Well that was a nice change of pace for the Penguins. It was the second game of a back to back, it was against the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was a blowout. That all sounds the same because earlier in the year it was all true like it was Saturday night. This time it was the Penguins who were able to win by a lopsided score of 5-2.
The penalty kill has been a huge problem for the Penguins the last few weeks. It is likelier that the team will give up multiple power play goals than to give up none. Against the Lightning they turned that script on its side when Bryan Rust earned a shorthanded breakaway. Great show of speed by Rust and a nice finish.
The other side of special teams was on fire for Pittsburgh. Phil buried a back door pass from Sidney Crosby in what would be the theme of the night. 87 + 81 = victory
The five on three that the Penguins used to score their third goal was perfect. It can’t be defended by the PK unit. They will never chase Phil during the Kessel curl. This allows him to build momentum to snipe or for a tip shot. If they rinse and repeat that sequence they’ll score on almost every five on three advantage. This is one of the best examples of putting your players in a position to succeed. Phil gets to shoot/pass, Hornqvist gets to screen so goalie can’t tell which one is which, and #SidDownLow is the cherry on top. Excellent job.
The Penguins forced a turnover on a Hedman to Stamkos and Phil got another chance to light the lamp. This time on a breakaway. His shot is too good when he has that kind of time.
Pittsburgh had another five on three and Sidney Crosby elected to just shoot the puck. Something five on threes never do enough of. There are three likely results: a goal, a rebound battle that you will normally win, an offensive zone faceoff. Even if the puck gets iced you can quickly break the puck back in.
Phil finished with two goals and two assists while Crosby had two goals and one helper. When the stars have a night like that the Penguins can beat anyone. The Penguins power play is what has bailed them out most of the year. The team still didn’t do much at even-strength, but two points is two points right now.
Saturday night also saw the return of one of the most important Penguins of the Crosby/Malkin era. Chris Kunitz was back in Pittsburgh
Thanks for reading!