Another game and another victory. The Pittsburgh Penguins are now the second best team in the Eastern Conference with a 6-2-0 record. It has been a picture perfect start for the team as far as results go. Navigating the early season injuries can already be considered a success. The Penguins could have easily been the Devils or the Stars given the players they were missing.
The Dallas Stars season might end in October if they don’t go on a winning streak. They have played the most games in the Western Conference and only have three standings points. I’m guessing Jamie Benn didn’t imagine going down this early in the season.
This was the first game Sidney Crosby has not registered a point in the 2019-20 season. The second line of Kahun-McCann-Hornqvist had his back. Hornqvist led the way with a three point performance which included a tip goal from way out.
Jared McCann also chipped in with a goal after missing time with an injury. This line was getting dominated by the likes of the Minnesota Wild a week ago and getting positive contributions is a nice break from making Sidney Crosby do everything for the team.
Kris Letang had the play of the night when he deked out two Stars players and Khudobin.
Letang’s moves speak for themselves. He’s a dynamic force and is one of the biggest catalysts for the Penguins being able to push the play towards the offensive zone. His work in transition fuels a lot of Crosby’s opportunities. It is nice to see him get rewarded with a goal of his own.
Letang is currently third in the NHL among defenseman with 100 minutes played in CF% (60.14) and eighth in 5v5 points per 60 at 1.99.
Also on this play is an example of why Sidney Crosby likes Dominik Simon on his line. He is a complimentary piece. He keeps plays alive. Keeping plays alive for the really good players has value. When the Penguins forward lineup is back to being healthy him playing there allows the other lines to be stronger. The Simon-Bjugstad-Hornqvist line had great possession numbers, but not a lot of offense. Simon can take his strengths and help two of the best offensive players on the team get more cracks at producing.
In today’s youth hockey advice section we will talk about shading to the middle. You young kids out there are going to want to shade towards the middle of the ice when the puck isn’t on your side. You don’t want to give up easy breakaways and make life hard on your goaltender
Pittsburgh is going to have their hands full tonight. Marc-Andre Fleury and the Vegas Golden Knights are in town and they boast one of the best offensive attacks in the league. If the Penguins get blown out, it’s fine. If they lose a close one, it’s fine. If they take a point, good. If they take two, great. The five game winning streak has alleviated the pressure of a must win against a quality opponent. Tensions could have been way higher heading into this one.
Thanks for reading!
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