Penguins 5, Rangers 2

So what happened?
The score should have read "Penguins 5, Gaborik 2". There wasn't as much nonsense as you thought, but Mike Rupp referred directly to that in his interview after the game, saying that Avery laid low tonight. Could Sean Avery be scared of the big boys? Anyway, the game itself was somewhat similar to Saturday in that it was close until the third when the Pens pulled away.

Who scored?
Crosby (16,17), Rupp (6,7,8)

Any surprises?
Four words - Mike Rupp hat trick. Watching Sid give up the puck to Rupp with the empty net yawning was a nice sight (even though they were still in the defensive zone). Both players were going for the hat trick.

Any change in the standings?
No change - both San Jose and Washington won.
Division: 1st (3 points ahead of New Jersey)

Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)

League: 2nd (2 points behind San Jose)

Who's next?
Colorado comes to the Igloo to kick off a home stand on Thursday.

Notes:

• Valiquette Lundqvist seemed to fall apart in the third, didn't he?
• Sid quietly scored another two goals. He's really coming on strong again.
• Gaborik is pretty special, but he seems to get distracted when someone pops him, whereas Sid gets better when teams get physical with him.
  

Game #28 - at New York Rangers

Game 28
Penguins (18-9-0, 36 pts) at Rangers (13-12-1, 27 pts)

Why does it matter?
The Pens just plastered the Rangers on Saturday, while Matt Cooke drew a two game suspension for a hit on Anisimov. Those two factors will make the Rangers especially chippy tonight.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - After starting out 7-0 on the road, the Pens are just 2-5 in their past 7 road games. The team has been generally playing well lately, however.
  
• Rangers - Things are pretty bleak for the Rangers. They were out scored 13-4 in their past two games. Maybe some home cooking will be the remedy that cures their ills.
  

Questions to be answered

• Can the Pens avoid the cheap shots that are sure to come from the likes of Brashear, Voros and (especially) Avery?
  
• Which offense will show up - the one that looked bad on Friday night or the one that dominated on Saturday night?
  
• Can the Pens break their string of poor play at MSG?
  

Keys to the game

• Don't get wrapped up in the nonsense from Avery and Brashear. The Pens are usually pretty good at channeling emotion into their game and working harder (specifically Sid).
  
• Find a way to control Gaborik. He has 19 goals in just 22 games, which is an incredible pace in the league today.
• Stay away from the shootout - Lundqvist has won both SO games this year.
  

Penguins 8, Rangers 3

So what happened?
It was a Saturday night party at the Igloo as the Pens pulled away from the Rangers in the third period to blow them out. Sid had the hat trick (and five points). Letang and Goligoski returned. The power play had it's first multi-goal game since before Halloween. In short, things couldn't be better right now. This team is nearing full strength, and that's a great thing.

Who scored?
Malkin (8), Crosby (13,14,15), Talbot (1), Eaton (3), Dupuis (7), Kennedy (6)

Any surprises?
The obvious one would be the power play with two goals, but I think the bigger surprise is how well everyone has fit back into the lineup. If they get Kunitz and McKee back anytime soon and avoid further key injuries, this will be a fun team to watch.

Any change in the standings?
Division: 1st (1 point ahead of New Jersey)

Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)

League: 2nd (2 points behind San Jose)

Who's next?
The Rangers get a shot at revenge on Monday night.

Notes:

• Valiquette seemed to fall apart in the third, didn't he?
• Nice to see both GoGo and Letang with two points on their return.
• Fleury made some key saves while the outcome was still in doubt. He also somehow allowed Marc Staal's goal in the first. I'm still not sure how that happened.

Game #27 - vs New York Rangers

Game 27
Rangers (13-11-1, 27 pts) at Penguins (17-9-0, 3 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
The Pens just gave away two points in the division against the Isles. They are just 3-3 against the Atlantic. That needs to change.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens looked like they were going on a nice run before getting out worked against the Isles. Maybe it will be a wake up call?
  
