Jay Caufield: Pens Right Where They Should Be Heading Into Break
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan)- Root Sports Penguins Analyst Jay Caufield joined Ron Cook on "The Cook and Poni Show" to recap the Pens' win over Buffalo and the state of the team as they head into the Olympic break.
"They did what they were supposed to do. They got the two points and they move on," Caufield said.
Caufield admits that a team like Buffalo can win these types of games if the Penguins let down at all, like we have seen over the past few weeks.
He says a team like the Pens can play down to the level of their competition sometimes. However, he is quick to point out that a team like Buffalo always gets geared up to play Pittsburgh.
Caufield says Crosby busted out of his scoreless streak big time last night and once again, beat Ryan Miller.
"The quickness of his release. He blew it by Miller. It was special," Caufield said.
He says he is not sure why anyone has questioned Crosby's effort during his scoring drought.
"Crosby is never going to take a night off," Caufield said. "When you don't go hard, that is when bad things happen. So, he will never do that."
One guy who wishes he would not be taking time off during the Olympic break is James Neal, who was once again passed over for a shot to play for Team Canada.
A spot on the team opened up when it was announced that Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos would not be able to play due to an injury suffered earlier this year. Today, his spot was filled by his teammate, Martin St. Louis.
"Not sure why or what it's all about," Caufield said. "It might work out better for the Penguins because he will be rested and he will want to return to prove everyone wrong."
Caufield said there is nobody that shoots the puck better in the NHL right now than Neal. He says his play attracts as much attention from the defensemen as Crosby and Malkin.
Caufield likes Team Canada as the favorites, but could see a push from USA and Russia.
Listen to the full interview here:
Listen to the Cook and Poni Show weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan.
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