Lundqvist Shuts the Door on Pens 3-0

Well, I must admit I'm bored, so I think I'll write a small post from last nights game.  In a season of 82 games, I guess we should expect a couple of these type every year.  I feel like the Pens shot out of a cannon early in the first period and had several great opportunities to jump on the board first.  Connor Sheary had a wide open net, only to clank the puck off the post.  If the Pens got on the board first, I believe we would of had a different game last night.  As most of you know who are reading this, later in the first, Kevin Hayes scored off of a juicy rebound in the slot by Marc-Andre Fleury, and the rest is history.  I won't waste your time with the rest of the game summary, you can find that anywhere.

However, what I did like from last nights game and since Coach Mike Sullivan has taken over, is the Penguins ability to generate speed through the neutral zone and into the attacking zone.  Thus, it has allowed us to enter the zone with the defense on their heels.  Furthermore, it has led to more power plays and scoring opportunities.

Another thing I noticed about last night, which I don't believe benefits Pittsburgh in the long run to the playoffs, is the physicality that the Rangers brought to us.  With us losing to them twice in the playoffs the last two years, I want no part of them come April.  I'd rather face the choke artists of whom are the Washington Capitals.  I feel we just match up better with our speed against their defensemen.  Also, what more can you say about Lundqvist? He was superb against us last night, yet also had some fortunate luck with the Pens hitting the posts twice.

Last, my cousin and I were texting last night about Phil Kessel.  Where I agree with my cousin in that Kessel needs to produce in tallying more goals, his production has been better under Sullivan's regime than in Johnston's.  He has 15 goals as of today and 43 points (which ranks fourth on the team).  I believe we have to give him more time.  Two coaches, two systems to learn, new line mates, first year as a Penguin.  With that being said, would I like to see more production?  Of course, but give him time.

Watch the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night as they battle the Carolina Hurricanes (24-21-9).  Face-off is set for seven o'clock.

Well, I definitely wrote more than I wanted to.  I'll probably flip on the TV and watch some now (later on the Presidential debate).  Please follow this blog, subscribe, like, leave comments, or whatever.  Have a great night!

Adam 

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