• Rangers - The Rangers were pasted last night by Tampa Bay. King Henrik was pulled from the game.
  

Questions to be answered

• Will the effort be better for a Saturday night game? It needs to be.
  
• Can the Pens get to Lundqvist?
  
• Can Fleury shut down the Rangers? It would be a nice time for the first shutout of the year.
  

Keys to the game

• Take advantage of tired bodies. The Rangers will be coming in from Tampa Bay late on Friday. The Pens could be sitting at home in time to watch them.
  
• Find a way to control Gaborik. He has 19 goals in just 22 games, which is an incredible pace in the league today.
• Stay away from the shootout - Lundqvist has won both SO games this year.
  

Islanders 3, Penguins 2

So what happened?
The Pens were out worked, especially during the third period when they were out shot 18-5. It was a disappointing effort for the Pens, who lacked any appearance of urgency once the Isles took the lead in the third. Brent Johnson played well for the most part and made several key saves in helping the Pens to the lead after two periods.

Who scored?
Malkin (7), Cooke (5)

Any surprises?
It was surprising that the Pens were dominated during the third period. You know that can't make HCDB happy.

Any change in the standings?
It remains to be seen, depending on the outcome of the Chicago game.

Who's next?
The Rangers visit the Igloo for a Saturday night engagement.

Notes:

• The power play was unable to score during an extended attempt that included about a minute of 5-on-3. Maybe getting GoGo or Letang back will help. Maybe the intervention of a minor deity would be more effective.
• This was the second game the Pens lost this year when leading after two periods.

Game #26 - at New York Islanders

Game 26
Penguins (17-8-0, 34 pts) at Islanders (9-9-7, 25 pts)

Why does it matter?
Long Island always seems to be a tough place for the Pens to play. It's a division game that they should win.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens have been cranking up the level of play slowly but surely. They're still missing a few guys, but once everyone returns, this could be an interesting team to watch.
  
• Islanders - Inconsistent play has marred the season for the Isles. They are showing promise, however.
  

Questions to be answered

• Is Tavares for real? He is averaging almost a point per game.
  
• More interestingly, is Matt Moulson for real? Did anyone see him scoring 11 goals in the first 25 games?
• Can the Pens avoid the letdown loss?
  

Keys to the game

• The Isles have lost 7 games in OT so far. They're playing lots of close games, so it's important to focus on the little things.
  
• Go after Brendan Witt - he's a -12 and playing less than 16 minutes per game.

Penguins 3, Canadiens 1

So what happened?
It was a nice home effort for the Pens. They made the game a bit interesting for the later part of the third, but the game was well controlled by the Pens.

Who scored?
Crosby (12), Guerin (6), Gonchar (3)

Any surprises?
Everyone played at least 9 minutes, which is unusual for this team even with Bylsma's tendency to roll four lines. That bodes well for a busy weekend.

Any change in the standings?
No, but that's a good thing:
Division: 1st (three points ahead of New Jersey)
Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)
League: 2nd (tied with Chicago and Washington)

Who's next?
Long Island. Friday. 2:00 pm.

Notes:

• Price made some key saves to keep his team within striking distance. He probably shouldn't have allowed two of the goals that he did, however.
• Fleury's save on O'Byrne was nice to see, but the guy just about shot the puck into his glove. Give Flower credit, however, for being in the right place to make that save - he didn't fling himself back across the crease.

Game #25 - vs Montreal Canadiens

Game 25
Canadiens (12-11-1, 25 pts) at Penguins (16-8-0, 32 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
It's the Canadiens. Their fans are annoying (though enthusiastic - you have to give them that). Do you need a better reason?

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - They've won four out of five very quietly. The power play has goals in four straight. Maybe a nice run coming on?
  
• Canadiens - The Habs have won three of their past four and Carey Price is playing much better than earlier in the year.
  

Questions to be answered

• Is the power play getting better? With goals in four straight, you might think so, but I'm not so sure.
  
