Penguins 4, Sabers 2
The biggest news of this game was that they Penguins were able to score their first empty net goal since the 03-04 year. No really it was the fact that the Pens were able to turn in their 3 straight solid game and this time they did it against the best team in hockey. The Pens were not able to shutdown this team like they did the Hurricanes but really not many teams are able to compete let alone come back twice on them and win. The Penguins were lead by their Power Play and Malkin on offense and the Penalty Kill and Staal on defense. Fleury was solid for the 5th straight game after the Christmas break.
The Penguins went down early 1 - 0 when the Sabers got a couple of good bounces and were able to find Roy, who's slap shot just eluded Fleury's glove. The Penguins were able to get that one back in the second period when Crosby abused a Saber without a stick and used him to screen a backdoor pass to Whitney who score for the second straight game. The tie score did not last long for the Penguins however because the Sabers were able to end the Penguins run of perfect Penalty Kills off a good play by Gaustad to stop a Fleury pass and kept the puck in the zone. The Sabers used this when they got another good bounce to the stick of Drury off a pass from behind the net by Briere to put them back up 2 - 1. This was the point that Malkin and Staal decided to take over the game. Staal got the Penguins back even after Malkin danced with the puck and setup Melicar for a shot on goal and waiting for the rebound was Staal. Staal put the puck under a diving Miller and into the empty net. Malkin was then able to put the dagger to the Sabers with 2 seconds left in the period. Malkin got the pass and took one stride and just blistered a slap shot past Miller, who had a clear look at it but probably didn't see it go past him. Moore was then the recipient of Staal generosity for the empty net goal.
This next week could really do a lot for the Penguins playoff hopes. If they play the next 4 games like they did the last 3 they should easily beat the Lightning twice , the Panthers, and the Penguins favorite opponent the Flyers. The last three games coming on the road.
This whole thing starts with the Lightning at home on Sunday...
The Penguins went down early 1 - 0 when the Sabers got a couple of good bounces and were able to find Roy, who's slap shot just eluded Fleury's glove. The Penguins were able to get that one back in the second period when Crosby abused a Saber without a stick and used him to screen a backdoor pass to Whitney who score for the second straight game. The tie score did not last long for the Penguins however because the Sabers were able to end the Penguins run of perfect Penalty Kills off a good play by Gaustad to stop a Fleury pass and kept the puck in the zone. The Sabers used this when they got another good bounce to the stick of Drury off a pass from behind the net by Briere to put them back up 2 - 1. This was the point that Malkin and Staal decided to take over the game. Staal got the Penguins back even after Malkin danced with the puck and setup Melicar for a shot on goal and waiting for the rebound was Staal. Staal put the puck under a diving Miller and into the empty net. Malkin was then able to put the dagger to the Sabers with 2 seconds left in the period. Malkin got the pass and took one stride and just blistered a slap shot past Miller, who had a clear look at it but probably didn't see it go past him. Moore was then the recipient of Staal generosity for the empty net goal.
This next week could really do a lot for the Penguins playoff hopes. If they play the next 4 games like they did the last 3 they should easily beat the Lightning twice , the Panthers, and the Penguins favorite opponent the Flyers. The last three games coming on the road.
This whole thing starts with the Lightning at home on Sunday...
Labels: 2006 Game Review
posted by Penguins Blog at 10:45 PM
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