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Pens Prey on the Preds, Notes and Malkin Speaking Some English On TV

February 7, 2007, 1:22 PM ET [ Comments]

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The Pittsburgh Penguins past a huge test last night at the Mellon Arena as they knocked off the league's top team.

Nashville came into the game having just proven their dominance out west by beating the Anaheim Ducks 3-0. The Penguins were up to the challenge from the opening face-off, out-shooting the Predators 10-5 in the first period. Unfortunately, they found themselves down 1-0 heading into the second period.

The Penguins were a little sloppy at times early in the second, and Nashville was generating some momentum. That all changed when Max Talbot went toe to toe with Darcy Hordichuk who had just laid a huge hit on Alain Nasreddine. The Penguins have gotten very good at sticking up for each other, and are trying to dispel the rumor that they need more toughness in the line-up.

Soon after Talbot's run in with Hordichuk, the Penguins began getting opportunities, but they weren't going in the net...Jordan Staal finally broke through goaltender Chris Mason's wall, taking a feed from Sidney Crosby and lashing a shot past the Nashville goalie.

The goal gives Staal 19 on the season, what an amazing story he has become! It is unfortunate that he broke into the league at a time when Anze Kopitar and Evgeni Malkin are the odds on favorite to compete for the Calder, because "Jordo" would be a shoo in most years. He seems to be getting stronger by the game, and his offensive ability is catching up with his defense. Staal is going to be a monster in this league.

The Penguins never seemed to lose control of the game after tying it and once Malkin gave them the lead there was no looking back. The Penguins bottled up the Nashville forwards, keeping them on the perimeter and not allowing a lot of second chances. Marc Andre Fleury was spectacular again and is really having the huge second half that I predicted.

Mark Recchi scored a vintage Mark Recchi goal, coming down the right wing boards and snapping a shot past Chris Mason. It used to be his bread and butter shot, but he seems to take in a lot more infrequently these days. It makes no matter; this guy is playing like a 25-year-old and has been great for this team.

Nashville did everything in their power to intimidate the Penguins, but they could not shake them. Scott Hartnell tried to ride Evgeni Malkin like horse, keeping him pinned to the ice. Malkin almost stood up with him on his shoulders and came close to getting in his first NHL fight.

This was a huge win for a young team on the cusp of possible greatness. The Penguins are now 9-0-2 in their last 11 and have themselves right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, could they make a run at New Jersey and a Division title? Anything seems possible at this point with this team. They are learning how to win together, and that will pay off in Stanley Cups down the line.

*****

Since I didn't bake them into the blog above, here is some post game reaction...

Therrien on the thinking that the team needs more toughness and Max Talbot's reaction to Hordichuk:

"A lot of people are talking about how we need toughness and all that stuff...as long as those guys are going to stick like this, not only when Sid receives a cheap shot, it's the group. It was a hard hit on Nasreddine, guys really stick together. I am really impressed with that team spirit."

Therrien on Marc Andre Fleury:

"When there are break downs, Marc Andre is very, very solid. Gives us a chance to win...He puts himself in good position to stop the puck."

Marc Andre Fleury on how tough it is for other teams to play in Mellon Arena:

"That is what we want, want teams to feel like it is hard to come into Pittsburgh and win games here. So, I think that we have been pretty good and getting wins."

Sidney Crosby on the team's confidence:

"I think we are confident...we are happy about the way we are playing, but we have to realize that every time we step out there it is a new game and if we don't do what has made us successful then we are not going to be...every guy out there has got to chip in and keep doing what their doing."

Sidney Crosby on being under-rated defensively:

"Yeah, that is a big part. Marc is doing his job, the defensemen have been doing a great job of clearing the puck and blocking shots...right now it's the details that are really making the difference for us...some things that go unnoticed. Little things like getting the puck out of your own zone when there's a battle and keeping plays alive in the offensive zone...those are little things that go a long way in a game. Those mini battles add up at the end of the game...we are just doing a great job of competing."

*****

Ray Shero has been selected to the National Team Management Advisory Group. He along with fellow NHL General Managers David Poile of Nashville, Brian Burke of Anaheim and Don Waddell of Atlanta will assist with selecting the United States National Men's Hockey Teams that will compete in international competitions. Their first task, assembling the team that will play in the world championships in Russia this spring.

*****

Upcoming Penguin Milestones (prior to last night's game):

- Michel Ouellet needs 6 games for 100 career games in the NHL.
- Ryan Malone needs 8 games for 200 career games in the NHL.
- Colby Armstrong needs 2 games for 100 career games in the NHL. He needs 41 points for 100 career points in the NHL.
- Ronald Petrovicky needs 11 points for 100 career points in the NHL.
- Nils Ekman needs 10 assists for 100 career assists in the NHL. He needs 51 points for 200 career points in the NHL. He needs 41
games for 300 career games in the NHL.
- Jarrko Ruutu needs 12 games for 300 career games in the NHL.
- Jocelyn Thibault needs 34 games for 600 career games in the NHL.
- Brooks Orpik needs 11 games for 200 career games in the NHL.
- Sergei Gonchar needs 4 games for 800 career games in the NHL.
- Sidney Crosby needs 14 points for 200 career points in the NHL.

*****

Malkin's interview on Fox Sports Pittsburgh with Stan Savran...interpreter George Birman was there, but Malkin did speak his first English words on television towards the end of the broadcast.

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