• Can Carey Price stay hot?
  
• Can the Habs keep winning despite badly out shot as they have been recently?
  

Keys to the game

• Score early and put pressure on Price.
  
• Pick on Mara when he's on the ice. Paul is a -8 on the season.
  

Penguins 3, Panthers 2

So what happened?
The Pens floundered through two periods, entering the third down 2-0. They finally managed to break through by sheer perseverance in the third. They tied the score after holding the puck in the offensive zone for what seemed like forever (it was probably about 2 minutes straight), resulting in a great feed from Malkin to Rupp right in front. After a penalty to Horton in OT, the Pens put the Panthers out of their misery when Sid banged home a rebound. It was a great, gutsy win.

Who scored?
Dupuis (6), Rupp (5), Crosby (11)

Any surprises?
My biggest surprise was feeling that it was inevitable that the Pens would score on the power play in OT. Given how their power play has performed lately, I can't say why that feeling was there.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - Washington lost in OT, so:
Division: 1st (three points ahead of New Jersey)
Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)
League: 2nd (tied with Chicago and Washington)

Who's next?
Those silly Frenchmen are back to the Igloo on Wednesday. The Habs come to town too.

Notes:

• Lovejoy continues to impress with his skating.
• Did Chris Borque play tonight? I checked the minutes - he played just over 9 of them - I can't remember seeing him on the ice.
  
• Vokoun is playing really well right now.
  

Game #24 - at Florida Panthers

Game 24
Penguins (15-8-0, 30 pts) at Panthers (10-9-2, 22 pts)

Why does it matter?
The Panthers are always a tough road game for the Pens. Florida is usually a tough place for them to play. Getting two points out of the Swamp would be nice.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens had a much better effort against Atlanta than they did against Ottawa.
• Panthers - The Cats are red hot after winning five of their past 6. They went on the road and beat three good teams (Buffalo, Detroit and the Rangers).

Questions to be answered

• Can anyone cool off the Panthers right now?
  
• Can the Panthers keep winning despite their relatively poor special teams? They do have a few power play goals lately, but they're not drawing many chances. Their PK isn't killing the chances against them very well either.
  
• Which Penguins team will show up - the one from the Ottawa game or the one from the Atlanta game?
  

Keys to the game

• The Panthers are strong down the middle and have a solid blue line. None of their top 4 D are a minus on the year. Finding a way to score at even strength and play the match ups will be key.
  
• Get on the power play - the Panthers PK is suspect, but that is mitigated by the fact that they haven't taken many penalties lately.
• Hope Vokoun has an off night - his save percentage is an amazing .923.
  

Penguins 3, Thrashers 2

So what happened?
Timely scoring and timely saves by Fleury. This was a good offensive team the Pens stopped.

Who scored?
Skoula (2,3), Malkin (6)

Any surprises?
The Pens allowing a two-on-one leading by three goals with about 10 minutes left in the game. It almost cost them, and it shouldn't happen.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - the Devils lost in Dallas, so:
Division: 1st (one point ahead of New Jersey)
Conference: 2nd (one point behind Washington)
League: 3rd (tied with Chicago)

Who's next?
Into the swamp on Monday night to face those nasty Kitty Cats.

Notes:

• A power play goal by the second unit is huge.
• Orpik returned tonight. Now all we need is Letang and Goligoski and this team will be unstoppable (McKee would be nice too).
  
• This could have been 8-0 by the third period - the Moose played really well.
  

Game #23 - at Atlanta Thrashers

Game 23
Penguins (14-8-0, 28 pts) at Thrashers (10-6-2, 22 pts)

Why does it matter?
This has a chance to be a carbon copy of Thursday night, except that the Thrashers have more firepower.

Questions to be answered

• The Thrashers give up their fair share of shots. Can the Pens take advantage? They seemed to be squeezing the sticks pretty tightly on Thursday.
• Anyone else going to get hurt now that we're starting to see guys come back?
• Can the Pens kill penalties and limit the chances of the Thrashers?
  

