So what happened?
This was very similar to the game against the Jets in that the score was tied 1-1 going into the third period, and the Pens used some rapid fire goals to open up a lead in the third.
Things started a little bit slowly tonight. The Canes earned the first goal after some back and forth play. This only served to fire up the Pens, and they absolutely dominated the game as the Canes seemed to be content to lay back and not press the issue. The Pens forced the action to the point of out shooting the Canes FIFTY-TWO to eighteen. This was the high-water mark for the Pens this season.
The most encouraging thing was that the team never took the foot off of the throttle. They kept pushing the offense. It helped that the game was only tied going into the third, but even after they opened up a bit of a lead, they kept going.
Things started a little bit slowly tonight. The Canes earned the first goal after some back and forth play. This only served to fire up the Pens, and they absolutely dominated the game as the Canes seemed to be content to lay back and not press the issue. The Pens forced the action to the point of out shooting the Canes FIFTY-TWO to eighteen. This was the high-water mark for the Pens this season.
The most encouraging thing was that the team never took the foot off of the throttle. They kept pushing the offense. It helped that the game was only tied going into the third, but even after they opened up a bit of a lead, they kept going.
Who scored?
Neal (21), Sullivan (7), Dupuis (11), Staal (14)
The Good?
- Dupuis had a beautiful goal, taking a pass from Kennedy on a two-on-one. Peters went down and Dupuis' shot went up. It was a goal scorer's goal, if there ever was such a thing.
- Neal's goal was a bit fluky, but the puck was loose in the crease, and he was aggressive in attacking it. He got in the way of the clearing attempt and the puck pin-balled into the net.
- Michalek and Orpik were excellent.
- The Pens won the special teams battle, shutting the Canes out on the PK while managing a power play goal.
- James Neal with nine shots, Kennedy and Malkin had six apiece.
The Bad?
- If you wanted to nit-pick, taking two penalties in the third wasn't a smart move. Granted, the Clueless Zebras were looking for any reason to blow their whistle, but taking two still isn't good.
The Ugly?
- Geno is inconsistent at best on faceoffs. He won just 6 of 22 tonight.
Any Surprises?
- Seeing Justin Peters in net was a surprise. He was sharp early, but I'm sure he hasn't seen too many barrages like he saw tonight in his NHL career.
What's their record now?
The Pens are 21-11-4.
Who's next?
That Double-J guy (and the creepy car commercial guy) are coming here for the first time on Thursday.
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