The Penguins have had a great month, but an old friend snagged another regulation victory away from them. Jared McCann’s tip goal in the later stages of the third period tied the game and the Kraken were able to strike the game winner in overtime for the 2-1 victory.

It wasn’t an offensively explosive night for the Penguins. They failed to score at even-strength relying on their lone power play tally. The power play goal was a beautiful display of quick passing with a purpose ending with Malkin taking a laser from the high slot to go high glove on Philip Grubauer.



Unfortunately, the clip doesn’t go further back where I thought a lot of the nice passing happened, not that the passing leading up to the actual goal wasn’t nice. The passing was simple, didn’t waste time or movement, and kept the penalty killers from getting in a groove. Anytime they thought about pressuring the Penguins had their outlet in the high slot playing back and forth with the player on the perimeter. Then the Penguins would skip it across to the other side and those players would not waste time being assertive with their choices. It was nice to watch.

The goal was Evgeni Makin’s fourth of the year and gives him a six game point streak. He has ten points in nine games this year. A very impressive start for a notorious slow starter coming off major injury. He did have some bad turnovers late in the game. One failed exchange with Letang gave the Kraken player a breakaway in the third period, but Jarry was there to shut it down. Malkin’s positives still greatly outweigh his negatives. Nitpicking the bad isn’t worth the time and energy some put into it.

It is tough to be too critical of the Penguins with the way they’ve been playing. All they have been doing is racking up victories. However, the Kraken are a middle of the road xGF% team and they have by far the worst goaltending in the league this year. They are 32nd with an on-ice save percentage of .890. Every other team in the league is .900 or better so they aren’t only the worst. They are by far the worst. Only scoring one goal is a little bit of a disappointment.

I mentioned Jared McCann earlier. Yes, I still believe he should be a Penguin. His 2021-22 season hasn’t done anything to change or alter that mindset. He is two goals short of his career high of 19 right now and the Kraken still have 38 games left to play.

Trevor Zegras did his thing again and it was great

Trevor Zegras are you kidding me!? pic.twitter.com/s1krdcMzIz

— Scott Matla (@scottmatla) January 28, 2022

I’m mentioning it because I am adamant Sidney Crosby should have ten or more of these goals by now. You can’t tell me he isn’t capable. It would take #SidDownLow to the next level and he is already at an elite level. I want one of these by the end of the year. Let’s make it happen, Captain.

News I don’t find surprising in the least bit, especially after the Carter extension, the Penguins are going to begin the process of negotiating extensions with both Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

The Penguins are back at it tonight against their aught 2000’s nemesis, the Detroit Red Wings.

Thanks for reading!

Join the Discussion: » 179 Comments » Post New Comment

» My thoughts on Penguins thoughts

» It's their fault

» Still alive, for now

» Going to need some help now

» Penguins giveth Penguins taketh away