The Pens scored early, really early, 1:13 of the first by Brandon Sutter. It was the first of eight goals in regulation as the Isles lead the Pens on the score sheet all the way to the last seven minutes of the third. The Isles looked dominating as Matt Martin scored at 8:47 of the first followed by Nikolay Kulemin at 09:53. Ex-Islander Blake Comeau got one back at the 16:34 mark to cut the Isle lead. The start of the second period saw Nick Leddy score at 5:02 but Nick Spalling put the Pens within one where the game would stay until there was only seven minutes left in the third when Patric Hornqvist tied the game at four.

After a slightly difficult second period, Nick Leddy spoke with Shannon Hogan. “With the lead we’re playing good defensively. We need to limit their chances. We’ve given up a few. We have to keep it simple get pucks in deep, keep it off their skilled guys.”

He know the Pens wouldn’t lay down for this one. “They’re going to make a big final push. Johsnon has been great for us so far and we’re going to need him here in the third.”

Casey Cizikas came within a hair of putting the Isles back up on top as he hustled in on Fleury and came so close to him he could smell his deodorant, but he hit the post and the net came off it ice. I screamed from the couch. So close.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Johnny Boychuk was out tomorrow. How these guys play after some of the hits they take and injuries they endure is beyond me. Still, he played every shift including overtime.

Calvin deHaan was hurt after being taken into the boards by Brandon Sutter and taken off by the trainer. deHaan hit his shoulder and head into the boards hard but Sutter was a good sport and was visibly concerned and helped him before the trainer came on. Considering how well deHaan was playing, if he is out for any length of time, it will be a real issue

Hickey and Tavares had an opportunity to win it in regulation, but the puck sailed it over the net. Each team ended regulation with a point which is more than I originally thought the isles would come away from Pittsburgh with.

During the overtime period, John Tavares had his chances -- and is probably going to have nightmares about the amount of times he almost won the game.

Crosby and Malkin played a good chunk of the overtime period giving my heart palpitations. They were relentless in the overtime frame. Clutterbuck and Nelson had their chances too, but the game couldn’t be decided in 65 minutes.

No scrape for the shoot-out and Malkin missed the net as the first shooter. JT was denied by MAF.
Crosby scored on Johnson with a hesitation move that looked like slow motion. Nielsen scored on the backhand making it loose easy. Sutter was stopped by Johnson and then Okposo took his time and managed to fake Fleury out.. While he was down he just slid the puck into the net to win the game. He is now four for four in shoot-outs.

Isles win in Pittsburgh. Amazing.

Jack Capuano was all smiles and spoke at 500 mph with Shannon Hogan. The most important point the made was his final point, there was no need for the penalty kill unit.

No penalties? . NO PENALTY KILLS!!! Smart game..

For the recap,, Butch Goring couldn’t say enough about Ryan Strome: “Ryan Strome continues to get better and better. Hockey sense, quick hands and tenacity to the game. Not only does he bring offense, he has a little bite to his game. He’s going make mistakes no doubt, but for the most part he’s been really good and everything they’ve hoped he would be.”

Strome was the first star of the game with his three points,(1 G 2A) followed by Kyle Okposo and Patric Hornqvist

With a win tomorrow they’ll be in first place. The Islanders… can be in first place
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It’s late, but you’re not dreaming.

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» Boychuk for Seven

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» The JT Show in TO in OT

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