Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin tally four points each in 4-1 win over Leafs

by FrankD on Oct 18, 2008 10:31 PM EDT in Game Recaps

Don't forget to check out Pension Plan Puppets for Toronto's take.

Halfway through the first period I was prepping myself for a very bitter and angst-ridden post. The Penguins only took three penalties in the first period, but they practically took them back-to-back-to-back. Not to mention, Goligoski's penalty was a double-minor because his high stick drew blood from the upper lip of Alexander Steen. Nevermind the fact it looked like Steen nicked himself shaving - the refs saw blood, so the Pens had to deal with it.

But I guess the sight of blood made the Pens thirsty for more because from thereon in the PK unit was worked to no end. Basically for six minutes or so the Penguins were stuck in their own zone, grabbing a quick breather on the occasional clear. This would ultimately lead to Toronto's only goal on the night.

Enough about that though. Let's talk Sid. We all knew he wasn't happy with his minus-3 performance in Thursday night's game. If he ever wanted to make a statement that it was officially behind him then he did it tonight. One goal and three assists for a total of four points is just about as good a way to brush off a bad game. Even though that goal was sponsored to us in part by the Leafs' Mikhail Grabovski's diving attempt to stop a puck that would have easily cleared the crease. We can add him to the list of helpers - right under the Capitals' Niklas Backstrom.

And Geno - what about Geno? He had a helper on every goal as well for four points of his own and just barely had a shot kicked out by the 79-year-old Curtis Joseph. We'll get em next time, a few times over I'm sure.

Overall a solid win. It's way too early in the season to say it was a must-win game, but following the Capitals debacle Thursday night it came pretty close.

Oh yeah, and just an FYI - I called a Sykora goal in the notes section of the Open Thread. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

The good: Crosby and Malkin rack up four points each

The bad: Undisciplined hockey killed Fleury's attempt at a shutout

The ugly: The Maple Leafs' 1-for-7 power play

Next game: Monday against the Bruins.

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The Pens got a power play seconds after the drop of the puck, then the Leafs got 8 minutes worth of PP time. But, before I comment on the big guys play, I must say Rob Scuderi is playing out of his mind on D. I mean if it wasn’t for him some goals would just go in. He is doing a great job at what he does, defensive defenseman. Sid scored. I will say it hear expect a bundle of goals now for Sid. He was stuck on 99, but I don’t want to jinx him so I will stop there. Malkin had a milestone night and he played great with Crosby. These lines are starting to gel and I like Sid-Geno-Dupuis line so I hope it can work this season. Malkin also spoke some better English in his interview. He really didn’t say much, but he is working on it. The Flower will get a shutout soon the way he is playing.

by steelcitykid on Oct 19, 2008 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

Also

Pens record 3-2-1 with 7 points. Philly bottom of the conference 0-3-2 with 2 points check em out:

http://penguins.nhl.com/team/app?page=TeamStandings&service=page

by steelcitykid on Oct 19, 2008 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Sid topped the 300-point, 200-assist and 100-goal marks last night. Pretty good timing if you ask me. Plus, I need to find that interview and add it to the Evgeni Malkin learns English collection.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Oct 19, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

FrankD, the baby Pens play at 5:00pm(Eastern) today so I will have the Baby Pens Report posted later tonight, since they only played 1 game since the last post, it will give me game info to give you. Thanks. Go Pens!

by steelcitykid on Oct 19, 2008 9:11 AM EDT reply actions