Pens Points: Throwback Incomplete

Well last night could have gone better, but as I said on the game thread, every 2 points we give to the Flyers are 2 points well spent as it puts them further away from Connor McDavid. Always look on the bright side of life!

Here are thoughts on the game from the PensNation as well as the goal assessment. Three 3rd-period goals by the Flyers (last one an empty netter) and another late unraveling are nothing new, unfortunately.

Here is a Flyer who can grow on me. 29-year-old Pierre-Edouard Bellemare came to the NHL from France via Sweden and was told he'd never make it. Well he did make it, and he scored his first NHL goal last night.

Seth Rorabaugh's blog as usual has terrific pregame observations, great photos of fans and action, as well as a detailed minute-by-minute action rundown. I always read it because it makes me feel like I'm there.

The whole narrative (I hate that word just as I do the synonym rhetoric) about the Flyers being in the Pens' head is explored in DK's column. He might be on to something.

On the bright side we were relatively disciplined and didn't take that many dumb penalties (plus those we took were killed off). There was this hilariously acted Kunitz dive, though, which got excellent artistic marks.

Another good sign was the play of the third line, especially Spaling and Goc. Spaling's versatility was showcased nicely, and Goc as well as Downie skated well and did good things at even strength.

The Pens get a chance to redeem themselves right away with a quick turnaround against Detroit tonight. Here is your Red Wings scouting report.

Speaking of Connor McDavid, the Erie Otters drew a huge crowd in Buffalo's First Niagara Center to witness another 4-point night from the budding superstar.

The Metropolitan division is holding its own against the rest of the NHL in the early weeks of the new season.

The Islanders have placed Mikhail Grabovski on the IR with a concussion, after all. Get well soon, Grabo.

Don't look now, but the Nashville Predators are in first place in the Central Division, sporting a strong 4-0-2 record. They take on the Blackhawks next.

We're only two weeks in and Corey Perry posts his second hat trick as the Ducks down Buffalo, 4-1.

PK Subban's Thriller look is another terrific Halloween effort.

After spending two seasons with Jokerit of the Finnish Liiga, former Pen Jarkko Ruutu has joined Swiss team HC Biel.

Sad events in Ottawa yesterday reminded us again that we need to stand together in defense of our liberties. The game between Senators and Maple Leafs was postponed and will be made up at a later date.

I was very proud of the Penguins and the Pittsburgh crowd that sang O Canada in support of our great neighbors to the north. Read this great recount of the night by Chris Johnston, who drove to Pittsburgh to witness the event.

Love you, Canada.