Kessel stood out tonight as the Pittsburgh Penguins'(40-25-8) difference maker in its 7-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings (37-26-11). Bonino, who was a game-time decision, contributed a goal and two assists.
Each had four points in today’s game and combined for seven assists. Fans also witnessed Hagelin scoring a pair of goals and put up his fifth and sixth point in his last five games.
Today’s win against the Red Wings marks the sixth six-goal game without Evgeni Malkin on the ice. Pittsburgh not only rebounded, but rocked Detroit and has emerged as one of the NHL’s fastest offense.
Buzzing Offense
Pittsburgh clicked on the power play, for the first time in a while, going 2-5 with a man advantage. Bonino and Kris Letang both scored a power play goal with Kessel feeding them the puck.
Hagelin was also the beneficiary of a Kessel pass, having the puck perfectly placed on his stick. A first period goal by Detroit’s Andreas Athanaslou did not settle well for the Penguins.
Pittsburgh shot back with a barrage of four and three-straight goals. Today’s game also marked the 11th straight where the Penguins out shot their opponents. The second line combined for 12 points today and finished the game +10.
It’s good to be @CarlHagelin. ?
Replay of his second goal of the game: https://t.co/pPbyOo5xcY pic.twitter.com/Wc4e8en7LE
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 26, 2016
After today’s win, the Penguins make it the ninth wins and 45 goals in the month of March, a league best.
“We do it by committee”
In Bonino’s words, after the game, Pittsburgh will have to bring in another player to fill the shoes of Brian Dumoulin. The six foot four defenseman has already been ruled out of tomorrow’s game in New York with an upper-body injury.
Chris Kunitz, who had a goal tonight, has also had an upper-body injury and will be a game-time decision.
This adds to a long season of various injuries by Pittsburgh and the team will have to once again adjust to the changing lineups and increased playing time.
“I’m okay with it. As long as the forwards don’t turn it over,” Letang said about increased minutes after Dumoulin’s injury. Letang was able to recover quickly after injury forced him to take longer shifts.
The Penguins will be challenged once again this season because of injury. Thus far Coach Mike Sullivan has been able to successfully coach young players to fill big roles and it has worked.
What’s Next?
The Pittsburgh Penguins will next go on the road to face the New York Rangers tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m.
Photo credit: @Penguins
