Did Marc-Andre Fleury look good tonight or what? Sure, he let up three goals but he easily stopped three or four others that would've lit the lamp for Atlanta.
The Thrashers came out of the gate quick and challenged the Penguins' D early. Luckily Fleury was up for the challenge and really looked like he was back to October form. Despite some close chances early on, the Thrashers found themselves down 2-0 early and would remain in pursuit of the lead all game. Needless to say, they didn't get it.
Malkin was in stealth mode tonight. His first period goal wasn't just a matter of right place right time, it was all about pushing the defenseman off the puck and slipping it in past an out-of-position Ondrej Pavelec. The rest of the night was filled with two helpers and a courtesy goal that popped the empty net via a gratuitous pass from Crosby, one of his two assists on the night.
For all the times we bashed the power play it's only right to give credit when it's due. The Pens went 2-for-3 with the man advantage thanks to goals from Jordan Staal and Miroslav Satan. The second goal was perfectly set up by recent call-up Jeff Taffe, who couldn't have possibly placed it better if he tried.
Great pressure tonight on offense but some obvious slack on D. Amazing how the Pens pulled off a win - not to mention a SIX goal win with only 20 shots on goal. Fleury, on the other end of the ice, stopped 28 of 31 shots. Put Chris Osgood in that position and he'd give up 14 goals.
The good: The power play. 2-for-3. What more could you ask for? (5-for-6 would be nice...patience.)
The better: Marc-Andre Fleury. Welcome back.
The best: Evgeni Malkin. He makes a four-point night look like a scrimmage.
Next game: Saturday. 7:00. Maple Leafs.