John Curry gets win, Evgeni Malkin gets hat trick in 5-3 win over Islanders

by FrankD on Nov 26, 2008 9:52 PM EST in Game Recaps Comment 7 comments

Final - 11.26.2008	1	2	3	Total
Pittsburgh Penguins	0	1	4	5
New York Islanders	2	1	0	3

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Check out the Islanders perspective at Lighthouse Hockey.

What a game, huh?

This wasn't the first game of the year where we sat at the edge of our seats, fought off that tingling sensation in the tips of our fingers and tried to shrug off the pain in our chests. Heck, it definitely won't be the last.

It would seem the Penguins follow a simple formula: let the other team build their confidence, let them get comfortable with a lead and then shatter their hopes in the third period. It's worked before, it worked tonight and it will work again.

I can't decide which goal was prettier: Crosby's goal that made the game 3-2 Isles or Malkin's sliding goal from Sid's diving assist to give the Pens the lead. I think I'll take the latter, but you know I'm going to try and post vids from both. Just stellar plays.

Dany Sabourin was uncomfortably shaky to start the game, but it happens to the best of em. Luckily John Curry was able to get his skates wet early in the second and ultimately carry the Pens to the win, the first of his NHL career. Overall Curry played a solid game in net, stopping all 11 shots faced. The defense also tightened up the play towards the end of the game, so it was hardly a solo effort.

The story of the night was, without a doubt, Evgeni Malkin. Three third period goals, similar to Jordan Staal's feat over the Red Wings earlier this month, carried the Pens back in yet another come-from-behind victory. Unbelievable.

Let's just be happy it wasn't another overtime game.

The good: Hey, Brooks Orpik got a goal. Don't forget that.

The better: John Curry looked comfortable in net, which definitely alleviates any doubts to his first NHL start, most likely coming around this weekend.

The best: Evgeni Malkin. No questions asked.

Next game: Friday night against the Sabres, 7:30

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I’m beginning to think its the Penguins intention to give me a heart attack nearly every game. Geno had an excellent outing. Its nice when the “cute stuff” actually works! haha But yes, I’m glad we didnt give up a point, to the Isles nonetheless. Here’s to Curry becoming that clutch net-minder that Conklin was last year. Which by the way, I’m very displeased he’s a red wing?? Yeah just found out about that about a week ago. Ok, it seems I’m babbling….GO PENS!

by kelly_fisher on Nov 26, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The hopes in Detroit are that Conklin signs on after this season for a long-term deal when they finally realize that Osgood sucks. It would’ve been nice to see the Pens hold on to him, but Therrien has a history with Sabu and most likely opted to keep him over Conks. Plus Sabu was still under contract and wouldn’t require any extra wheeling and dealing during the offseason.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 26, 2008 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So did anyone have an opinion on the revamped PP? I know they went 0-3 tonight, but did anyone notice a difference? Improvement? Anything?

I thought they had a few good chances on the first PP – but nothing converted. I hope Therrien leaves them together for a few more games so we can see the new combos a bit more.

by Dayna on Nov 26, 2008 10:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope Therrien gives it another shot next game. It’s definitely too soon to pull the plug on it and try to switch things up. I think it’s all about people getting comfortable and he has to allow them to develop on their own.

I’m just stoked at the comeback in the third. Even a lights out power play couldn’t top that.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 26, 2008 10:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch.

That is all.

Lighthouse Hockey: a New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Nov 27, 2008 1:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Actually, brevity isn't my thing, so that is not all

Despite my frustrations with how things went, I must admit the comeback and go-ahead was achieved through works of hockey beauty. It did remind me of the Detroit game, except this time I was miserable.

But it’s a grudging pleasure to see Malkin, who is sometimes labeled as soft or lacking fire, once again show how he can rise like a beast. That thought reminds me of the breakaway playoff goal he blasted by the Flyers after receiving a cheap shot by the Flyers net last year.

Like Frank said, which goal was better? Who can say? Enjoy the spoils, you bastards!

Lighthouse Hockey: a New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Nov 27, 2008 1:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This comeback thing is something we’ve become accustomed too this season but definitely not something we want to admit will happen every game. After all, you can’t win em all. But I think Crosby also gets overlooked on plays where people just assume he gives up on the puck. His backcheck is what made that Malkin goal happen, so ya have to give him props for that too.

By the way, that Malkin goal against the Flyers last season is by far one of my favorites. Rather than try and deke him out, like he failed to do on a penalty shot earlier in the series, Malkin just laced up a slapshot and openly embarrassed Biron. Good call.

Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Nov 27, 2008 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs