If you had any doubt that Sidney Crosby was all the way back, those doubts were dispelled tonight. The Pens held a 3-2 lead with just under 30 seconds remaining in the game. Jordan Staal had left after taking a puck to the face, and Pascal Dupuis and Matt Cooke (two primary penalty killers) were in the box. Craig Adams was about to enter the box just 8 seconds later. The Pens were down by two men. HCDB looked down his bench and threw #87 out there on the ice in the middle of a physical, lay it on the line type of battle to end the game.
It was the most encouraging thing I've seen all year, and it worked. The Pens held the fort (thanks to a great team effort and some awesome saves by Brent Johnson) and earned two points.
The PK killed a two-man advantage for the final two minutes of the game. It was their best showing all season (which is saying something based on how successful they've been).
Generally, the Pens played pretty well in this one. They did start a bit on the slow side, getting out shot 12-8 in the first period, but they turned it around for the final two periods. The Canes, to their credit, hung around. They did just enough to give themselves a shot to tie the game, thanks to some fortuitous calls against the Pens, starting with about 2:30 left in the game.
Jordan Staal took a puck to the face late in the third. Hopefully he's okay.
It was the most encouraging thing I've seen all year, and it worked. The Pens held the fort (thanks to a great team effort and some awesome saves by Brent Johnson) and earned two points.
The PK killed a two-man advantage for the final two minutes of the game. It was their best showing all season (which is saying something based on how successful they've been).
Generally, the Pens played pretty well in this one. They did start a bit on the slow side, getting out shot 12-8 in the first period, but they turned it around for the final two periods. The Canes, to their credit, hung around. They did just enough to give themselves a shot to tie the game, thanks to some fortuitous calls against the Pens, starting with about 2:30 left in the game.
Jordan Staal took a puck to the face late in the third. Hopefully he's okay.
Who scored?
Adams (3), Asham (2), Dupuis (8)
The Good?
- Craig Adams has scored in two straight games, which makes me think those Mayans might be right about 2012.
- Jamie McBain scored twice for the Canes. He had no goals coming into the game.
- Sid had a great pass to set up Adams' goal.
- Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik playing big minutes and doing it well after Engelland went out. Great game from both of them.
The Bad?
- All those penalties at the end. There were three minors called against the Pens in the last 2:30 (plus one other coincidental minor) - that can't happen. The calls against Dupuis and Cooke were nonsense, but the too many men penalty was a lack of discipline
- Losing the team faceoff battle for what seems like the 87th time in a row (I know it isn't that bad).
- Engelland left with a lower body injury.
The Ugly?
- The calls on Cooke and Dupuis were total nonsense.
- The puck that Staal took to the face. Let's hope nothing got him in the eye.
Any Surprises?
- Boucher? That was a surprise. I wasn't too impressed with him.
What's their record now?
The Pens are 16-7-4.
Who's next?
A big test on Monday night at home against Boston.
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