Having multiple headlines heading into tonight’s game, the Pittsburgh Penguins (15-10-3) hosted the Metropolitan Division leader, Washington Capitals (20-6-2). After news broke out about the introduction of new head coach Mike Sullivanm, and Pascal Dupuis’ sudden retirement, it would remain to be seen what type of team fans would see on the ice tonight.
Bringing with him a no-nonsense and control-orientated mentality, Sullivan remained humble, but excited for the opportunity to coach in the National Hockey League. His new team played hard all the way up until the final stages of the game, giving up two goals in the final period and would lose, 4-1.
Chances on Net
The Penguins, although taking the loss, finished the game with 45 shots on goals. Sullivan has clearly embraced an offensive philosophy centering around taking shots; however this didn’t translate to real offensive production.
Pittsburgh was not without its fair share of chances, several coming in the later stages of the game. Players began to lose steam late and looked drained. The lone goal for the Penguins came from a redirection by Evgeni Malkin 13:59 into the first period.
Contain Ovechkin
Coming into tonight’s game, there was clear strategy to contain Alex Ovechkin and compress his ability to shoot. This form of containment was most noticeable seen during penalty kills when a Penguin’s sole assignment was to shadow Ovechkin and prevent any type of chance to score.
Ovechkin finished the game seeing over 20 minutes of ice time, five shots on goal, and no points. Instead, T.J. Oshie picked up the tab on offense tonight as he finished the game with three points, two goals and an assit.
Great Wall of Washington
The Capitals played well defensively all night long. Pittsburgh’s offense was challenged the minute it crossed the blue line. Any shot on net was quickly covered by Braden Holtby, and the collapse of Capitals resulted in flushing the Penguins away from the net.
Holtby finished the game with a save percentage of 97.8 and deflected 44 shots. Marc-Andre Fleury played a decent game, but allowed a few goals to many to hit the back of the net. The defense for the Penguins has continued to give up the puck or miss assignments, allowing the opposition’s offense to get in position to put the puck past the goalie.
No Beau!
Beau Bennett was seen injured walking off the ice going right into the locker room after a big hit by Oshie sent him awkwardly into the wall. As of right now it is unclear to what extent Bennett is injured or what the timetable is for his return.
Later in that same period Nick Bonino and Taylor Chorney broke out in a fight. The scuffle eventually ended with Chorney being taken to the ground after managing to land a few good shots on Bonino.
Pascal Dupuis was honored during tonight’s game. He was greeted with this video followed by a long standing ovation in tribute to the long-time Penguin. But, seriously, how can you not cry?
We’re not crying, you’re crying. #ThankYouDuper https://t.co/fWOGQ9GFqQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 15, 2015
What’s Next?
The Penguins’ next game will be seen on the road at Boston to play the Bruins this Wednesday, December 16 at 8p.m.
