Bad Start, Nice Win - Penguins 6, Islanders 3

So what happened?

Here's all you need to know - the Pens were down 2-0 in the first period, continuing their recent habit of getting behind early in games.  They were facing lesser competition this time and were able to turn the tide.  The game itself was a bit too wide-open in that the Pens and Isles both allowed odd-man chances, and the Isles were successful in keeping the Pens bottled up in their own end for two big shifts while the game was still in doubt.

The Pens, though, broke the will of the Isles with physical play and continued pressure.  The Isles simply didn't have an answer (or resolve).

Who scored?

Sullivan (5), Neal (16,17), Dupuis (9), Cooke (7), Martin (1)

The Good?

• Paul Martin had his first goal in 79 games.  For as much as this guy jumps up offensively, you'd think he might score more often... but good for him in getting the monkey off of his back.
• James Neal had two, including one on the power play.
• The Pens actually scored with a two-man advantage.
• Pascal Dupuis filled in at center with the loss of Jordan Staal earlier in the day (lower body injury).  He had the goal that turned out to be the game-winner.

The Bad?

• Not being ready to go in the first period... again.
• Brooks Orpik talking back to the refs later in the third and earning a second minor penalty.  That could have let the Isles back in the game - if they were able to get one quickly on the first minor, they could have pulled their goalie and made things interesting.  No reason for Brooks to yap enough to take that extra two.
• Dupuis was 3-7 on faceoffs.

The Ugly?

• The refs got it COMPLETELY wrong in kicking Hamonic out of the game.  He was called for elbowing and given a five-minute major.  It turns out that while he did hit Orpik, Brooks was more injured by his own stick being smashed against his face.  A two-minute minor?  Maybe.  A major penalty and getting kicked out?  No way.  Maybe the refs were aware of the history from last season and didn't want to take any chances.  I think they need to include replay when handing out an ejection.

Any Surprises?

• Staal missing the game was a surprise.

What's their record now?

The Pens are 17-9-4.

Who's next?

The Red Wings on Tuesday at Consol.