Keys to the game

• The Thrashers have scored at last three goals in all but two games this year. That's incredibly consistent.
• Stay out of the box - the Thrashers have power play goals in four straight.
• Kovalchuk is still a punk.
  

Senators 6, Penguins 2

So what happened?
The Pens had some key chances early and couldn't covert. The power play also was unable to come through when it mattered (the power play goal they scored was after the game was decided). Fleury didn't play very well either - he was screened on a few shots, but there were a few that had no business going in.

Who scored?
Staal (6), Malkin (5)

Any surprises?
I thought the less experienced D were exposed a bit tonight. Engelland was a -4, and the Sens were able to keep the puck in the zone for extended stretches. The surprise was that a Kovalev line was able to cycle and dominate. I didn't know that Kovie still had that much fire.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - the Devils lost in a shoot out, so:
Division: 2nd (one point behind New Jersey)
Conference: 3rd
League: 5th (tied with Los Angeles)

Who's next?
At Atlanta on Saturday night. The Thrashers have been decent so far this year.

Notes:

• The power play is becoming a serious issue for the Pens (they have just 2 power play goals in their past 10 games). Hopefully Gonchar getting used to game action again will improve that.
• Despite Gonchar returning, the Pens still were missing 4 of their top 6 guys on the blue line. That's going to take a toll, and we saw that tonight.
• These games will happen sometimes. Tomorrow is another day.
  

Game #22 - at Ottawa Senators

Game 22
Penguins (14-7-0, 28 pts) at Senators (9-6-3, 21 pts)


Scotiabank Place

Why does it matter?
The Sens would have to be considered one of the surprises of the season so far. The Pens want to continue to build on their recent success.

Questions to be answered

• Can either team generate some consistent offense? Both teams have struggled for shots. The Pens have had a rough go of that lately, while the Sens haven't been able to get it going consistently all year.
• Will Sarge be able to get back and help the power play right out of the gate?
• The Sens do not draw many penalties. Can the Pens stay out of the box?
  

Keys to the game

• Hope Spezza continues to struggle. He's a Penguin killer.
  
• Leclaire has been inconsistent. Much of the Sens success will be tied to his performance.
• Ignore Ruutu.
  

Penguins 5, Ducks 2

So what happened?
You never want to say it was an easy game, but the last time the Pens had one this easy was against the Habs before Halloween. The Ducks were anxious to self-destruct tonight with bad penalties and worse turnovers. The Pens were willing to let do it. Both teams had some great scoring chances, but the Pens had the better ones in that they finished theirs.

Who scored?
Cooke (3,4), Guerin (5), Staal (5), Skoula (1)

Any surprises?
The young defensemen from Wilkes-Barre really acquitted themselves well. Lovejoy played big minutes on the power play while Engelland and Guenin were solid. Sure is nice to confirm that the Pens have some depth.

Any change in the standings?
Yep - the Devils lost to the Flyers, so:
Division: 1st (tied with New Jersey)
Conference: 1st (tied with New Jersey and Washington)
League: 2nd (tied with New Jersey, Washington and Los Angeles)

Who's next?
On the road for three straight, starting with Ottawa on Thursday.

Notes:

• Giguere really looked bad early on, but he recovered to hold the fort for a little while until the Pens broke it open in the third.
• When your three stars are Staal, Cooke and Engelland, you know it's a good night for the role players.
• The Ducks could be pretty good if they could stay out of their own way.
• Getzlaf would drive me nutty if he played here with all of the stick infractions. There's no reason to take dumb penalties like that.
• After the early 2-0 lead, the Pens seemed to step it down a notch, allowing the shorty to Marchant and giving the Ducks some hope.
  

Game #21 - vs Anaheim Ducks

Game 21
Ducks (6-9-3, 15 pts) at Penguins (13-7-0, 26 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Why does it matter?
Keep the momentum going. Geno came back from injury and the Pens got the W. The Ducks have not been very good this year. The Pens should win this game.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Finally got some offense and a W against the Bruins. If you told me they'd allow 5 and still win, I probably would have said you're crazy, but they did.
  
