Lopsided - Penguins 5, Flames 3

So what happened?

This was nowhere near as close as the score indicated.  While the Pens did need an empty net goal from Jordan Staal to cement the victory, the Pens put on a clinic for about 45 of the 60 minutes of this hockey game.  The rest of the time, they were simply better than average, instead of tremendous.

My biggest takeaway from this game was that the Flames tried to get physical with the Pens.  The Pens not only ignored the nonsense, but also hurt the Flames on the score sheet, ruining their home opener.  I can't think of a better script.

Who scored?

Kennedy (1), Niskanen (1), Malkin (1), Adams (1), Staal (1)

The Good?

• Hurting the Flames on the scoreboard instead of responding to some of the shenanigans.
• Matt Cooke took a shot to the head, but was able to return in the third period.
• Another balanced effort in the TOI department.  Only Aaron Asham was under 10 minutes of ice time, and that's largely because he doesn't play on the PK or the PP.
• The power play had another multi-goal game and looked pretty decent.

The Bad?

• Almost blowing another lead.  Letting a better team than Calgary back into the game in the third is a recipe for disaster.
• Curtis Glencross had a cheap shot on Malkin off of a faceoff that may have led to Geno missing the latter part of the third period.  Hopefully he isn't hurt.

The Ugly?

• Fleury's save percentage - 85% - not pretty.  The goals that went in, however, really weren't ones that he had a chance to stop (especially the cross-ice pass - the D can't let that go through).

Any Surprises?

• We don't see the Flames that much, so I was surprised how chippy they were (borderline cheap).  Something tells me we'd really hate the Flames if the Pens played them more often.

What's their record now?

The Pens are 2-0-0.

Who's next?

Quick turnaround for a game in Edmonton tonight at 9:00 EST.