The team defense won the game for the Pens. That started with Flower, but also included both the blue liners and the forwards who back-checked relentlessly all night long.
Fleury made several key saves and the Pens took advantage of some gaffes by the Canucks while on the power play to build a lead.
The Pens never relinquished that lead.
Who scored?
Crosby (13), Talbot (4), Asham (2)
The Good?
- Flower. Again. Really good.
- The hard work, especially from the forwards, paid off big time, both at even strength and...
- On the PK, when Talbot and Cooke's extra effort led directly to the Pens' second goal.
- On Asham's goal, Geno was going hard to the net. He seemed to be in the "this puck is going in one way or another" mindset. He went towards the post hard enough that he fell and knocked it off the moorings after the puck was batted in by Asham.
- By building a lead, the Pens were able to roll their lines while the Canucks largely skated with just three lines for much of the evening. That paid off big time as the Canucks were unable to muster a serious threat in the later part of the third period.
- The PK shut down one of the best power play units in the NHL.
The Bad?
- Geno and faceoffs just are not good buddies right now. Malkin lost all 8 draws that he took. This is one area he really needs to improve on (or quit taking them).
The Ugly?
- I don't have anything. There was nothing tonight that I'd classify as "ugly".
Any Surprises?
- Dupuis and Cooke both had more ice time than Malkin. Geno can't be 100% healthy right now.
What's their record now? Any important move in the standings?
The Pens are now 10-8-2. They are in second place in the Atlantic, four points behind the Flyers.
Who's next?
The three game home stand ends on Friday against Carolina.
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