First of all, the NBC Sports broadcasters were overly complimentary to the Penguins. They did compliment John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, but it did seem like a Penguin love fest for the entire game. Also, some of the between play comments just seemed odd and off-putting.
John Tavares and Kyle Okposo did everything they could to win this game including starting with a two goal lead. But perhaps that was the problem. They are so used to coming from behind, that starting the game with a lead must have thrown them off.
Grabner scored first at only 1:39 of the first. That was a pleasant surprise. He then got an assist on a Brock Nelson goal eight minutes later. But Kunitz and Crosby would tie the game at two before the horn sounded the end of the first period.
Two more Penguin goals were scored in the second including one while Matt Martin was in the box. Martin is definitely on the officials radar for taking penalties but not for drawing any. He was flipped over and rolled and the refs turned a blind eye.
A scary moment when Casey Cizikas blocked a shot and it went off his leg in a place with no padding. He was helped off the ice and made his way to the trainers room. But gutsy Casey came back for the third and took just as many shifts in the third as he did in the first two periods.
Josh Bailey scored three minutes into the third edging the Isles closer. It is only his fifth goal of the season. But that didn't last long before Malkin beat Poulin making it 5 - 3 Penguins.
With USA Hockey's Team USA coach watching from the Pens bench, Kyle Okposo made it 5 - 4 at 10:55 of the third.
All hope was not lost as the Isles were given a five on three advantage late in the third period. But Zatkoff wouldn't let anything in the net and with Poulin on the bench, Brandon Sutter hit the empty net.
No win for the Isles, but a good game. It just doesn't help them dig out of the hole they are in. Entertaining, but wasted.