Pittsburgh - Lightning Vs. Penguins: Chris Kunitz, Steve Downie Receive One-Game Suspensionshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48827/pitt-fv.png2011-04-19T14:15:57-04:00http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18829702011-04-19T14:15:57-04:002011-04-19T14:15:57-04:00NHL Playoffs, Penguins Vs. Lightning: Chris Kunitz, Steve Downie Suspended For One Game Each After Game 3 Hits
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a>’ <span>Chris Kunitz</span> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a>’s <span>Steve Downie</span> have <a href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2011/4/19/2120571/chris-kunitz-steve-downie-receive-one-game-suspensions">each received one-game suspensions</a> for hits they delivered in Game Three of the Penguins’ <span class="caps">NHL</span> playoff series against the Lightning on Monday.</p>
<p>Kunitz’s suspension was for an elbow to the head of <span>Simon Gagne</span>, who has a history of concussions. Gagne, fortunately, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2011/4/19/2119766/chris-kunitz-hit-simon-gagne-lightning-penguins">was not injured</a> by the hit, but it <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-pittsburgh-penguins-series-turns-physical/1164615">appears he thought</a> Kunitz deserved to be suspended.</p>
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<p>“There’s a rule now in place for a hit to the head,” Gagne said. “No elbows to the head. If you look at the replay, he’s not even close to me and he just extended his elbow. And even the referee came and talked to me right after and asked me if I was okay. He saw what happened. Now it’s up to the league. Nothing I can do about it.”</p>
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<p>Here’s the video.</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bp92x9Keoww" width="320" frameborder="0" height="195"></iframe></p>
<p>Downie’s suspension, meanwhile, was for a shot to the head of Penguins defenseman <span>Ben Lovejoy</span>:</p>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yKM9s230HiE" width="320" frameborder="0" height="195"></iframe></p>
<p>These two suspensions are obviously well-deserved. From a hockey perspective, though, this isn’t good for the Penguins – Kunitz had 23 goals and 48 points this season, and was one of their more prolific scorers. They need him on the ice. Both he and Downie will be back for Game 5.</p>
<p>UPDATE: Here's some more context on the suspensions, by <b>Jimmy Rixner</b>:</p>
<p>Downie laid a hit on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/teams/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> defenseman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/55424/ben-lovejoy">Ben Lovejoy</a> behind the Pens net in the first period. Lovejoy was behind the net, and absorbed Downie’s whole body when the Tampa player recklessly launched himself at the Pens defenseman. On the ensuing play, Max Talbot would score a goal, negating the two minute minor penalty the referees were prepared to call on Downie once Tampa touched the puck.</p>
<p>Later in the game, Chris Kunitz stuck his elbow out and rammed Tampa’s <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/55004/simon-gagne">Simon Gagne</a> in the head. Gagne, it should be noted, has a history of concussion problems, but fortunately was not injured by the action.</p>
<p>Downie has been suspended before, while Kunitz has not, which is probably a big reason why the Penguin received the same punishment than the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/teams/tampa-bay-lightning">Lightning</a> player, despite delivering a more dangerous and blatant blow. </p>
<p>The NHL's often criticized for supplemental discipline and these decisions (coming just two days after Vancouver's Raffi Torres was not suspended) are not likely to be popular with media members and fans. The standard for plays involving contact to the head has never been more cloudly, and light suspensions for both of these players sends a message that such plays aren't being strictly dealt with, and that no clear standard even exists.</p>
<p>It is unknown who the Pens may use to replace Kunitz, who has been playing first line minutes. The most likely candidates would be <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/54181/mike-comrie">Mike Comrie</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nhl/players/65219/eric-tangradi">Eric Tangradi</a>, who have been healthy scratches for the first three playoff games.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/19/2120633/nhl-playoffs-penguins-vs-lightning-chris-kunitz-steve-downie-suspension-videoCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-19T09:15:19-04:002011-04-19T09:15:19-04:00NHL Playoff Scores: Penguins, Flyers, Bruins, Red Wings All Win On Monday
