Following a sensation win over the Rangers a few nights ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-22-8) hosted the Calgary Flames (26-34-4) in a game that was close for the whole duration. Patric Hornqvist continued putting up big numbers finished the game with a goal and an assist.
Sidney Crosby scored Pittsburgh’s second goal giving the team a 2-1 lead. However, the Flames shot home two straight goals following Crosby’s and put Calgary on top. Scoring their third straight, the Flames put the game out of reach late and claimed victory, 4-2.
Frustrated Shooters
For a good portion of the game Pittsburgh shooters looked frustrated in being unable to put away chances against a team who has struggled mightily as of late. The Penguins were only able to capitalize on two chances, the rest falling by the wayside.
The Flames shooters were set loose during large portions of the game, while Pittsburgh only had a few short spurts that looked to push momentum, but never finished with a goal.
Marc-Andre Fleury was out of position a few too many times that left him just within a nose hair of deflecting the puck. This is not to say he did not have a good game. Leading up to the final Calgary goal, Fleury was the only reason the game was not out of reach.
Right in the Thick of Things… Kind of
After a win against the Rangers, the Penguins needed to beat a team that has lost seven straight. Before tonight, the Flames did not win a game since February 19, and Pittsburgh missed another opportunity to inch their way up the standings.
Pittsburgh did have a lot of energy on the ice for most of the game, but froze when some pucks danced around the net. The Penguins failed to follow up after an impressive win Thursday, and its also concerning that Pittsburgh has not won more than two straight since early February.
Stringing together multiple wins has seemed to be the only disappointment during coach Mike Sullivan’s time with Pittsburgh. This trend could still turn around before the season concludes and it needs to if there is an expectation of making the playoffs.
Regardless, the Penguins have played significantly better and are, at most times, competitive. Although being tripped up by what should be an easy win, the team tends to rebound and get back on track. It is only a matter of time until the begin working on a multi-game winning streak
What’s Next?
The Penguins will now begin a nine game stretch in which they will be facing division opponents. Pittsburgh will go on the road to take on the New Jersey Devils tomorrow at 5 p.m.
