Can't Win 'Em All: Penguins Lose to Red Wings, 3-2

by FrankD on Oct 3, 2011 12:22 AM EDT in Game Recaps

It took the final game of the preseason for the Pens to experience their first loss of the new season. But let's be honest - it doesn't count for much at this point anyway. Still, a 5-1 record over six preseason games is at least encouraging, especially when you consider how many new faces received playing time, how many veterans played minimal minutes and the sort of teams Pittsburgh went up against.

In the final game against Detroit Sunday evening, the Pens found themselves in a 2-1 hole heading into the second period after Detroit's Gustav Nyquist and Johan Franzen sandwiched goals around Paul Martin's unassisted snapper six minutes into the game.

This Nyquist guy (admittedly I didn't know much about him before tonight - probably because he's a young up-and-comer) slammed another one home on the power play in the second period to give the Wings a 3-1 edge. Tyler Kennedy's tip-in with 50 seconds remaining in the game would be the closest Pittsburgh would get to closing the gap.

All in all, a solid way to close out the preseason as Marc-Andre Fleury started between the pipes for Pittsburgh and Jimmy Howard got the nod for Detroit. Another good showing from Steve Sullivan, as he picked up an assist on Kennedy's goal, for what stands as his third point in two games (1g, 2a).

The regular season kicks off Thursday night when the Pens open up on a west coast swing in Vancouver. That one will be on Versus at 10 ET, so you best be joining us for the game thread that night as well.

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This year I can actually follow game threads when I'm around so I'll be there

Although I hope I can figure out this problem I’m having with SBNation sites by then.

by Schide on Oct 3, 2011 2:27 AM EDT reply actions

Fun Gustav Nyquist Fact:

He was taken with the final pick of the 4th round by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 entry draft, immediately after they won the Stanley Cup, the pick before Nyquist;

The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Nathan Moon.

by AnzeDuzIt on Oct 3, 2011 4:54 AM EDT reply actions

And you guys didn't want Sully!

His game really fits in there. Only downside is if he gets a lengthy injury.

by DonBorvio on Oct 3, 2011 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

hey guys

ready for Thursday?

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by missy on Oct 3, 2011 12:29 PM EDT reply actions

Jimmy Howard went back to his old pads from last year for this game. Must not have liked the new ones he wore in his other preseason games. I’m probably the only goalie nerd that noticed that though haha

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by Chez on Oct 3, 2011 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

Can’t really make too much f the pre-season, except to see up and coming talent and guys like Vitale cracking the lineup. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with 5-1 record, but is meaningless. Can’t wait for Thursday.

The Hockey Dr.

by Outcast on Oct 3, 2011 6:25 PM EDT reply actions