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<p>Aside from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a>' 3-2 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a> (in which <span>Kris Letang</span> had two saves for the Penguins and <span>Martin St. Louis</span> had two goals in a losing effort), here are scores from the rest of the NHL Playoff games from Monday, April 18.<br><br>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.broadstreethockey.com/">Philadelphia Flyers</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.diebytheblade.com/">Buffalo Sabres</a>, 4-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series. <span>Jeff Carter</span>, <span>Danny Briere</span>, <span>Nikolay Zherdev</span> and <span>Kimmo Timonen</span> all scored for the Flyers, while <span>Brian Boucher</span> picked up 35 saves.<br><br>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/">Boston Bruins</a> stopped their bleeding in their series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Montreal Canadiens</a> by winning 4-2. The Canadiens maintain a 2-1 series lead. <span>Patrice Bergeron</span> had two assists for the Bruins. <span>David Krejci</span>, <span>Nathan Horton</span>, <span>Rich Peverley</span> and <span>Chris Kelly</span> all scored.<br><br>Finally, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wingingitinmotown.com/">Detroit Red Wings</a> took a 3-0 series lead on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes">Phoenix Coyotes</a> with a 4-2 win. <span>Jimmy Howard</span> had 28 saves for the Red Wings, and <span>Ruslan Salei</span>, <span>Drew Miller</span>, <span>Valtteri Filppula</span> and <span>Johan Franzen</span> all scored.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/19/2119718/nhl-playoff-scores-penguins-flyers-bruins-red-wingsCharlie Wilmoth2011-04-18T22:30:09-04:002011-04-18T22:30:09-04:00Tyler Kennedy's Third Period Goal Lifts Pens To A 2-1 Series Lead
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<p>One minute into the third period of a 2-1 game, Pens defenseman <span>Paul Martin</span> went to the penalty box for an interference call. A minute later <span>Martin St. Louis</span> cashed in on the power play to tie the game at two.</p>
<p>The Pens would respond quickly when <span>Tyler Kennedy</span> punched a puck past Roloson 30 seconds later, in what would be the final score of the game.</p>
<p>PIttsburgh takes a 2-1 series lead, with Game 4 in Tampa on Wednesday night.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2119363/tyler-kennedy-third-period-goal-lifts-pens-to-a-2-1-series-leadJim Rixner2011-04-18T21:29:05-04:002011-04-18T21:29:05-04:00Score Still 2-1 After Two Periods In Game 3
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<p>No score in the second period of Game 3 for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Malone</span>, who we mentioned left the game, has returned for a few shifts- but he’s obviously laboring out there and not playing as much as normal. Still, he’s out there and heart-and-soul type player can inspire a team on for vicroty.</p>
<p>A key for the Pens to bring this home will be pressure from their forwards. The Pens have the shot advantage through two periods, it’s 21-17. But 11 of those have come off the stick of defensemen, including team leader <span>Kris Letang</span>’s 5.</p>
<p>With one period to go, Pittsburgh is in a great position, but Tampa’s last push will be a strong one as they attempt to win their first playoff game of the year in front of their home fans.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2119235/pens-tampa-score-still-2-1-after-two-periods-in-game-3Jim Rixner2011-04-18T20:45:05-04:002011-04-18T20:45:05-04:00Tampa's Ryan Malone Leaves Game, Return Questionable
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<p>According to multiple sources, including <a target="new" href="http://twitter.com/LightningTimes/status/60140295362330624">Tampa beat writer Damian Cristodero</a>, Tampa forward (and former Pittsburgh player and native) <span>Ryan Malone</span> has left the game with an undisclosed upper body injury.</p>
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<p>Ryan Malone is a “questionable return” with an upper-body injury, the team reports. Big loss for the <a href="https://www.rawcharge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lightning</a> if he’s out.</p>
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<p>Malone only was able to play three shifts in the first period of this game 3, and only totaled 1:33 of ice-time. Reports have said that he has been heavily icing his shoulder and torso in between games and Malone also missed several weeks this season with an undisclosed upper body injury.</p>
<p>Malone provides a lot of size, skill and leadership to Tampa, and if he is unable to play for an extended period of time it will represent a big loss for them. This time of year teams are not forthcoming with injury details or diganoses, so it’ll pretty much be a “wait and see” type deal for when Malone may be able to return.</p>
<p>Penguins fans will remember Malone once blocked a shot with his face in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, resulting in facial injuries including a broken nose and a lot of blood. The big forward would not end up missing any time, despite a disformed face. So any injury he must have to even have him stunned this time of year must be something significant.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2119151/tampa-ryan-malone-injury-penguins-tampa-seriesJim Rixner2011-04-18T20:31:34-04:002011-04-18T20:31:34-04:00Martin St. Louis Scores To Make Score 2-1 After One Period