• Ducks - Three straight losses on their 4 game road trip which wraps up here in Pittsburgh.
  

Questions to be answered

• Will we see any results from the power play? Ever?
  
• Can the Wilkes-Barre guys chip in? I'm thinking specifically of Letestu, who is a good goal scorer.
  
• Can the Pens get traffic in front of Hiller?
• Can the Pens lose anyone else to injury? Goligoski is out 2-3 weeks. That leaves 2 of the top 6 D in the starting lineup.
  

Keys to the game

• Establish extended possession in the offensive zone on a consistent basis.
  
• Keep the Ducks top line (Perry, Getzalf, Ryan) bottled up in their own end.
  

Penguins 6, Bruins 5 (OT)

So what happened?
This was a huge win for the Pens. They badly needed one. It took some last second magic to make it happen, but they earned two points.

Who scored?
Mckee (1), Dupuis (4,5), Crosby (10), Eaton (2)

Any surprises?
Sid and Geno both go off for three points each on Geno's return to action. Oh yeah, and the biggest goal of the year so far. Just watch this:


Any change in the standings?
Division: 2nd
Conference: 3rd
League: 5th

Who's next?
Quack, Quack. Monday night.

Notes:

• Thomas was not good when it mattered. He allowed the tying goal to Guerin and misplayed the puck on the winning score by Dupuis in OT. Boy, does he have a temper or what? I've seen goalies react before, but he was a bit over the top.
• Letetsu had a nice debut with two hits and a +1.

Game #20 - vs Boston Bruins

Game 20
Bruins (8-7-3, 19 pts) at Penguins (12-7-0, 24 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Thomas was a bit confused after the 1-0 loss to Florida on Thursday, saying "We deserved two points." Last time I checked, the team that WON deserved two points, Timmy.

Why does it matter?
The Pens badly need a win. Also - something about some guy named Geno playing.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Don't ask. Seriously. Injuries and losing have been bad lately.
  
• Bruins - They played much better on their home stand, but now they go back out on the road where things have been ugly for them.
  

Questions to be answered

• Can Geno's return spur the power play?
  
• Will it matter, given that three of the top 6 on the blue line are missing?
  
• Can the Pens get the trapping teams out of the trap? These last two games have been painful to watch.
  

Keys to the game

• Continue the solid effort from the second period of the Jersey game.
  
• Thomas has allowed one goal in his past three starts (not counting shootouts). Find a way to beat him.

Devils 4, Penguins 1

So what happened?
A few posts and cross bars. A few turnovers. A few blown chances on the power play. All that led to another loss for the Penguins.

Who scored?
Fedotenko (4)

Any surprises?
Early in the third, with the Pens on the power play, Fedotenko was going back into his own zone to play the puck. Parise knocked him down from behind, 10 feet away from the puck. No call.

Any change in the standings?
Remains to be seen at the conclusion of tonight's games. At the very least, the Pens move to second place in the division.

Who's next?
More happy times at the Igloo on Saturday against the Bruins. Maybe if they move the line for icing to the defensive blue line it would kill the trap (meaning, all you have to do is get the puck out of your own zone and you can dump it).

Notes:

• I could have been reading a book instead of watching this game (or, heck, scraping nails on a chalkboard). Blech.
  

Game #19 - vs New Jersey Devils

Game 19
Devils (12-4-0, 24 pts) at Penguins (12-6-0, 24 pts)


Mellon Arena - Pittsburgh

Parise is awsome, but who at Upper Deck comes up with these things? The FUTURE? Really?

Why does it matter?
It's a game for first place in the division. The Pens lost earlier this year to the Devils. You don't want to lose another game to a potential division contender.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Don't ask. Seriously. Injuries and losing have been bad lately.
  
• Devils - The Devils still haven't lost on the road and are 9-1 in their past 10 games.
  

