Lightning strikes twice on 6-2 victories (Penguins)

Penguins

Lightning strikes twice on 6-2 victories

By Ryan Wilson

Oct 16, 2022 • 1:30 pm

0comment-bubble

he Penguins have done it again. Yes, they’ve earned a second victory. They’ve also earned their second consecutive 6-2 victory and Saturday night’s was more impressive than the first one. Mopping up against Arizona was a fairly predictable outcome. Trouncing the Eastern Conferences most dominant team of past few seasons not as much. The Penguins looked the part of a quality team once again.

It comes as no surprise with the Penguins looking as good as they do that their captain is leading the way. He put up a second consecutive three-point performance. He is tied for the league’s scoring lead with six points with Artemi Panarin and one ahead of Connor McDavid. Sid scored the Penguins first goal of the night once again. It was a beautiful forehand to backhand deke on a 2v1 rush with Jake Guentzel, who looked like he was shot out of a cannon heading through the neutral zone. Just look at how quick he gets up the ice.

As I was watching the game with Colby Armstrong in between the benches it put into perspective just how long Sid has been amazing. Armstrong was literally Sidney Crosby’s linemate and he has been retired 10 years and was traded by Pittsburgh 14 years ago. Crazy how long 87 has been doing it for with no signs of slowing down. He’s got six points in his first two games. It is his 18th year in the league. All players are better conditioned. It has never been harder to stay competitive due to the younger generation's commitment to fitness and skill. Yet, there he is, and there he will be.

His younger partner in crime continues to make life difficult for the milkshake workers. Jake scored his own goal just like the opener. This time he showed off his stellar eye-hand coordination in front.

Jake’s assists aren’t limited to on the ice. He saved Colby Armstrong, too

We were all surprised when Danton Heinen signed for only 1M after the season he had last year. It was a much-needed depth signing. Heinen was showing up some of his skills last night which led to the Penguins second goal, it was on the power play

There was similar surprise for when Evan Rodrigues signed at 2M. I wish the Penguins were the one paying him. Jan Rutta's salary could have come close to covering both players.

Jeff Carter’s ability to drive play is rightfully in question. There are real concerns he will be a liability on that front. What isn’t in question is the fact he is a goal scorer. Last night, he scored a goal scorer’s goal. It was a really clever and assertive shot which found its way just inside the post

Setting up the goal was Kasperi Kapanen who has in consecutive games created offense off of the rush. This is his strength. We know he can do this part. It is going to take a lot for him to get out of my personal doghouse. Either his rush offense is going to have to increase in frequency (consecutive games is a good start) and/or he will have to be able to generate when he isn’t off of the rush. Fair or not (it is fair) when he got that contract, he is going to be under a microscope this year.

Shoutout to Pierre-Olivier Joseph who is in a weird spot getting some NHL action when the team would clearly be playing somebody else, but waiver status got in the way. He has a 74.12 xGF% through both games this year. Solid start for a player who needed one in a big way.

Hockey works in weird ways. In the opener Rickard Rakell had seven shots on goal with nothing to show for it. He added another two before he was rewarded with an empty net goal. He deserved it.

The Penguins have 98 shots through the two games. It is very encouraging how much they are pushing forward and creating these opportunities. The big question is can the NHL’s oldest team keep this style up throughout the 82 game grind.

Tristan Jarry has picked up where he left off last season, when healthy. He made multiple great saves in a winning effort. How things would have been different if he wasn’t hurt in last year’s playoffs.

Just want to make sure to sneak in some praise for Kris Letang. He’s still a beast. He has started the year with three points. Out of players who have played 30 minutes of 5v5 time he leads the NHL with an xGF% of 84.31. He has a 6.1M cap hit.

The Penguins hit the road now and do they ever. They visit one of the best road cities in the NHL on Monday when they take on the Montreal Canadiens

Thanks for reading!

Show Comments
Loading...
Loading...
0
Show comments for this article