The Penguins did what they had to do. They were victorious over the Nashville Predators by a score of 4-2. Unfortunately, because of the Bruins loss it wasn’t enough to move them into a playoff position. The Red Wings had a come from behind overtime victory, the Capitals beat the Bruins, and the Islanders ran away from the Devils. As far as getting help from other teams the Penguins had as bad of a night as they could. They remain on the outside looking in and will need the Canadiens to beat the Red Wings and the Flyers to beat the Capitals. They are up against it.
In the game last night the Penguins actually did a lot of things that had been plaguing them throughout the year. The power play looked functional, they fought through the adversity of having two goals called back on dubious calls, Erik Karlsson made his mark on the game through assertive/aggressive play, and they held down a third period lead. All good things that help this team win games. A little bit frustrating to see these things all come together in the 81st game. They’ve left so many points on the board this season and it was for not consistently getting those things.
I was impressed with the Penguins ability to overcome the two disallowed goals. I didn’t agree with either call. The second one was as egregious as I can remember. It was complete rubbish. Saros initiated very mild contact with Eller and created his own problem
Even with two setbacks the Penguins kept clawing away and it comes as no surprise to me that the Captain was a central figure in getting the team on the board.
Crosby finished with a goal and an assist while also going CF 29 CA 10 for a CF% of 74.36. We knew he wouldn’t go down without a fight and since the trade deadline he really stepped up and put the Penguins in a situation where they even have a chance to advance to the postseason.
Erik Karlsson has had some real low moments on the defensive side of things lately. He’s also been able to counterbalance them with some great offensive plays. Last night was the type of game I expected from him when the Penguins originally traded for him. He was very assertive and was a driving force in creating chances for the Penguins. I loved that he was shoot first on a lot of sequences when he’s been deferring in similar circumstances throughout the year. He had six shots in the first period alone and he ripped home the Penguins second goal of the game. His shoot happy approach can help clear east west passing lanes and he was able to also take advantage of his vision and passing when he slid the puck cross ice to Emil Bemstrom for the Penguins important fourth goal.
A sublime performance by #65 last night.
Reilly Smith has been a disappointment along the same lines of Derick Brassard. Logical trade that just didn’t work out. Even so, Smith scored an enormous goal last night on the type of play I thought we would see more of this year. He did a great job finding open space and buried the puck where Saros had no chance
Even former Penguins got in on the action last night.
The Penguins are off today. Their competition is not. Tonight is the night we find out if the Penguins game against the Islanders means anything for them. The Red Wings will be facing the Montreal Canadiens again. The Capitals are facing off against the Flyers. If the Red Wings AND Capitals lose in any fashion and the Penguins win on Wednesday it will be Pittsburgh in the playoffs. The Penguins hold the tiebreakers so all they have to do is tie both teams.
Per Moneypuck the Penguins chances are down to 15.1% and they have nobody to blame but themselves. This team threw away standings points throughout the season. This comeback in the standings has been very impressive and speaks to the character of the players for not giving up. It just goes to show how damning some of the other losses in the year have been. So much of this was avoidable with just barely competent play instead of the disjointed and undisciplined mistakes we saw over and over again this year.
The scoreboard watching will be intense. Season might die tonight.
Thanks for reading!
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