The Pittsburgh Penguins (19-15-4) hosted the Chicago Blackhawks (23-13-4) tonight in a back-to-back two game series with Pittsburgh travelling to Chicago for tomorrow night’s game. Scoring two goals in the second period tonight and eventually allowing the Penguins to force an overtime, the Blackhawks were able to leave Pittsburgh with a 3-2 win for the first time since 1997.
Sidney Crosby extended his goal straight to four straight games with a third period goal beating Chicago netminder Corey Crawford on his blocker side. With only minutes left, Kris Letang shot a puck to the net that was redirected by the skate of Patrick Kane and slipped right under Crawford’s glove that brought the two teams into overtime.
Never Say Never
After a tick tack goal between Kane and Artemi Panarin, Jonathan Toews was credited with a goal that just trickled in behind Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Blackhawks a solid 1-0 lead.
In the third period, Pittsburgh began to intensify their play, connecting with great passes and taking good shots with an open lane to the goal. Crosby was able to bring his team within one early in the third. Tonight marked the first time that Crosby has had goal in at least four straight games since 2010.
Chicago’s defense has a reputation of discipline and toughness, but Pittsburgh challenged the team from the second half of the second period on. The Penguins attempted to keep the puck off of the sticks of big named stars for Chicago. They were able to limit Kane and Toews in their chances on net, but could not stop the Blackhawks’ potent offense.
Overtime Madness
The NHL did do one thing right this past offseason in implementing three-on-three overtime hockey. Fans in Consol Energy Center and those watching at home were treated to a spectacle of two highly talented teams squaring off in extra time.
The difference in overtime would prove to be on the shoulders of the goalies. Crawford made remarkable saves and reacted like a cat in overtime. The Penguins had at least three solid opportunities to send Chicago back with only one point, but could not cash any of them in.
The Blackhawks won the game off the stick of Panarin who quickly managed the puck swinging around from the blue line to put one over Fleury’s glove side shoulder. This gave Chicago their final 3-2 win in overtime.
Final Words
Disappointing, yes, but do not be discouraged. The Penguins played one of the scarier teams in the league and allowed them to narrowly escape with both points. In overtime Pittsburgh was gassed in the shift that gave up the winning goal, but at least left with a point.
The way in which the Penguins attack the puck and stick have become more and more apparent as players become more comfortable playing in Sullivan’s system. Letang finished the game with two points and has continued to be a major contributor since being fully healthy.
What’s Next?
Pittsburgh will now go on the road tomorrow in this two game series to Chicago and get a chance to redeem themselves from tonight’s loss.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
