http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A little more than two weeks ago, the Penguins were down and not quite out, but certainly not playing like a team that seemed confident enough or efficient enough to make a serious postseason run. Then came interim coach Dan Bylsma (right).The Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. — A little more than two weeks ago, the Penguins were down and not quite out, but certainly not playing like a team that seemed confident enough or efficient enough to make a serious postseason run.
Then came interim coach Dan Bylsma.
He inherited the team from Michel Therrien on Feb. 15, the day after the Penguins had fallen, 6-2, to the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Penguins have gone 5-1-1 since then and moved into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as of Monday.
"I think their eyes are up, their shoulders are pulled back a little bit more and they come with a purpose," Bylsma said. "There were a lot of eyes looking down at shoetops and the floor when I first came in here."
Call it a pep in their step, a newfound swagger or a rediscovered sense of confidence, Bylsma has instilled it into the Penguins.
There are still 18 games to be played before Bylsma can be deemed the savior of this season. Defenseman Sergei Gonchar, too, has played a big role in the Penguins' resurgence since he returned to the lineup after missing 56 games following shoulder surgery.
But it's the so-called players' coach who is pushing the Penguins "to become the best we can."
"I'll do that every way I can - with a smile, with a pat, with a push, with a shove and hopefully the guys they'll respond, they'll buy in and how good we'll become will be up to them," Bylsma said.
The Penguins — who have been without injured captain Sidney Crosby the past three games - are in the midst of a three-game win streak, something they haven't experienced since November.
A victory tonight over the Tampa Bay Lightning — the third contest of a five-game road swing - would mark the first time since December the Penguins have strung together three consecutive road wins.
"Guys come to the rink and they're playing with more confidence," defenseman Brooks Orpik said. "They're not afraid to make mistakes and that's huge. It carries over into games."
It's obvious during spirited practices likes yesterday's at the St. Pete Times Forum when the Penguins were joking and enjoying themselves despite traveling late the night before and waking up early to get to the rink.
"I didn't hear anyone complaining," Orpik said. "Maybe a month ago, guys were complaining to come to the rink. Now guys are excited to come to the rink. Guys are having more fun on the ice."
General manager Ray Shero promoted the first-year AHL head coach, who was in charge at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, in part, because "he's demanding and firm but also is a guy that's fair."
Players such as Jordan Staal (two goals in the past two games), Miroslav Satan (three goals in his past six games) and Max Talbot (three goals in the past six games) have, in particular, responded to Bylsma.
"The system is different, so obviously that helps," Talbot said. "We can be more aggressive and forecheck; that's my type of game."
Orpik explained that Bylsma is able to walk that fine line between coach and friend. The words accountability and respect have echoed in the Penguins' locker room. So far, the Penguins have responded to his style.
"He holds you accountable, but in the same way, he does it in a very constructive way, so I think guys appreciate that," Orpik said. "I don't think guys take advantage of it. Meanwhile, it's a really positive atmosphere."
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