Perhaps the Penguins are intentionally challenging themselves by allowing teams to get an early lead and then try to come back. That would be an unrealistic glass half-full perception of the last two games. The reality is that they haven’t been at their best in the first period while playing non-playoff teams. Not the trend you want with so few games left in the regular season.
The Islanders were great to start the game and good thing for the Penguins was that Matt Murray was too. Through two periods the Islanders registered 30 shots and Murray turned aside 28. Welcome back, Matt. The Islanders cashed in on their chances while the Penguins didn’t. Teams were close in high-danger chances with Pittsburgh having 18 and New York generating 17. Christopher Gibson had a great game turning away 37 out of 38 shots.
John Tavares had two assists in what could be his final game against the Penguins in an Islanders jersey. Matt Barzal had a goal and an assist and continues to solidify his claim to the Calder Trophy.
Phil Kessel lost his assignment. Nick Leddy did something simple yet effective by leaving the boards as the strong side defender. If the strong side winger isn’t paying attention it creates a soft spot. Conor Sheary had good intentions, but when you start to try and cover for others it opens up the ice in other places. Leddy smartly moved the puck to Boychuk and Barzal got inside position on Letang for the deflection.
More mistakes at the defensive blue line for Pittsburgh
Kris Letang moves the puck up to Jake Guentzel who did not deflect the puck to the middle which is what Sidney Crosby was expecting. Rust, much like Sheary, had good intentions on helping out, but moving all the way to the left side created a void on where he normally is. Sidney Crosby is nowhere to be found because he sold out on the perceived chip play. As a result the middle is open and Adam Pelech absolutely lays into the shot.
These goals are easily fixable by staying more structured and making a small change to the preceding events to the goal. Phil needs to keep an eye on Leddy a little better and Guentzel either needs to make a successful chip or get down lower towards the hash marks so the defenders have to travel further to make initial contact. These things weren’t done and there’s a fine line between goals going in and goals being prevented in this league.
The lone bright spot was Conor Sheary’s goal. There was a lot going right on this play. Brassard successfully cycles the puck to Phil Kessel who curls to his forehand. Conor Sheary immediately identifies the situation and sneaks around the back side of the net to open space. Phil does what great NFL quarterbacks do and passes a player open. Sheary finished the play off.
The Penguins will host Montreal. Let’s see if they can spot the other team a multiple goal lead for the third consecutive game.
Thanks for reading!
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