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<p>Up 2-0, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> would suffer some bad luck and see their lead cut and half before the first intermission.</p>
<p>Deep in the offensive zone, <span>James Neal</span> grabbed a puck and skated to the net. In front, a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a> defenseman cross-checked Pens forward <span>Alex Kovalev</span> onto the Tampa goalie <span>Dwayne Roloson</span>. While being hooked, Neal could only fire hit the side of the post of what would have been an open net.</p>
<p>The referees whistled the penalty, but instead of an infraction on a Tampa player, they decided to take Kovalev to the box for interfering with the goaltender. Bizarre call and a bad break for Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>On the ensuing power play, Stamkos, <span>Martin St. Louis</span> and <span>Vincent Lecavalier</span> buzzed in the offensive zone, with St. Louis eventually picking up a loose puck and beating Fleury to make the score 2-1.</p>
<p>The Pens, who haven’t scored on a powerplay, will have an extended chance to open the second period. When a whistle stopped play with 21 seconds left in the period, Lecavalier swooped in, right in front of a ref, and hit <span>Brooks Orpik</span>, for some reason, which earned him a foolish but obvious minor penalty.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2119136/martin-st-louis-scores-game-three-penguins-lightningJim Rixner2011-04-18T20:02:52-04:002011-04-18T20:02:52-04:00Pens Jump Up To Early 2-0 Lead Over Tampa In Game 3
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<p>Fast starts mean everything, but especially so for a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Penguins</a> team that is challenged at coming back.</p>
<p>That’s why Max Talbot and <span>Arron Asham</span> have put Pittsburgh in the place they want to be early in Game 3- out to an early lead.</p>
<p>Talbot collected a pass from defenseman <span>Ben Lovejoy</span> and took the puck up the ice, hesitated and fired a shot by Tampa goalie <span>Dwayne Roloson</span>. Lovejoy was rocked by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Lightning</a>’s <span>Steve Downie</span> who rocked him with a high hit that would have drawn a penalty, but was cancelled out by Talbot’s goal.</p>
<p>Then, forty-five seconds later, the Pens Mike Rupp skated around Tampa defenseman <span>Victor Hedman</span> and threw a pass out that somehow got through the sliding <span>Pavel Kubina</span> and ended up on Asham’s stick. Asham made no mistake in firing a one timer past Roloson.</p>
<p>At the other end of the ice, Pens goalie <span>Marc-Andre Fleury</span> made a dazzling save on Tampa star <span>Steven Stamkos</span> halfway through the first from right in front of the net.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2119098/pens-early-lead-game-three-over-tampaJim Rixner2011-04-18T18:38:49-04:002011-04-18T18:38:49-04:00Lightning Vs. Penguins: Pens Must Focus In Game 3
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rawcharge.com/">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> host the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pensburgh.com/">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> on Monday at 7:30 in Game 3 of their first-round NHL Playoff series. The Pens are trying to recover from a Game 2 loss in which Tampa Bay outplayed them, and the key, according to coach Dan Bylsma, will be <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/preview?gameId=310418020">maintaining concentration</a>:</p>
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<p>"The composure and focus we showed in Game 1 was not there in Game 2, and it caused not only to give them power plays but also for us to get off playing our game for large portions of that game. It's something we have to be better at. That happens in every playoff series. The successful teams that win ... understand that, and they stayed composed and don't let things rattle them."</p>
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<p>The Post-Gazette <a href="http://post-gazette.com/pg/11107/1139949-61.stm">had an article about this as well</a>:</p>
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<p>After that game, several Penguins volunteered that the Lightning "got under our skin," a surprising development for a group as experienced and playoff-tested as they are.</p>
<p>Bylsma acknowledged Saturday that he had not anticipated such a problem.</p>
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<p>Our own Stephen Catanese, meanwhile, <a href="http://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/pittsburgh-penguins/2011/4/18/2116838/nhl-playoffs-penguins-vs-lightning">writes</a> that eliminating mistakes will be the key for the Penguins going forward.</p>
<p>The series is tied 1-1 as the Penguins prepare for their first road game.</p>
https://pittsburgh.sbnation.com/2011/4/18/2333733/lightning-vs-penguins-pens-must-focus-in-game-3Charlie Wilmoth