The Maple Leafs had the task of taking on the defending Stanley Cup Champions on the second half of a back to back. The Penguins line combos and defensive pairs were the same ones that they used during the 2016 playoffs. It was too much for the Leafs to handle.
Daily xG Chart - TOR vs. PIT 2016-11-12 pic.twitter.com/ECdo4Tl3KV
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Here are how the individuals players did
Kris Letang had a fun time taking advantage of Toronto's loose defensive play. In fact the Penguins as a whole did a nice job of gaining speed through the neutral zone against the Maple Leafs throughout the night.
On most nights I like Toronto's open approach and willingness to trade chances back and forth considering they have some really good offensive players. However, it is probably going to be a losing proposition every time against a team built like Pittsburgh is right now.
Pittsburgh scored four times. Here are the goals
Sidney Crosby had a goal and an assist. He now has 13 points in only nine games. He is 26th overall in the scoring race. Out of those 13 points ten are goals. This is one of the best goal scoring starts Sid has had in his career. He is consistently near the goal mouth and is being rewarded for it.
Evgeni Malkin keeps quietly going about his business. He's a point per game player on the year with eight goals and 15 points in 15 games.
Phil Kessel was held without a point last night. In four games against his former team he has yet to register a point. It wasn't for lack of trying Phil found himself able to navigate the neutral zone with speed on multiple occasions.
Chris Kunitz does many little things to drive possession and that still makes him a useful player for the Penguins. His goal scoring has certainly dropped off so it was nice to see him get on the board last night. He almost had a second goal but Frederik Andersen made an unreal glove save in the third period.
Pittsburgh is off until Wednesday. With last night's win they are tied with the New York Rangers atop the division.
Thanks for reading!