Malkin Enters Tie in Scoring Race - Pens Beat Blackhawks 3-2
by FrankD on Dec 20, 2011 11:53 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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A strong start for the Pens allowed Pittsburgh to jump out to an early lead but they almost watched it fall to the hands of Chicago before all was said and done.
Thankfully it took the Chicago Blackhawks two whole periods to finally figure out how to get a few goals on the Pens, and by then it was just a matter of counting down the minutes to seconds to the final horn that put the night to an end.
Of course, that's not to take anything away from Marc-Andre Fleury, who posted a phenomenal game to earn his 17th win on the season after stopping 36 of Chicago's 38 shots. When you also consider how well he played in the final 90 seconds when Chicago pulled the goaltender while on the PP to create a 6-on-4 chance, you have to give him the nod and credit him for the 'W.' Maybe the occasional crossbar/post as well too.
It was also a milestone night for Matt Niskanen - minor as it may be - who earned points 99 and 100 on assists to Chris Kunitz and James Neal. Speaking of Neal, he's already at 19 goals and may very well see goal number 20 before Christmas. How's that 2011 trade deadline move looking now?
Evgeni Malkin registered three helpers on the night as well to move him into a four-way tie for first overall in the league's scoring race.Tough break as well when he had his lip split open after a high sticking call, but it obviously did not hinder his production one bit.
Overall just a great game - complete with a questionable hit from Deryk Engelland (we won't mention the beatdown that followed shortly after. Woops...). Back at it Friday at 8:30 against Winnipeg.
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It was also a milestone night for Matt Niskanen – minor as it may be – who earned points 99 and 100 on assists to Chris Kunitz and James Neal. Speaking of Neal, he’s already at 19 goals and may very well see goal number 20 before Christmas. How’s that 2011 trade deadline move looking now?
Damn fine.
Wow.
Just wow.
I expect Engelland to get 1-2 games for that hit. At first glance it didn’t look bad, but upon seeing the replays contact to the head was made and he did seem to leave his feet. Also I don’t think Kruger came back. According to the Lucic suspension and Shannahan explaination, injury apparently plays a role in handing out suspensions. You would think if they were trying to get rid of headshots they wouldn’t.
"It's a great day for hockey" - Badger Bob
by StripesForLife on Dec 21, 2011 12:50 AM EST reply actions
I'm guessing suspension
By process of elimination:
It won’t be a 5-game plus ban because Engelland isn’t a repeat offender (at least I don’t recall him being suspended or disciplined)
It won’t be a 3-game plus ban because the hit wasn’t a huge no-no or an attempt to injure.
It probably will be a 2-game ban because Kruger was in a vulnerable position and it appears Engelland left his feet and made primary point of contact with the head.
It could be a 1-game / 0-game ban because Engelland isn’t a repeat offender (see my previous assumption above), and Shanabans seems especially reserved for repeaters.
It may be a $2,500 fine. But what is a $2,500 these days? Having to pay for your team’s dinner at a Buffalo restaurant (thanks for the insight 24/7)?
"Oh, buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!" - Mike Lange
Gosh
that was scary. So happy we pulled it out.
Oh and.. JAMES NEAL!
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 21, 2011 1:02 AM EST reply actions
Neal will not want to leave the hand (stick) that feeds him (that’s Geno). Niskenen got 2 points, but he was also on the ice for both Hawks goals, with very weak defensive efforts, so he was even. Engelland should be suspended. Geno playing like the best player in the planet right now.
The Hockey Dr.
The Pens were fantastic for the first two periods but then the Hawks ran rings around them in the third. Would like to see our D-men step up into the attack more often. I would also be very surprised if Engelland escapes some sort of punishment for that hit. I don’t think it was deliberate but it was illegal. He paid a price by getting beat up by that monster though.
Thought Ben Lovejoy was terrific last night. Cleaned up everything he had to very nicely. His clearances always found players down ice and he created a nice goal for Kennedy.
Wonder when Letang is coming back?
Anymore sniping like that from James Neal this year and we’re gonna have to start using him as an anti-terrorist unit.
Orpik looks like he’s getting his head back in the game too. Niskanen is finally hitting his potential too, which is awesome.
Let's grind these bitches down!
by lostprophetRJX on Dec 21, 2011 12:18 PM EST reply actions
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