This evening the Carolina Hurricanes (31-26-13) traveled on the road to Pittsburgh and face the Penguins (37-24-8) who were riding a three-game win streak. Sidney Crosby was able to score a pair on Hurricanes netminder Eddie Lack with Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel also putting one in the net.
With Crosby’s goals tonight he claimed his seventh career 30-goal season, truly remarkable considering how poorly he played in the early stages of the season. Carolina scored two early goals, but Pittsburgh was able to rebound and claim victory, 4-2.
Matt Murray made his seventh start this season and “didn’t get rattled” in the words of coach Mike Sullivan following this evening’s game. Murray made 31 saves this evening while his offense was able to put up 48 shots against Lack.
Shutdown Penalty Kill
The reason Pittsburgh was able to escape tonight’s game with a win was because of the great play of the penalty kill. With five opportunities with a man advantage, Carolina was not able to get a single power play goal. This is a credit to an aggressive penalty kill that took not only the puck, but the bodies of the Hurricanes as well.
Pittsburgh also found themselves with an extra man three times in tonight’s game, but was also unable to take advantage. Since Evgeni Malkin’s injury the Penguins were are still without a goal on the power play.
While it is nice to continue to win without the second best player on his team, Sullivan must find good lines to put on the ice to break this streak. This trend cannot last long without having repercussions and costing Pittsburgh wins later down the line.
Tailing the Islanders
Tonight’s win puts Pittsburgh just a point behind the New York Islanders (38-21-9). The Detroit Red Wing are also not too far back of the Penguins after winning their game tonight, 3-1, against the Columbus Blue Jackets (28-34-8).
The Eastern Conference, with the exception of a few teams, is still up in the air as far as placement. Now that Pittsburgh has begun to pick up steam they have become one of the league’s hottest team. By being able to win in both close and dominant fashions, the Penguins are beginning to look more and more like a playoff team.
Final Words
Carolina was unable to leave Pittsburgh with a win, much to the credit of a young and confident goaltender, but more because of a captain who has been tearing up opponents lately.
Crosby was able to extend his point streak to 10 straight and needs to continue being the difference maker without his sidekick, Malkin. The power play must get back on track and find themselves a goal to re-energize the special teams unit and feel confident on the ice.
What’s Next?
Pittsburgh will now travel across the state to play their most heated rivals in the Philadelphia Flyers. The game will begin at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday.
Image Credit: Getty Images