Questions to be answered

• Will the Flightless Birds score a goal?
  
• How will the defense fare with Gonchar, Letang and Orpik out? Lovejoy will get his first action of the season tonight.
  
• Can Sid find a way to break through?
  

Keys to the game

• Adjust the style of play to stop trying to make the pretty play. Keep it simple and crash the net.
  
• Score first and force the Devils to come out of their trap a bit.
  

Bruins 3, Penguins 0

So what happened?
The Pens played a good game tonight. The effort level was there. The results were not. Crosby and Staal fired wide on good scoring chances and one bounce towards the Bruins net just didn't go in for the Pens. Tim Thomas won this game for the Bruins. Marc Andre needs to do that for the Pens right now, because their offense just isn't there.

Who scored?
Nobody... again.

Any surprises?
Staal on the first line looked pretty good. That was the best line for the Pens as far as generating pressure in the offensive zone goes.

Any change in the standings?
Remains to be seen at the conclusion of tonight's games.

Who's next?
Back home (finally) to play more "Break the Trap" hockey against the Devils.

Notes:

• Orpik was hurt tonight. He left early in the first period after being shoved into the boards. The Pens cannot afford more injuries.
  
• Am I the only one that hears "Ballroom Blitz" in my head every time the announcer said "Byron Bitz"?
• As bad as things seem right now, it's not the end of the world. It's just the regular season and it's just a slump. Things will get better.
• Two shots in the first period doesn't cut it. The Pens seemed to think so too, because they had 25 over the final two.
  

Game #18 - at Boston Bruins

Game 18
Penguins (12-5-0, 24 pts) at Bruins (7-7-2, 16 pts)


TD Banknorth Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

A very talented player, Bergeron hasn't been the same since missing most of 07-08.

Why does it matter?
The Pens need to get back in the winning column. The Bruins are a good team to play to do just that.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - After splitting the first two games of the West Coast trip, it was a nightmare ending when the team was out scored 10-2 over the final two games.
  
• Bruins - The Bruins are the model of inconsistency this year. They have not yet won 2 in a row and
  

Questions to be answered

• Can the offense score goals against the Bruins trap? Despite their inconsistency, the Bruins have allowed two or fewer in the past 6 games.
  
• Can Sid find a way to get through the extra attention he's receiving with Geno out and generate some offense?
  
• It would be nice to come home with a win, wouldn't it?
  

Keys to the game

• Stay focused - every goal against the Bruins counts, given the way they play defense.
  
• Special teams are magnified - find a way to score on the power play.

Sharks 5, Penguins 0

So what happened?
Right from the start, this was not a good night for the Pens. Rupp was tripped on a scoring chance in the slot about 20 seconds in with no call. It didn't get any better from there. Before all was said and done, Fleury was pulled, Letang was hurt and the Pens had lost two straight for the first time under Dan Bylsma.

Who scored?
Nobody

Any surprises?
The Pens had several good chances in the early-going, but couldn't cash in. I guess we can't call that a surprise given their recent mini-slump.

Any change in the standings?
Division: 1st (two point ahead of New Jersey)

Conference: 1st (tied with Washington)

League: 2nd (tied with Washington)

Who's next?
Back east to play the team with the worst power play in the NHL, the Boston Bruins. Game is on Tuesday night.

Notes:

• The Sharks are really good, but it's just the regular season.
• When Fleury was pulled, you were thinking that maybe if they could find a way to get a goal... but then Johnson allowed one and you knew that was it.
• Hopefully Letang isn't badly hurt.

Game #17 - at San Jose Sharks

Game 17
Penguins (12-4-0, 24 pts) at Sharks (11-4-2, 24 pts)



HP Pavillion, San Jose, California

Setoguchi has been hurt, but he's a dangerous goal scorer when healthy.

Why does it matter?
Another tough road game against a top team for the Pens.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Kings were simply the better team on Thursday. The Pens will look to get back on the winning track.
  
• Sharks - The Sharks started 3-3-1. They're 7-1-1 since and have allowed no more than two goals in a game for the past 6 games.
  

Questions to be answered

• With a power play that is on the fritz, can the Pens generate enough quality scoring chances to win this game?
  
• Can Fleury step up and steal a game? He has been really good in the early going, but has no shutouts yet. Now would be a good time...
  
• With losses in two of their past three, the Pens are in danger of their first slump of the season. Can they avoid it with a W in San Jose?
  

Keys to the game

• Find a way to beat Nabokov.
  
• Special teams - both power play units have been poor lately.

Game #16 - at Los Angeles Kings

Game 16
Penguins (12-3-0, 24 pts) at Kings (9-4-2, 20 pts)


Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Two great young defensemen.

Why does it matter?
It's not quite the Clash of the Titans, but these are two of the top teams so far this season.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens won a thriller over the Ducks on Tuesday. Their power play continues to struggle, while the role players have stepped way up.
  
• Kings - The Kings are coming off of a nice road win at Phoenix and have points in 7 straight games.
  

Questions to be answered

• LA limits the shots against them - they've allowed 31 in the last two game combined (that's really low). Can the Pens generate consistent offense?
  
• What is up with the power play? I know they're short-handed right now, but they still have some good talent out there.
  
• Neither team has taken many penalties of late. Who will win the battle at even-strength?
  

Keys to the game

• Despite the low shot totals, the Kings allow their share of goals. Jonathan Quick has average numbers.
  
• Keep Kopitar in check - he's the leading scorer in the NHL so far this year.
  
• Make it a team effort again.
  

Penguins 4, Ducks 3

So what happened?
A back-and-forth game where nether team ever held more than a one goal lead. It also featured a parade to the penalty box during the first period by the Ducks. Fleury made several great saves and Sid stacked the pads to make another huge save when Fleury was out of position. Team play was the story of the night - everyone chipped in.

Who scored?
Rupp(4), Letang (1), Goligoski (6), Dupuis (3)

Any surprises?
Only that FSN was as amazed by a third period save on Lupul as everyone else was - they updated the score by accident! Check it out:
Fleury has just made the save on Lupul.


FSN changed the score to 4-4!! They changed it back pretty quickly, but still - pretty funny!



Any change in the standings?
Nope - first in the NHL with 24 points.

Who's next?
The West Coast swing continues at LA on Thursday.

Notes:

• Doesn't it seem weird for Koivu to be a Duck?
• That didn't seem like it should be Letang's first goal...
• Goligoski has 6 already... I know he has been scoring, but see my previous comment about Letang.
• Ryan Whitney with almost 29 minutes of ice time, leading everyone by far. Nice to see Ryan as a top defensemen in the league.

Game #15 - at Anaheim Ducks

Game 15
Penguins (11-3-0, 22 pts) at Ducks (4-6-2, 10 pts)


Honda Center, Anaheim, California

The leading goal scorer on each team.

Why does it matter?
The Pens are coming off of their third loss of the season. They are starting a West Coast swing, something that plagued several recent opponents like Columbus and Minnesota.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - The Pens look to avoid being snake bit by another hot goalie, which is what happened on Saturday against the Wild.
  
• Ducks - The Ducks have been struggling mightily (ha!) and are just 2-5 at home on the young season. They have too much tale
  

Questions to be answered

• Can the Ducks limit the chances against them? Hiller has a good save percentage and a bad GAA - that usually means tons of shots. Indeed, the Ducks have allowed at least 32 shots in every game this season.
• Will the return of Tyler Kennedy mean the third line will be reunited? If so, who will center the second line?
  
• Can the Pens win the special teams battle? The Ducks are hot on the power play, though they will take penalties (11 PP chances given to Toronto a few games back)
  

Keys to the game

• Keep the established formula going - throw tons of shots at the Ducks - they're used to allowing them.
• Stay out of the box.
  
• Contain Perry.