After stringing together some impressive defensive performances the Penguins regressed back to giving up a high volume of shot attempts. If goaltending is not above average then things aren’t going to go well. Goaltending was not above average.

That isn’t to say that the Penguins didn’t generate their own fair share of chances, they did.



It was a high event game and this time it didn’t go the Penguins way. Pittsburgh was on the back end of a back to back game against two quality opponents and at times it showed. Not helping the cause is the Penguins lack of forward depth. Ryan Reaves played a total of 3:25 at even-strength last night. That is rubbish for a team that is playing on their second consecutive night. You really have to ask yourself what was the point of playing this player on this night. Complete waste.

This game showcased two of the best defensemen in the league. Kris Letang continues to drive play with Brian Dumoulin. Victor Hedman was awesome. Nobody was on the ice for more positive shot attempts than he was. He also scored on a big slap shot that beat the clock by a sliver.




Olli Maatta is doing a great job offensively this year. It is a return to form from a few years back. His ability to drive play continues to look like it is driven by the quality of his teammate. That isn’t unique. It happens to most players. However, it is evident when he isn’t with another top four caliber defenseman that he is going to be on the wrong side of the shot attempt margin more times than not. Put him back with Justin Schultz.


Was Antti Niemmi terrible? I think there were definitely breakdowns in front of him. It doesn’t change the fact that he has given up a ton of goals so far in his young Penguins career. He’s given up nine goals on only 47 shots. That is an .809 all situations save percentage. No bueno. Anybody know how Tristan Jarry is doing these days?

Sidney Crosby failed to register a point for the first time this year.

Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist and continues to pour in the offense. Kris Letang actually fired the puck towards the net on the second power play and Guentzel did his thing with the deflection. He has a true knack for the net



It was Bryan Rust’s first ever point in the NHL on the power play.

Pittsburgh returns to action against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.

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