The second period collapse wasn't unexpected, but you just have to think that the Pens can't keep doing this all season and continue to get away with it. 2 goal leads are always said to be the "worst kind of lead to have," but the Pens need to find that 3rd goal somehow. Either way, they responded well and Kennedy buried the game winner later in the 2nd. Staal made a huge play and had a monster game in general. He's playing well and even though the goals aren't coming, they will if he keeps getting the chances he did tonight and Thursday.
Connor James got his first shot in a Pens uni and performed well. He didn't play a ton but you can't expect Therien to throw him into the fire on his first night. He did enough to merit another game or two and really showed some glimpses of what he's been doing in WBS.
Gary Roberts had another huge game. He's refusing to take crap from anyone, and he put on another ass kicking display tonight. This is the kind of veteran leadership the Pens looked for when they signed him and Recchi in the offseason. He's making big plays in the offensive zone and you have to think he'll be finding the back of the net very soon. He fought (stomped ass) again and the younger guys are definitely looking at him as a prime example of how to handle yourself on the rink.
Chris Simon is a joke. He should be tossed out of the NHL. There's no room for his actions last season, and when you couple that with what he did to Jarkko tonight, you have to to think that the NHL doesn't need players like him on the ice. Jarkko did exactly what he should have, jobbed around and coerced the Isles goons into taking a penalty late. Luckily, he didn't suffer a serious injury as a result.
All that being said, that Penguins 5 minute power play was pathetic. When Steve Brown calls you to ask which team is on the power play (jobbing of course), you know the Pens are putting on an awful display. Put the first unit on the ice and let them put a goal or two in. MT played not to lose and almost did. Sid and Geno definitely have the killer instinct, but they weren't allowed to display it. Luckily, we won and there were no major repercussions. Put Letang on the point on the first unit and give Sid and Geno a right handed option when they're bringing the puck out of the corner. No need to have Sydor muckin around out there.
Oh well, we still picked up 2 points. Like the titles says, not how, just how many. And it's 2 for the Guins tonight.
Big win to start off the mini road trip. Let's Go Pens. Jagr and the Rangers Tuesday.
Almost, Ricky.
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