For the second time this season, a controversial call at Consol Energy Center lead to a video review of a potentially game-winning goal. In November, the Penguins got a reprieve and were able to beat the Rangers in a shootout. This, time the referee’s call on the ice stood and the Boston Bruins earned the extra point and a 3-2 overtime win.
At 2:43 of overtime, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron deflected a Milan Lucic past the blocker of Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to seemingly give the Bruins their victory.
The play was quickly reviewed and referee Francis Charron declared the play to be a good goal. The NHL’s situation released a statement saying the “video review was inconclusive.”
It wasn’t the first controversial call of the game that didn’t go in the Penguins’ favor. In the early second period, Craig Adams scored a goal that was immediately waived off due to goaltender interference of Bruins netminder Tuuka Rask by Penguins left-winger Zach Sill. Video replays showed that Sill had been pushed into Rask by Boston defenseman Adam McQuaid.
Despite the sour taste of the two controversial calls, Penguins head coach Mike Johnston was still upbeat about his team’s performance, one that saw them score the first goal and outshoot the Bruins 39 to 24.
“I thought we had our chances tonight,” he said. “I liked our energy. We did a lot of good things down low with the puck. Still, in the end, you have to come up with the win. It’s an important time of the year right now and we have to make sure that we push to get that win.”
Defenseman Paul Martin made a comeback after being off since Dec. 18. Martin blocked one shot and recorded three hits during his 20:17 of ice time.
Beau Bennett scored the first goal of the night at 16:23 of the first period. It was his second goal of the season tonight with assists from Evengi Malkin and Simon Despres. Bennett now has four points over his last four games.
“Our line had a lot of chances every period,” he said. “That’s what we need to do, we need to play a little bit better defensively. Geno gains so much attention out there when he has the puck, you just have to find the open areas and try to get pucks in space. Spaling had a good game, as well, and I think we can build off that.”
Malkin had a strong game tonight, when he scored his game-tying goal early in the third period in addition to his assist on Bennett’s goal. His 45 points lead the team and tie him for third in the NHL. Malkin has had at least one point in 17 out of 23 home games.
Among the Penguins 39 shots were several fantastic saves by Rask. In addition, the Boston defenders blocked another 15 attempts and the Penguins hit several posts.
Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi summed up the team’s effort:
“I thought we out played them the majority of the game, but we just didn’t bury it on our chances.”
