Latest news with #AlexNedeljkovic
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Takeaways From Penguins Shutout Loss To Golden Knights
The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-31-10) were active leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline. However, their roster adjustments did not help them score a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Penguins remain winless on their three-game road trip, losing 4-0 on Friday night. As Pittsburgh continues to occupy the eighth seed in the Metropolitan Division, they are just 1-6-1 since returning from the 4 Nations Face-off. The Golden Knights are 24-6-3 at T-Mobile Arena this season, while the Penguins are 10-18-5 as visitors. The odds were not in Pittsburgh's favor to walk into Vegas and steal a win. Despite the mismatch on paper, the Penguins still employ several Hall of Famers who are experts in scoring. However, it wasn't their night. The visitors only managed 22 shots on goal, while the Golden Knights managed four goals on 27 shots. Thankfully, Vegas didn't convert on any of their three first period power-play opportunities, which could have made the score more lopsided. After going up 1-0, Alex Nedeljkovic made the save of the night when he robbed Jack Eichel on the power play in the dying seconds of the opening period on a cross crease push as Eichel fired one off his shoulder. Even though the Penguins' goalies once again gave up four goals, the final score does not indicate how close the game was. But Stanley Cup contenders take advantage of their slim opportunities and make opponents pay. Philip Tomasino has no points in his last four games and is minus-3, skating just 12:09 against the Golden Knights. It was his lowest ice time since the team resumed playing after the 4 Nations Face-off. As one of the top secondary scorers in the Penguins' lineup, it is odd that a player reunited with a former teammate in Tommy Novak, would skate the third lowest minutes of all forwards. Considering Pittsburgh's current standings, their performance in the game, and Tomasino's ability to create offense, he played less than several other teammates, including Novak, who skated almost two more minutes in six extra shifts. Hopefully, Tomasino can bounce back on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild. The Penguins recalled Tristan Jarry before heading out on their three-game road trip, and he will play again at some point. Nedeljkovic has done his best to hold the fort, but even he has his fair share of bad outings. The Penguins have 30 draft picks over the next three NHL Drafts, which includes four first-round selections and 18 picks in the first three rounds. No team has more draft picks, or selections in the first three rounds, over the next three NHL Drafts than Pittsburgh. — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 8, 2025 These games, like the one against the Golden Knights, are not always about the goalies but on the players and the system. By becoming sellers at the deadline and stockpiling draft picks, it's clear the Penguins have finally raised the white flag on the season. The question, especially after getting shut out on Friday, is how far are the Penguins willing to move up in the draft? Naturally, every professional athlete wants to win and has never been seen as someone who packed it in during the home stretch. According to MoneyPuck, the Penguins have an 8.5% chance of winning the Draft Lottery, tied with the Nashville Predators. After Friday, Pittsburgh is five points away from becoming the third worst team in the NHL, securing them a top-five pick and another tool towards their retool.
New York Times
02-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Penguins' first-shot blues and afternoon struggles continue: 3 observations
PITTSBURGH — It's a lousy statistic in a lost season, but the Pittsburgh Penguins did Saturday what they've done better than almost any team in recorded NHL history: first shot, first goal against. Though, to be fair to their goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, surrendering a breakaway to David Pastrnak within the first couple of minutes is daring the hockey gods. And the Penguins aren't good enough to dare anybody. Advertisement A 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena was their fourth in five games since the NHL's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The Penguins are closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference than its second wild-card spot — and their points percentage is better than only four teams in the league. The NHL trade deadline is Friday. The NHL Draft Lottery's date is to be determined. Still, for the first time since captain Sidney Crosby's rookie season — or five American presidential elections ago — fans of the Penguins can look to the latter with more anticipation than the former. It's again all about the ping-pong balls in Pittsburgh. But back to that first shot/first goal allowed trend, which is beckoning history. Only the 2012-13 Philadelphia Flyers' 14 such goals are more than the 13 allowed by these Penguins, who are tied with the 2017-18 Edmonton Oilers for the second most in a single season. The NHL's official statistics department said team records for goals allowed on the first shot date to 2009-10. Absolutely cookin' 🍝 — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 1, 2025 Nedeljkovic agreed Saturday with a reporter who noted those types of goals 'happen different ways,' but he eloquently expounded upon a larger issue with the Penguins: poor starts in general. 'I think for a majority of them it's just about starting on time — for everybody,' Nedlejkovic said. 'Some things are preventable, some things just happen; that's hockey, right? Shots are going to go in, get deflected, go off guys, we're going to have bad bounces, pucks go over sticks or whatever it is, and they end up with good looks. 'We need to find a better way of starting on time, playing with a little bit more emotion from the get-go, and I don't think you'll see those type of things happen.' Advertisement To his credit, Nedeljkovic did not exclude himself from the mix of those who should be better at the beginning of games. It's a long list, one that hockey president and general manager Kyle Dubas and coach Mike Sullivan will find names familiar and (likely) on the outs during season-ending meetings. 'Doesn't matter if it's a breakaway, what the shot or situation is — I've got to be ready,' Nedeljkovic said. 'That's my job. 'We need to just find a better way of starting on time, playing with more detail at the beginning of the game, get back to just playing simple hockey, detailed, and honestly just winning.' Winning won't come easily for the Penguins over the final weeks of what will be a third consecutive season without qualification for the Stanley Cup playoffs, barring something unearthly between now and mid-April. Fifteen of their final 20 remaining games are against teams that were either in possession or within 4 points of a postseason spot as of Saturday. That makes for more than enough opportunities to raise the bar — or should it be lower the bar? — on the first shot/first goal allowed record. 'With smarter play, more purposeful play, we don't give up those types of opportunities,' Sullivan said. 'The common theme is we need more purposeful play so that we're harder to play against.' Three observations from this loss: This loss was the Penguins' sixth in as many afternoon games. Their goal differential in those games is minus-19. A reasonable person could argue that one of the league's older rosters is prone to struggling in early starts. However, the Penguins were the NHL's eldest roster the last two seasons, and they went 7-5-2 in afternoon games. The Penguins host the Toronto Maple Leafs at 1 p.m. on Sunday. That is one of their five remaining afternoon games. Advertisement Dubas' signing of veteran Anthony Beauvillier confounded a lot of people during the offseason, but the move might rank as his shrewdest. Beauvillier scored his 13th goal Saturday. Only Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust and Crosby have scored more for the Penguins. Those three players get power-play looks. Beauvillier rarely does, and all of his goals have come at even strength. 'He plays hard, he competes, plays any role you ask him to,' Sullivan said. 'He's at the top of our list in terms of five-on-five goal production, more so than other guys. He doesn't always play in the top six. 'He uses his speed. He competes hard. He has some finishing capability. We've started to work him in on the penalty kill. 'He just embraces any role you give him.' On a cap-friendly and expiring contract, Beauvillier is a veteran of 55 postseason games. He's scored 16 goals and 31 points in the playoffs. Dubas long ago informed GM peers that he's open for business before the trade deadline. Beauvillier is unlikely to bring much in return, but he's the type of versatile forward who probably would provide a depth upgrade for any contender. Although Rakell has been their most consistent goal producer this season, he remains streaky. His late power-play goal Saturday was only his third in 14 games. This stretch came on the heels of Rakell's scoring 17 goals in 27 games from Nov. 19 to Jan. 17. Dubas is not set on moving Rakell by the trade deadline. He will want at least a first-round pick, which might prove a steep price for a player who has played in only two postseason games since 2018. Also, Rakell is 31 and has three seasons remaining on a contract that counts $5 million annually against the salary cap. It's not unreasonable to think Rakell might need to score in upcoming games against the Maple Leafs and on the road versus the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche to boost his value to the point Dubas will trade him before the deadline. (Photo of David Pastrnak and Anthony Beauvillier: Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Big Dig; Penguins Game 62 vs. Bruins
This article originally appeared on The Pittsburgh Penguins (24-28-9) would need a near-perfect run to end the season in order to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Instead, the team is adjusting and still fighting against the odds as they face the Boston Bruins (27-25-8), who find themselves in a similar archetype situation as the Penguins. The puck drops just after 3 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins' heartbroken energy continued from their 6-1 beatdown by the Philadelphia Flyers into their rematch Thursday. The Penguins were awful for the first 27 minutes and trailed 3-0 at home, but then coach Mike Sullivan pulled Alex Nedeljkovic, and the fireworks began. Click here to read more from Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Takeaways From Penguins Disheartening 6-1 Loss To Flyers
The Pittsburgh Penguins (23-28-9) have had a rough couple of games since returning from the 4 Nations Face-off, but none as painful to watch as their Tuesday night 6-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Surprisingly, it was a close game until the dying minutes of the second period, when the team imploded in another epic collapse like their recent contest against the Washington Capitals. They gave up two goals within ten seconds to a Flyers team that wouldn't be denied with 38 shots on goal. Although the season is far from over, the writing on the way is becoming clearer with each defeat. The Penguins are now nine points out of a wildcard spot and only two points clear of last place in the Eastern Conference. Let's discuss a few talking points from their latest setback. The Penguins are one of three teams in the NHL to surrender more than 200 goals, with 220, joining the San Jose Sharks (221) and Chicago Blackhawks (203). This has been their downfall all season and one reason why the club is now 4-12-4 against Metro Division opponents. Despite keeping Tuesday night's contest close at 2-1, Alex Nedeljkovic struggled with a few pucks getting past him in critical moments when his team needed a save. Once things happened, those goals led to a change in dynamics, and everyone played differently. Frustrations boiled over, and the Penguins just looked like a broken team. Unfortunately, it's been a narrative that we've seen play out