The Pittsburgh Penguins did not bring their best effort to New Jersey on Sunday, but it was good enough. They defeated the Devils 3-2. New Jersey played the night prior and has dealt with some COVID related roster issues. They were ripe for the picking. Even with what visually looked like a pedestrian effort the Penguins still out attempted the Devils 38-24 at even-strength.
Teddy Blueger got the scoring going when he scored Pittsburgh’s first shorthanded goal of the year. The penalty kill has been a strength this season and they put together one of the best streaks in recent memory killing off 39 penalties in a row. The streak did end with Nathan Bastian’s third period goal. It was an impressive run.
I wanted to see what Kasperi Kapanen would look like alongside Sidney Crosby. I also had realistic expectations given Kapanen’s tendencies and style of play. Kapanen is a rush player and usually makes one and one plays. Crosby used to be elite on the rush, but as he has aged he defaults more to slowing things down with possession and playing on the wall. A shift last night personifies the dynamic and not in a good way for Kapanen.
Kapanen with three plays that kill possession in a 30-second span. Can't afford this on the top line. pic.twitter.com/J1F6Jl2Z40
— Danny Shirey (@DannyShireyPGH) December 20, 2021
That’s a great way to piss off, Sid. I wouldn’t be surprised if this experiment is ended in the near future for reasons like this shift. Even so I think it was still the right thing to give him a test drive up on the top line especially with the injuries the team currently has.
Danton Heinen is now more than halfway to his prior career high in goals (16). He scored his ninth of the year in only 30 games. His 16 goal career high came in 77 games with the Bruins. If this team is every fully healthy I think he provides the team with an opportunity to be flexible with how they construct their lines.
Tristan Jarry only gave up two goals, but since the Devils only had 19 shots he carried an .895 save percentage. It was only the fifth time all year it has dipped below .900 in what has been an impressive turnaround season to this point.
Penguins will be back in action against the same Devils tomorrow night.
Thanks for reading!