Travelling to face the Winnipeg Jets (15-17-2), the Pittsburgh Penguins (17-14-3) came into the game seeking to win their third straight game and seventh straight against the Jets. Beginning the game slowly in the first period, to only be denied all game long of a goal, Pittsburgh would give up another two points in tonight’s 1-0 loss.
The Penguins’ offense had plenty of good shots and chances at getting rid of the goose egg out of their scoring column, but failed to chip one past Winnipeg’s goalie. With four players having four shots, Pittsburgh turned up the heat in the second and third period, but its efforts fell a goal short. Both goalies played a marvelous game, but only one would exit the building tonight with the win.
Puck Support
Pittsburgh played a highly-intensive second and third period that featured pinpoint passes and accurate shots on the net. Ample opportunities to score in the second period were dismissed by goalie Connor Hellebuyck. The 22-year-old netminder was given no help from his defense on a number of occasions, but found a way to shut the door on the Penguins all night.
The Jets played very aggressively against the Penguins, especially when Pittsburgh was in their own zone. Continuing to work away at Winnipeg, the Penguins did not stop putting pressure on the home team. Even going into the final minute, Pittsburgh came within a few inches of a goal when Chris Kunitz couldn’t lift the puck over Hellebuyck’s left pad.
Power Play Miscues
Pittsburgh’s power play found only three shots this evening, giving up the puck to the short-handed Jets frequently. On a late second period power play opportunity, Phil Kessel made an ill-advised pass by the blue line intercepted by Blake Wheeler who drove down the ice for a breakaway. The puck was well defended by Jeff Zatkoff, tonight’s goalie for the Penguins.
The power play units performed with a jump in their step. In fact when they did have possession the offense looked very smooth and was able to create separation from the defender. However, the lack of traffic in front of Hellebuyck made his job much easier in securing all 30 shots that came his way.
Tale of Two Goalies
Zatkoff made his eighth start of the season, the first in over a week since falling apart against the Boston Bruins in a 6-2 loss. Tonight, Zatkoff was the reason for Pittsburgh staying within a goal of Winnipeg who also made a highlight reel save in the third period that gave the Penguins a late game boost.
Zatkoff makes an incredible save to keep the #Pens in it. Thanks Jeff! pic.twitter.com/w5LnSgtUIG
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 28, 2015
The lone goal in tonight’s game came from a penalty shot off of Bryan Little’s stick after being hooked by Ben Lovejoy. Although not extending their winning streak to three straight, the Penguins have continued to look like a better collective group of players than fans saw just a few short weeks ago.
On the other end of the ice Hellebuyck was just as impressive, shutting down any shot the Penguins let fly. If not for his outstanding play tonight, the Jets would have continued to see their losing streak continue. Making several key stops against the Penguins, Hellebuyck also had help from his defense late in clearing out shots that threatened their lead.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will find their way back home this Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Toronto Maple Leafs who have won three of their last four games.
