Friday, November 19, 2010

Penguins 5, Hurricanes 4 (OT - SO - 2-0)

So what happened?
The Pens played a wild one with the Canes. There were periods of good defensive hockey and periods of... not so good defensive hockey. The good news is that the Pens were able to do enough to escape with two points.

The play of the night was made by the replay boys in Toronto. The Pens took the lead in the third on a highly controversial goal. Kunitz shot the puck from point blank range and the whistle blew just as the puck dropped in behind the line and into the net. Everyone watching on TV (and Steigy and Errey) expected it to be "no goal". It probably should have been - it was clear the ref had lost sight of the puck and you could hear the whistle. For some unknown reason, the review reversed the call on the ice.

The Canes tied the game late in the third, but in a distinct departure from the Rangers game, the Pens were able to get the points.

Who scored?
Kunitz 2 (6,7), Kennedy (4), Crosby (14)

The Good?
  • Fleury was good when he needed to be. He was hung out to dry on more than one of the goals that went in, and he made more than one key save on deflections in the OT.
  • Lots of even-strength play tonight from two teams that like to skate. It was nice to not have a game bogged down by special teams.
  • Crosby had a four point night and was clearly the player of the game.
  • Kunitz also had a great game. He scored twice, delivered several big hits and established a new record on the high jump when he snagged the puck out of the air with both skates off of the ice.
  • Geno had three points tonight and played good hockey at both ends (barring one bad turnover late in the game trying to go out of his zone in front of his own goalie).
The Bad?
  • Allowing another third period lead to disappear late is bad. They have to find a way to win those games in regulation.
The Ugly?
  • Third period faceoffs. The Canes dominated the Pens. It was 16-3 at one point. That's really ugly.
Any Surprises?
  • I was surprised that Peters got the start in goal for the Canes. He hasn't been very good this year.
What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?
The Pens are now 11-8-2. They are in second place in the Atlantic, just two points behind the Flyers.

Who's next?
The Pens have the weekend off until they go to Florida on Monday to play the Panthers.

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