Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin carried a captain-less Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0-0) past the visiting Anaheim Ducks (0-2-0) by a 3-2 score.
Ian Cole scored Pittsburgh’s first goal of the game in the first period, shooting near the blue line and gunning it past the Ducks’ goalie, Jonathan Bernier. Anaheim’s Cam Fowler answered the Penguins’ goal on a two-man-advantage power play.
Kessel’s powerplay goal midway through the second ended up becoming the game-winning goal — Conor Sheary scored for the Penguins and Corey Perry netted a goal for the Ducks — and gave the Penguins their second win, 3-2.
Oh Captain, My Captain
No one knew what to expect regarding how the Penguins would perform without their biggest weapon, Sidney Crosby. And while two game is just a small sampling, they’ve, so far, handled themselves well.
Malkin has been involved in each game, to some capacity. And, with Kessel and Sheary, it looked like just another day at the office.
The offense was able to hammer out 45 shots in the game; 21 of those coming in the first period.
Just Enough
The Penguins were able to hold on to the 3-2 lead all the way through the third period. This, in large part, has a lot to do with the second straight impressive performance by Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
Making 33 saves in Saturday’s game, Pittsburgh’s netminder was able to slow down the game for the Ducks. This game offered fans the opportunity to watch an exciting goaltender.
The Penguins’ defense also did a great job in preventing the Ducks from gaining too much momentum. Although Anaheim made it interesting at the end, Pittsburgh was able to shut the door and send the Ducks away with their second loss of the season.
Smooth Start
Even with a few mistakes here and there, the Penguins have proven they can beat good teams without their best player. Of course, it’s only been two games.
While Crosby’s injury looks to have no complications (fans: proceed to knock on wood), the team needs to continue to play this offensive game backed up by strong goaltending to make sure the team can stay afloat.
Regardless, each game has demonstrated a good deal of offensive prowess. But while that his given Pittsburgh a 2-0 start to the season, the Penguins haven’t been able to capitalize on the many scoring opportunities — and that needs to change.
On To The Next One
The Pittsburgh Penguins will next host the Colorado Avalanche at PPG Paints Arena on Monday at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Image credit: John Heller/AP Photo
