Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Sid hits one out on opening day

March 30, 2018, 12:02 PM ET [118 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
They finally beat the Devils. It took overtime and a special effort from the captain, but it happened. The Penguins 4-3 victory keeps them ahead of Columbus for home ice advantage with only four games remaining. One of those games will in fact be against the Blue Jackets.

I'm going to start with the obvious. Sidney Crosby is winding back the clock to when he would be doing truly special things on a semi-regular basis. It was easy to take for granted when he was in his early to mid-twenties, but now that it doesn't quite happen as often it is great to see when he goes on a run like he has. The goal against Montreal, Philadelphia, and now this gem all within a week.




Sidney Crosby would have a better go of it in MLB than Michael Jordan ever did. Adding to the spectacle of this goal was what led up to it. One thing Michael Jordan did better than any athlete ever was hold a grudge. Travis Zajac caught Sidney Crosby with his butt-end where there was a gap in his equipment. I don't think Crosby was faking an injury and I also don't think it was as malicious as some of the things I was reading on social media last night. You could make an argument for a minor penalty, but talks of match penalties and suspensions are a bit much and I'm never shy to say somebody should be suspended for a long time.

Crosby now has goals in five consecutive games. This year has been rough for him in the shooting percentage department. He was shooting at a 10.8% clip which would be his lowest for a season if you exclude 2011-12 where he only played 22 games. His goal scoring rampage has bumped it to 11.97% and he is now only two goals away from 30 with four games left to play. If he does reach 30 it will be for the ninth time in his career. He would probably be at 12 if not for David Steckel, Brooks Orpik, and Mike Johnston.

Another positive from last night's game was Patric Hornqvist. He got lucky on the game tying goal, but what I found impressive was his primary assist to Conor Sheary. Hornqvist isn't known for his playmaking or his finesse hands and it is a nice bonus when he makes plays like this one.




Great micro fake for the shot and then sliding it over right on the tape. I've actually noticed Hornqvist making a few more controlled plays the last few games. Some of them haven't worked, but I am fine with that. I'd rather he try because when you do make controlled plays with Evgeni Malkin you greatly increase the chances of success. Hopefully there is more to come.



Thanks for reading!
Join the Discussion: » 118 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Ryan Wilson
» A sure thing paired with some rare sights
» Penguins earn victory on Jake night
» A salute to Jake Guentzel
» Sid puts on show as Avs dig out of hole
» A dud in Dallas