Battling for playoff position, the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-8) came out with all cylinders firing against the Arizona Coyotes (27-29-6) this evening at Consol Energy Center. The offense played fast all night and dominated the Coyotes shooting the puck 33 times and threading the needle on precise passes.
Patric Hornqvist scored his first career hat trick this evening scoring three of the Penguins six total goals. Marc-Andre Fleury was able to put together his second straight win allowing no goals against Arizona in their 6-0 win.
The offense was gifted with five power play chances, in which they looked unstoppable. The ability of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby to finesse their way through defenders drew penalties that led the Penguins to tire out Coyotes netminder Louis Domingue.
Pittsburgh’s defense was very active eliminating their opponents from giving Fleury any trouble. Their forecheck was able to generate turnovers and stop Arizona from finding much momentum. Additionally, the defense made sure to dump out pucks threatening their goalie, a key part in tonight’s victory.
Taking Care of Business
The Penguins need more games like tonight, ones in which they’re able to create a large lead and keep it through disciplined defense. Tonight, no one player acted too selfishly by feeding the puck to the next man up.
By communicating and keeping their head up, the Penguins made their play look easy. Although scoring on only one power play, each one looked pristine in taking advantage of the open ice and moving the puck.
The Coyotes defense was not up to the challenge in defending an offense that has dug themselves out of a scoring drought. Their inability to get back in position was caused by the quick skates of Pittsburgh. By the time Arizona found themselves in the right place, it was often too late.
Pittsburgh did not take their foot off the accelerator as they came out swinging early in the third period. Though not scoring a goal, the Penguins were able to disrupt the neutral zone of Arizona and put pressure on each side of the ice.
Hornqvist was on fire tonight scoring three goals. His teammates were able to spot him open on several occasions and the 29-year-old winger was able to be decisive factor in tonight’s win.
Shutdown Defense
Just as impressive as the offense, the defense played with tenacity and speed. Able to limit mistakes, Pittsburgh played a smart and conservative type of defense this evening.
Late in the game the Penguins did loosen up, but did not get themselves into trouble that threatened their lead. They were able to keep their sticks active and used them all night to deflect pucks away.
The speed of the defense and the team as a whole was showcased tonight. With the style coach Mike Sullivan wishes to play, speed is an absolute necessity and they perfected it this evening. Their ability to stay with the puck and collapse on the carrier all but sealed the deal early.
Fleury made some incredible saves and earned his fifth shutout on the season. The outcome of this game could have been much different if not for his unbelievable play against Arizona.
What’s Next?
The Penguins will play tomorrow on the road against the Washington Capitals at 7:30p.m.
