Pittsburgh closed out what was a successful 2016 calendar year by doing something that they have gotten quite good at. They won a game in which they were trailing in the third period. Pittsburgh got a fortuitous bounce off of Conor Sheary's body near the net front in the game's final minute to tie things up. The goal was fitting because it didn't look like Carey Price was going to let in anything normal for the rest of the way.
The game winning goal was significant on two fronts. The first is obvious it was in overtime and won the game for Pittsburgh. It was a vintage Evgeni Malkin one-timer from the right circle. Not many goalies are going to get this one.
The unique part of this play was the sequence that happened right before it. Phil Kessel cruised on up to the top of the umbrella with the puck and shot the puck for Crosby to tip it. Carey Price not only had to come up with the tip save, but he made an even better one with his glove on the Crosby rebound attempt. On the game winning goal Kessel once again found himself up top but instead dished it over to Malkin for a different look. Malkin made the perfect shot. Game over.
The other significant part of that goal was where it places Evgeni Malkin among the league leaders
Here is how the game played out
Kris Letang didn't have his A game but he registered two assists on the night. He is their most offensively gifted defenseman and because of that he is still able to make plays even when he is trying to work himself back into game speed.
The Malkin line did well and the two Swedes have come alive on the scoresheet after periods of being dormant. Malkin feathered a beautiful pass over to Hornqvist for a tap in goal. It was Hornqvist's third even-strength goal of the year. Carl Hagelin had five points in his last three games.
Don't forget about Phil. He took what could have been a harmless neutral zone pass and abused the Montreal defender and scored on a deke, yes a deke
Phil Kessel is tied for the fifth most points in the league with 38. The Penguins star trio has been great.
Marc-Andre Fleury is on a bit of a hot streak. He has stopped 100 out of the last 106 shots in his last four appearances.
Sidney Crosby finishes the month of December with 11 goals and 20 points.
Evgeni Malkin had 7 goals and 21 points this month.
Pittsburgh closes out the month of December 12-1-2 yet somehow lost first place in the division. They are currently tied at 56 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets who have one more win than the Penguins in regulation. The Blue Jackets are on a 15 game winning streak.
The Penguins begin their bye week this week and will not play a game until January 8th when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»