Thursday, December 4, 2008

Penguins Lose One in Own Fashion

The Pens lost a nail-biter last night in New York.  The much anticipated rivalry game ended in the only way that it could--a shootout.

The game started off as a test of strength.  Eric Godard and Colton Orr dropped gloves just 2:46 into the game.  Both guys took a few blows, but it looked as if Orr got the better of Godard.  They physical play continued the length of the game, but didn't get out of hand.  There were no more fights and only 1 or 2 unnecessary penalties, but body shots were exchanged.

Scoring started off in the first when Sidney Crosby stole the puck behind the Rangers' breakout and headed behind the net.  Three New York players followed Crosby like he was the second coming of Gretzky.  Crosby slid a great backhand pass past sticks and skates and found Mark Eaton in the low slot.  Eaton buried the puck to score his first goal of the season and his first as a Penguin.

We wouldn't see scoring action again until midway through the 2nd.  Jordan Staal and company have controlled the puck every time they hit the ice and it paid off once more.  Matt Cooke fed Rob Scuderi from the right corner.  Big number 4 took a heavy shot from the point that found Staaly's stick before striking twine.  2-0 Pens.  A minute later the Rangers would make it a 2-1 game off of Nikolai Zherdev's stick.  Scotty Gomez and Wade Redden each got an assist on the goal and would each get 1 more before the night ended...

Gomez and Redden teamed up again to set up another Ranger goal with just over 5 minutes left in the game.  This time their helpers set up Petr Prucha who found his first goal of the season.  Prucha had been a healthy scratch for 10+ games and looked last night like he'd found his game again.  The goal tied the game at 2-2 in Penguin fashion and would eventually send both teams into familiar territory--overtime.

Crosby and Evgeni Malkin found their chances, but neither the "Two-Headed Monster" or the New York Rangers could grab a goal.  With little surprise, the two experienced shootout teams would head past the 5 minute overtime and into the most exciting moment in sports. 

Both Dany Sabourin and Henrik Lundqvist were two of the league's shootout stars going into last night's finish.  Each goalie had only allowed 2 goals while facing 16 and 17 shooters respectively.  Those numbers would alter a bit as Lundqvist proved why the Rangers are so dangerous in extra time.  Dany Sabourin looked different than Pens fans are accustomed as he allowed all 3 Rangers to score.  Lundqvist faced only 2 shooters, but did allow a goal to Kris Letang.  Rangers win 3-2.

Check out the complete score sheet here.


During the 2nd period of the game, Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis left with undisclosed injuries.  Hopefully we will hear something as to their status today, but after never hearing anything about the still day-to-day Marc-Andre Fleury, we won't be holding our breath.  I expect at least Janne Pesonen to be called up for tonight's game against the Hurricanes.  If the Pens do bring up more than one player for tonight, expect Chris Minard to make his 3rd appearance of the season.

It was good to see that December's alternate captains were Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke.  The two players have been the underdog workhorses behind the Pens' success and it was great to see Michel Therrien pay respect to the players.  Unfortunately,  if serious, Kennedy's injury could alter the line's chemistry.


Be sure to watch again tonight as the Pens take on the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 PM.  As usual, the game can be seen on Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh and heard on 105.9 The X.