Penguins 4 Kings 2 - Pens Jump to Sole Possession of First Place

by FrankD on Feb 9, 2008 7:36 PM EST in News

Headshot...

In efforts to keep the rotating door that is first place in the Atlantic division going, the Pens trounced the Kings 4-2 in front of the home crowd to break the division tie with the state rival Philadelphia Flyers. Whether that lead would be temporary or not was later solidified when the New York Rangers shutout the Flyers 2-0 in Philly. Coming on the eve of yet another installment in the Battle of PA series, the win over the Kings was no doubt huge.

Coming into the game, the Kings were riding on a short but yet steady two-game win streak over such notable teams as the Rangers and Red Wings. Thanks to a three goal second period romp, the Pens displaced themselves as another victim to the lowly seated Kings.

Dany Sabourin posted a stellar performance yet again, proving that he can and will show up to play when called upon. Yet, the Pens as a whole once again let up on the reigns in the third to give up two goals, in turn turning down any chance for a Sabu shutout.

Mike Cammallerri, rumored to be a Penguins prospect, tallied two assists on the night in the Kings' loss. Although not exactly a rivalry match-up, it was good to see the Kings in action, as his play posed as a bit of an expo for Pens fans. Considering his performance in today's game, I wouldn't mind seeing Cam in the black and gold along side Crosby and Malkin.

And of course, Malkin's two goal performance that just barely fell short of a hatty at the end of the third when he nicked the side of the open net.

Tomorrow's game against Philly can open the Pens' lead in the Atlantic up to four points if a win should await them. Furthermore, an Ottawa loss to the Canadiens can keep the Pens within three points of the conference lead. Although I will admit, at the time of this post the Sens are currently up 3-0 on the Habs.

Round 5 in the Battle of PA continues tomorrow in Pitt. So far the Pens are 0-4 against the Flyers this season, their most recent loss coming on January 24th by the score of 4-3.

I predict a Downie vs Laraque fight for tomorrow, Cote vs Ruutu. Those are my predictions so far, and I've love to see what you guys and gals think about today's game and tomorrow's match-up. Either way, if you wanted to catch another glimpse of the Laraque fight from the Kings game, Dunman has you covered with his installment of Tales of the Tape - LA Kings

And remember - 1:00 start again tomorrow. So, Pensburgh forbids you from having a late night of debauchery and expects a prompt wake-up call.

On a similar note, here's a bit of "Did you know?" Did you know the morning skate was created by the Russians in efforts to sober up their players from the night before by literally sweating the alcohol out of their systems? Now that's hockey.

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nice read

Frank. So excited for todays game. We gotta beat Philthy once at least. All we have to do is stop Umberger....and Lupul (I think he's back now).

Fight wise.......I expect Big Georges to throw down with someone, not sure who yet. I also think that Malone/Smith need another tilt to decide the clear cut leader in their series.

To elaborate on your "Did You Know" bit........Did you know that hockey was first played with an Indian rubber ball like lacrosse. During a game, the ref got sick and tired of the stoppages in play due to the ball leaving the arena so he took out his Swiss Army knife and cut off the top and bottom of the ball. He dropped the disc of rubber onto the ice and the game progressed. That's where the puck came from.

by penskorn66 on Feb 10, 2008 11:05 AM EST reply actions

Philthy

I'm excited for this game too. We have to sweep the next four from them. And yes, Lupul is back now as well. Hopefully Hatcher can take him out again for the Pens.

As I mentioned in Dunman's Tales of the Tape post, luckily both teams had a game last night. No one is going to have the advantage of being more rested. Both are going to be pretty dinged up.

Interesting way for hockey to evolve. Never knew that about the actual sport. Perhaps field hockey is more like what the Indian's hoped hockey would be. But if you've ever sat through a field hockey and/or lacrosse game, it kinda makes sense. I'd never seen more whistles and stoppages in play. Field hockey more than lacrosse.

by FrankD on Feb 10, 2008 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

true

I heard that stat from my lacrosse coach when i was a kid. It's pretty cool to see how things have evolved in the world of sports.

I saw on a commercial here in Canada that the refs in the NHL wear black and white striped shirts because back in the day, when there was no colour tv, it was hard to distinguish the difference between players and refs on low resolution tvs or something like that. Sounds like ppl were pretty stupid back then......wouldn't you just look at the guys that have sticks or not??? Duh

I'll try to make it 2 days in a row predicting the score of todays game. 3-2 Pens.....not sure if it's in reg or OT. I think it's a day where Talbot is gonna tally one.

GO PENS........45 min til game time.

by penskorn66 on Feb 10, 2008 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

I'm holding you to that prediction

And that's interesting about the refs. Also shows how primitive the thought was back then. "Well, if it's in black and white on tv, the refs better wear black and white too so people in the stands aren't confused."

When you go to the Buff/Pitt game, if you want to write up a quick review with pictures or whatnot that'd be cool. I'm not 'assigning' it to you or anything, but if you feel so inclined you can post it up as a diary (like Dunman does with the fights) and I'll link it up on the main page in the recap.

by FrankD on Feb 10, 2008 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

cool

that's a good idea.......I was thinking what i would write about for my first diary here. What better way to start than writing it about my first live game this year. It may take me a bit once i get back cause i have to figure out how to post pics and stuff but i'll give it a go.

by penskorn66 on Feb 10, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

if

you shoot me an e-mail I can give you all of the tips of posting pics and videos and such. It's just basic html, but if you haven't done it in a while (as was the case when I started this site) it can be a bit challenging.

by FrankD on Feb 10, 2008 3:47 PM EST up reply actions