Thursday, March 24, 2011

Penguins 2, Flyers 1 (OT - SO - 2-1)

So what happened?
A great road effort by the Pens against a top team in the East. The real story tonight was the team defense that the Pens put forth, limiting the Flyers to just 20 shots. That tied the Flyers' low water mark for shots on the season (though it was the third time in March the Pens have held an opponent to just 20 shots).

The only blemish is that the Pens were unable to win this one in regulation. That was due entirely to the play of Sergei Bobrovsky (or, as Bob Errey seems to pronounce it, Bob Rovsky). He was really good, and the Pens were unable to pick the corners up high when they had the chance.

The power play scored a key goal, and the PK didn't allow one, so you'd have to say things are looking up.

Who scored?
Kennedy (18)

The Good?
  • Two out of four shooters scored in the shootout, including a great move by Kovalev. Bob Rovsky seems to overreact to shots, since Kovie and Kunitz were able to beat him with good fakes.
  • Dupuis had a strong physical game, taking the body more consistently than I can remember in recent history.
  • Flower was solid, especially in the shootout. The goal that went in (from Richards) was a fluke.
The Bad?
  • I'd say it's a bad thing that the Pens just can't find a way to bury a puck right now. They had several golden chances to score in regulation and have been unable to find the twine.
The Ugly?
  • Dustin Jeffrey seems to have a knee injury. If he's out, the Pens will have four centers sitting on the shelf. Ouch.
Any Surprises?
  • There was no urgency or intensity from the Flyers. I know the Pens were playing well as a team, but there didn't seem to be much effort from the Flyers in the third.
What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?
The Pens are now 43-23-8. They have opened up a 5 point lead over Tampa for the fourth spot in the East.

Who's next?
Back home for three straight, starting tomorrow night against New Jersey.

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