This afternoon, the Pittsburgh Penguins (29-19-8) matched up against the Tampa Bay Lightning (31-22-4). Both team’s came in to today’s game tied for the first wild card spot with 66 points.
Pittsburgh came out flat early against Tampa Bay and paid dearly for it as the Lightning were able to score three goals before the Penguins were able to score their first. With goals by Tom Kuhnhackl, his first of the season, and Scott Wilson, Pittsburgh was able to close the gap, but not unable to complete the comeback.
The Penguins gave themselves a multitude of chances in the third period to bring the team back, but Tampa Bay’s netminder, Ben Bishop, was able to slam the door shut on today’s 4-2 loss.
Rebound Shots
Pittsburgh were able to corral many rebounds off of Bishop today, one of which coming from Wilson in the second period. In the third, Bishop allowed a few rebounds that were immediately swallowed by the Penguins.
His quick reflexes and big leg pads were able to keep the offense from gaining any momentum. The team never gave up, fighting tooth and nail to the final moments, but too many missed opportunities sealed the deal for the Penguins this afternoon’s game.
Sickly Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury sat out of today’s game after reports said he was feeling under the weather before the game. Jeff Zatkoff replaced Fleury in today’s game and allowed 4 goals overall.
Zatkoff also had a defense that played a little more loosely and found themselves taking seven penalties.
