Penguins up front about defensive issues around net

The four goals the Pittsburgh Penguins allowed in their stunning loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday came in succession, and something else about them was just as apparent.

“When you look at their goals,” Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson said, “they had a guy in front. We need to do a better job playing physical.”

A clean crease and a welcoming open net-front for opponents has been a problem that has plagued the Penguins throughout this season, but it was never more obvious than when the Flyers came back from down 3-0 with a first-period goal by Sean Couturier, second- and third-period tallies by Claude Giroux (the latter the eventual winner) and the third-period tying goal from Scott Laughton.

All came in part because of a Flyers player standing within a few feet of the net and appearing comfortable doing so.

“It’s something we’ve got to do a better job of,” Pettersson said of clearing the front of the net. “Let (goalie Tristan Jarry) see the puck a little bit more.”

Let's clean out the closet from last night's #Penguins loss to the Flyers. @SethRorabaugh https://t.co/sh8Yv5K41a

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) March 5, 2021

Jarry certainly couldn’t see the puck on Couturier’s goal because James van Riemsdyk was standing directly in front of Jarry next to what looked like an indifferent Pettersson.

The Flyers’ second goal similarly had Giroux alone in front because all five of the Penguins on the ice were preoccupied, apparently, by Nicolas Aube-Kubel holding the puck along boards.

The tying goal had Laughton cruising through the slot, obstructing Jarry’s view and getting a piece of Giroux’s shot.

And for good measure, the winning goal, scored with 3 minutes and 8 seconds left, featured Giroux in the ideal offensive position of being between the net and a pair of Penguins defensemen (Mike Matheson and John Marino). The result was an easy rebound goal.

“A lot of guys have been working on net-font stuff the past few years,” Penguins defenseman Cody Ceci said. “It’s a big part of game. (The Flyers) have got a couple guys who are really good in front.”

Those same Flyers are the Penguins’ opponent for the third consecutive game at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Penguins have identified their issues with defending the front of the net, but the next step is how to address them.

“I think it’s just attention to detail, and it’s just collective effort in making sure we defend the most dangerous area of the rink,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “It’s a group thing, and there’s a lot of details that go into it. We’ve got to be better as a group, and we’ve got to be more focused on (each player) doing (his) job and (each player) trusting that teammates are going to do theirs.”

Communication and trust were issues on the Flyers’ second goal Thursday. But while physicality with that net-front player is important, Pettersson stressed being physical in the other areas of the defensive zone helps, too.

That’s easier said than done for a defense corps that lacks a true pure thumper and has been playing with only one player who weighs more than 201 pounds (Ceci), although the imminent return of the 207-pound Brian Dumoulin from a six-week absence will help.

“We’ve got to make sure we protect net-front first,” Pettersson said, “(but) I think it starts with just getting pressure on the puck a little more. I think we all can do a better job of that the whole game. Play the body, the first guy in the corners, make them stop, don’t let them wheel around in our D-zone. I think it starts with that.”

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long.