The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-16-5) travelled to Raleigh, North Carolina to face off against the Hurricanes (18-18-7). After a scoreless first period, Carolina put up a 2-0 lead in the second period, but Pittsburgh stormed back to tie the game and force overtime.
The Penguins were unable to complete the comeback as an Evgeni Malkin hooking penalty in overtime left his team disadvantaged and the Hurricanes took advantage winning in overtime, 3-2.
So Close, Yet So Far
In the recent weeks following the coaching change, Pittsburgh has seemed to play better, but can never capitalize on key opportunities. Several shots that missed by an eyelash kept the Penguins from earning their 21st win of the season.
Sidney Crosby played with a full head of steam as he tallied two points in assisting in both of Pittsburgh’s goals. The captain missed two shots that would have turned the game upside down but caught just a little too much post.
Marc-Andre Fleury played a good game even though he gave up three goals in tonight’s game. After a defensive breakdown gave Eric Staal his ninth goal of the season, Kris Versteeg was able to volley the puck over the net to hit Fleury in the back giving his team a 2-0 lead.
The goal that sent the Penguins packing came on a 3-on-4 overtime power play where Pittsburgh completely broke down and allowed Jeff Skinner to shoot a laser past Fleury from just a few feet away. The Penguins are now 1-1-1 on their four game road trip.
Controlling The Pace
Coach Mike Sullivan made one thing very clear since he has began coaching in Pittsburgh and that is to set the pace of the game. Unfortunately, his squad tonight allowed Carolina to set the pace and forced Pittsburgh to match it.
Early in the game, the Canes stopped any offensive presence from entering their zone, poke checking and shadowing the Penguins. Pittsburgh was still able to make a game out of it, as Kris Letang picked up his fourth goal in the last six games, snapping the puck off the faceoff past Carolina’s netminder, Cam Ward.
Chris Kunitz scored the Penguin’s second goal after having the puck fed up the ice from Crosby. The upper shelf goal brought Pittsburgh back to life, but they would only leave tonight’s game with a single point.
Final Words
Pittsburgh started the game slow, which has become a bad habit for this team. Too often lately the Penguins find themselves playing from behind, only to comeback, but fall short of the overall goal.
This is not to say there are no good signs, this team is getting closer and closer to becoming what fans expect of them, but that only happens when they’re able to score first. If not for tonight’s defensive miscues, Pittsburgh may have been sent away with an addition to their win column.
What’s Next?
Pittsburgh will wrap up their four game road trip this Friday against the Tampa Bay Lightening at 7:30 p.m.
