Habs Blog: Habs Eyes on the Prize
Hopefully this is the turning point the Pens were looking for, as they sought vengeance (and got it) Wednesday night with a 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. The power play single-handedly led the way, scoring four of the team's five goals and making the most of the man advantage.
Given the team's mental breakdown the other night against the Bruins, it's reassuring to see the Pens pick up the first win since Sid was forced out of the lineup. Hopefully that feeling sticks around until he's cleared to return.
Bullet recap after the jump.
There's so much to take from a win like this. Rather than collect my thoughts in sentence form, I figured I'd just throw them out there with a few bullets:
- Nice way to bounce back against the Habs after losing to them up in Montreal just a week ago. Nothing like some vengeance to balance things out.
- This was also the Pens' first win with Sidney Crosby out of the lineup, snapping a three-game losing streak in the process. Pittsburgh is now 1-2-1 without their captain.
- How about that power play? Four power-play goals on six attempts against the (now-ranked) #2 penalty-killing unit in the league. Which team is No. 1? Pittsburgh.
- Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski. Yup.
- Speaking of Staal, the big man registered his first goal of the season in this one with just about 10 seconds remaining in the second period. Way to keep it dramatic. The goal was just one of three points for #11, as he also picked up two assists, also his first two of the season.
- Props to Mark Letestu for mixing it up with PK Subban. Not an easy guy to throw down against.
- Now that the Pens have the taste of revenge, here's to hoping they make a repeat bid Saturday against the Bruins?
- Just for laughs: Sid still leads the league in points (66) and goals (32) despite sitting out the last four games.