The Pittsburgh Penguins (42-25-8) found themselves down 3-0 against the Buffalo Sabres (31-35-10), but were able to climb out of a deep hole. Tom Kuhnhackl had two points (1 G, 1 A) and was the tying goal for Pittsburgh in the second period.
Before tonight’s game, in their last eight meetings Pittsburgh held a commanding 8-0 record with 33 goals and a 31.8 percent powerplay, compared to only nine goals and an 11.1 percent powerplay by Buffalo. The Penguins would end up roaring back and erasing their deficit to come back and win in a shootout, 5-4.
We Phil pretty happy right about now. pic.twitter.com/5Pcfjj0uKy
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 30, 2016
Shorthanded Madness
Ben Lovejoy began the comeback by initially getting Pittsburgh on the board, but the difference makers were Kuhnhackl and Nick Bonino who both scored shorthanded goals. This was the 34th time in team history that there were two shorthanded goals in the same game. In those 34 games the Penguins have a record of 30-3-0 and one tie.
This was also the first time since 2012, versus Philadelphia, that featured a shorthanded goal on the same penalty-kill unit. Only 24 seconds separated the two goals which was the fastest since 1990 against New Jersey.
Bonino’s goal gave the Penguins the lead going into the third period. With this win Pittsburgh is now 35-0-0 when leading after the second period, an amazing achievement for a team that struggled early, but has resurrected its season.
Murray Madness
Matt Murray showed true signs of struggling for the first time since he has played on pro ice. This can be attributed to Murray being on the bench for over 10 days without seeing any action. The rookie goaltender was roughed up in the first period allowing three goals, but his resilience and the confidence his coach and teammates had in him to finish the game propelled him to an outstanding finish to the game.
“I thought he was terrific down the stretch, there were a few times in the third where he stepped up,” coach Sullivan said in his post-game press conference. Sullivan continued, “He has matured beyond his years and focuses on what he can control. I think his makeup will serve him well, he can answer well to adversity.”
If not for Murray’s ability to step up and finish the game, Pittsburgh would have lost this game. The young goaltender is proving more and more he belongs in a pro jersey game in and game out.
March Madness
With only one game left in the month, the Penguins have responded well to a difficult schedule. Winning 11 out of 16 games this month, Pittsburgh has went from questionably making the playoffs, to on the verge of being guaranteed a spot.
Nine wins against divisional opponents have brought the Penguins to a point shy of second place in the division. March was a month where Pittsburgh was able to make a statement and is proving to be a team no one will want to play in the playoffs.
What’s Next?
The Pittsburgh Penguins will close out their outstanding month when they host the Nashville Predators this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Chaz Palla – Tribune-Review
