The Pittsburgh Penguins (15-13-3) hosted the Carolina Hurricanes (12-15-5) for their second game played in as many days, but with the same result finding themselves on the losing end of things for the fifth straight game, losing tonight 2-1.
Evgeni Malkin (15) tried to take over the game early for the Penguins, scoring their only goal of the night in the beginning of the second period. The penalty kill allowed both goals, one coming from former Pittsburgh center, Jordan Staal (7), who gave the Hurricanes a lead only five minutes into the game.
Sputtering Offense
Malkin attempted to put the team on his back tonight, but would fall short and extend their losing streak to five straight home games dating back to November 25 where they won 4-3 in overtime against St. Louis. His lone goal in the second period ended a drought of 16 straight unsuccessful power plays by the Penguins.
Malkin has continued to work and grind throughout the season in trying to get other players open while at the same time remaining patient and accurate. His goal tonight marked Malkin’s seventh power-play goal of the season which is more than the total goals scored by any other played aside from Phil Kessel who has nine.
The offense has continued to sputter in keeping offensive momentum on their side. The Penguins out shot their opponents once again, 38-26, but couldn’t keep the puck down low long enough without the Canes taking advantage of misplayed passes and shots. Shooter accuracy has continued to be troubling, especially when Carolina finished the game with 11 blocks stopping any offense in its tracks.
The single goal by the Penguins was perfectly developed because of a screen on Hurricanes’ goalie Cam Ward. Optimism grew throughout the period and the rest of the game in the hopes of Pittsburgh coming back, but the offense lacked enough chances to get another goal on the board.
Battling Uphill
For the ninth straight game the Penguins allowed a first period goal and had to fight from behind once again losing 2-0 early in the game. Lately, Pittsburgh has had to play from behind in the early stages of almost every game putting more pressure on each player to get the job done.
To ease the pressure on the defense, and give the offense more room to work with, the Penguins have to stop their opponent from scoring and gaining momentum early in games if there are any plans to turn this season around. With time becoming an enemy, the Penguins continue to find themselves on the outside looking in placed well below the qualifying position to enter the playoffs.
“We will keep tinkering and trying to find what lines gel,” Head Coach Mike Sullivan said in the post game conference this evening. “I’m just trying to find a spark on this team so we can go back to winning games.” Sullivan continued.
Matt Murray started his first game as goaltender and saved 24 of 26 shots, making impressive plays on the puck showcasing his natural skills. Across from his crease, Ward finished the game making 37 saves on 38 shots and was a major catalyst in shutting down the Penguins’ offense.
What’s Next?
The Penguins’ will try to snap their five game losing streak and play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday at 7p.m. at Consol Energy Center.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
