The Penguins eeked out another two points against a divisional rival making for quite the successful weekend. Saturday saw the 1-0 victory over the Rangers and yesterday was a come from behind third period win over the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2. The Penguins are leaning hard into their top end players as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have accounted for four of the team’s last five goals spanning three games. Great to see the big guns doing their thing, but a little help would be nice.
Evgeni Malkin has been doing everything possible to help the Penguins bank these points. He’s been really good since coming back. He has goals in three straight games. Here’s his goal from last night
For the second time this weekend, Geno is responsible for our @JagermeisterUSA Shot of the Night! pic.twitter.com/zK2l0AL0cx
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 28, 2022
CF%: 55.38 xGF%: 55:31 Points per 60: 1.94
Not bad for a 35 year old coming off of a pretty serious knee injury. I think there’s room for growth with the 5v5 offense as well. The power play Geno has gone Machino.
Outside of the lack of scoring depth lately I think Brian Dumoulin is playing some of the worst hockey he has as a Penguin and that is with the luxury of having one of the best defensive partners in the sports. I’ll have more to say about Dumoulin in the near future. Let’s just say all options are on the table for me regarding his status.
Mark Friedman has acclimated himself nicely through two games. He saved a goal on the goal line to keep the game close
THIS IS A MARK FRIEDMAN APPRECIATION POST. pic.twitter.com/Unh6SGA7sx
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 28, 2022
If you have to replace an injured player having it be a bottom pairing defenseman or is 4th liner is ideal. Players can come in and be successful. We’ll see how long Friedman can keep it up for.
The Penguins have until Thursday to rest up and then it is gauntlet time. @ Tampa Bay @ Carolina Florida Vegas Carolina
Those four points earned this weekend loom large heading into this stretch.
Thanks for reading!