Panthers 5, Pens 3

Some good, some bad. That's pretty much the story of the Pens so far this season and this game was no different. The Pens seemed to be so and not really wanting to play the first period and promptly went down 2-0. They did the little mistakes on defense that always seems to cost them.

However as has been the tread lately the team woke up and play to the final buzzer. The Pens were able to pull it to 4-2 and were awarded a power play but failed to capitalize. The teams then traded goal with a minute left (Empty Netter and Koltsov rebound goal) for the final score.

John LeClair was able to score his 400th goal for his career to become the 77th player over all and 7th American to accomplish this feat. While it is not quite a season he and the Pens were hoping for, he has put up some decent numbers (18 G, 25 A). I am hoping that with the hopeful influx of talent the Pens hope to get (Malkin) LeClair should be able to give some stability next year if he comes back.

Fleury had a bad game. He gave up 4 soft goals that either beat him on is glove hand which when he is on never happens or 5 hole. This is the first game is awhile in which he just seemed like he was fighting the puck and doing the bad habits he had before. Caron came on about half way through the game and held the Pathers scoreless with some help from a badly shanked tap in. Luongo didn't get challenged and how could he with the huge body and even bigger pads. Luongo of course subscribes to the Garth Snow school of goal tending, "Pad up and don't move". How this guy can't win games by himself all the time I won't know because there is no where to shoot.

Next up the Islanders again on Friday...