DK's Daily Shot of Penguins: These guys again?
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Dan Kovach returns with another edition of DK Pittsburgh Sports' Daily Shot of Penguins, diving into the looming playoff matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. With the Penguins on the verge of clinching a playoff berth, Kovach analyzes the stark contrast between the two teams: Pittsburgh's elite offense and power play versus Philadelphia's struggling special teams and defensive lapses. He emphasizes that while the Flyers have surged into the playoff picture thanks to coach Rick Tocchetti's leadership and breakout performances like Trevor Zegres' 65-point season, the Penguins remain the clear favorites. Kovach also tackles a listener question about roster decisions when Blake Lazotte returns, arguing that the Penguins' dominant fourth line—featuring Lazotte, Connor Dewar, and Nola Chari—must be preserved, and that Elmer Soderblom's size and skill make him indispensable. He suggests Justin Brazeau or Tommy Novak may be the odd men out, though he acknowledges Novak's value to Evgeni Malkin and the team's chemistry. The episode closes with anticipation for the upcoming game against the Devils in Newark and a reminder to subscribe and review.
The Penguins are the clear favorites against the Flyers in a potential playoff matchup, with superior offense, power play, and penalty kill.
Philadelphia's playoff push is fueled by Rick Tocchetti's leadership and breakout performances, but their weaknesses in special teams and defense remain glaring.
The Penguins' fourth line is the best in hockey and must be preserved when Blake Lazotte returns, making roster decisions difficult but necessary.
Elmer Soderblom's size, skill, and versatility make him too valuable to bench, despite the depth challenge.
Justin Brazeau is the most likely candidate to be scratched due to inconsistent play, though Tommy Novak's chemistry with Malkin complicates the decision.
Penguins' Playoff Push & Flyers' Playoff Hopes
“The Penguins are going to be the favorites and they're going to have earned being the favorites. Plain and simple, they're the better hockey team.”
Flyers' Strengths and Weaknesses
Kovach breaks down the Flyers' roster, praising Rick Tocchetti's impact and standout players like Trevor Zegres, while emphasizing their poor power play, weak penalty kill, and defensive vulnerabilities.
Penguins vs. Flyers: The Rivalry and Strategy
Kovach examines the history and intensity of the Penguins-Flyers rivalry, noting the lopsided nature of the Penguins' wins and the Flyers' struggles in the playoffs, advocating for a strategy of sustained pressure in the Philadelphia zone.
Roster Puzzle: Lazotte's Return & Lineup Decisions
“I'm not putting him in the press box. So I'm finding somebody else to take out.”
“The Penguins are going to be the favorites and they're going to have earned being the favorites. Plain and simple, they're the better hockey team.”
“I'm not putting him in the press box. So I'm finding somebody else to take out.”
“You don't go through the overwhelming majority of a regular season with the literal best fourth line in hockey, and then say, eh, when you get to the games that matter the most.”
Host
Pittsburgh Penguins
other
Philadelphia Flyers
other
Dan Kovach
person
Rick Tocchetti
person
Elmer Soderblom
person
Blake Lazotte
person
Tommy Novak
person
Justin Brazeau
person
Trevor Zegres
person
New Jersey Devils
other
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