repeatedly, but the minor changes they have made haven't led to results on the ice, and goaltending is one of the weakest parts of the team. The answers are no longer Nedeljkovic or Joel Blomqvist but in a different sweater under someone else's payroll. Since returning from their break, Pittsburgh has been winless. Back-breaking goals in bunches have kept Pittsburgh winless. Whether it's missed assignments or a player's inability to read the play, the goalies can only shoulder so much blame before someone needs to search deeper for the answers. NHL Highlights | Penguins vs. Flyers | February 25, 2025 Watch full game highlights from the matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers on February 25, 2025, condensing all the action into ... Realistically, the Penguins and Flyers are on the same level: fringe playoff teams who must fight every night for a point and a place in the wildcard race. However, just watching Tuesday night's game, no one would assume that. The Flyers wanted the game, and it showed. They fired 38 shots on goal and had an advantage every period: 15-6, 14-10, and 9-8. Philadelphia had a comfortable lead, and when things got close, they busted the game wide open in the third and ended up with five goals on 29 shots, leaving Nedeljkovic with a .827 SV% through 40 minutes. Evgeni Malkin was one of four players who did not register a shot on goal in Philadelphia. Considering he had a goal and assist against the Rangers on Sunday, the future Hall of Famer was almost invisible in a must-win situation. Meanwhile, Rickard Rakell, arguably one of the hottest Pittsburgh players before the 4 Nations Face-off, recorded a single assist and was minus-7 in his first three games back. His usual linemate, Sidney Crosby, has a goal and assist and is minus-6. Finally, the team's highest-paid player, Erik Karlsson, has two assists, five shots on goal, and is a team-leading minus-8 in three games. Erik Karlsson on tonight's loss:'We've just got to look one day at a time. … We know the position that we're in, and if you start thinking about big picture, it might get a little bit discouraging—and you can't let that happen. We've still got a lot of hockey left.' — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 26, 2025 Given the Penguins' current position in the standings, these players, who all possess elite-level skills, must bring their A-game every night to salvage the season and their reputations. Yes, it isn't easy to see results when Pittsburgh has only scored seven goals and given up 19 in the last nine periods, but they have elite talent who just isn't getting the job done. Whether playing offense or defense, it takes a team to win and lose, but superstars are the difference makers. The Penguins haven't seen their difference makers make a difference in three games.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Takeaways From Penguins Shootout Loss To Devils
The Pittsburgh Penguins (22-24-9) wrapped up their home stand before the 4 Nations Face-off break, dropping a thrilling contest to the New Jersey Devils in a seven-round shootout 3-2. The loss drops the Penguins to 3-8-3 against Metro Division opponents, one of the main reasons why the club is second to last within the division, just one point ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers, their opponent on Saturday. However, before a showdown in the City of Brotherly Love, Pittsburgh will play the New York Rangers in the Big Apple on Friday night. Let's discuss their latest setback. Tuesday night marked the sixth time the Penguins went to a shootout. After losing to the Devils, they are now 1-5. They have six goals in 25 attempts, which equals a shooting percentage of 24%. Alex Nedeljkovic following tonight's 3-2 shootout loss:'The guys are doing an unbelievable job of putting the puck in the net. I think I had two chances to shut 'em down tonight and win. I'm just not getting the job done right now in that span.' — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 5, 2025 Meanwhile, opponents continue to succeed against Alex Nedeljkovic and Tristan Jarry. The duo has given up 13 goals on 28 shots, leaving them with a .452 Sv%. Despite going seven rounds with a top team in the Metro Division, the Penguins can't find a save when they need it most. Evgeni Malkin got hurt in the first period of the Penguins' game against the San Jose Sharks. Even though they lost that night to the NHL's 32nd-ranked team, Pittsburgh bounced back with an overtime win over the Utah Hockey Club and then shut out the Nashville Predators. 'I thought we played hard against a real good team. … There's a lot to like about our game. It's unfortunate we didn't get the two points, but it's a hard-fought one point that's for sure.'Head Coach Mike Sullivan reflects on tonight's loss — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) February 5, 2025 Earlier in the campaign, Malkin missed four games, and the Penguins went 1-2-1 in his absence. Before the loss to the Devils on Tuesday, the club was 2-0-0 during his second stint on the IR and is now 2-0-1. Without Malkin, Pittsburgh is now 2-2-2 in six games. Considering the 38-year-old likely won't play before the 4 Nations Face-off break, the Penguins have two crucial matchups left against the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins dropped another contest to a Metro Division rival. Their record within the division is now 3-7-4, and after a Philadelphia Flyers overtime loss, Pittsburgh is tied for last place in the Metro. Next, the Penguins play another divisional heavyweight, the New York Rangers, against whom they are 0-2-0. They then play the Flyers on the second night of a back-to-back. Pittsburgh may have ten points against its rivals, but it has given up 14, which is one of the main reasons why it has just 53, the exact total as Philadelphia. Moreover, it is only four points ahead of the Buffalo Sabres, the bottom team in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, it appears the Penguins have a mental block against Metro opponents this season. Their upcoming schedule won't do them any favors, so many of these losses are hard to digest.
