Pens Points: That Could Have Gone Better

Good morning one and all,

Pens fell 2-1. I don't think these guys quite get the concept of a fast start. First 20 minutes aside, everything went swimmingly last night. [Trib]

Too many penalties last night. Some were terrible calls (like the Comeau one), but there were some (like the Chorney, Perron and Downie penalties) you just can't take. Period. [PPG]

Dear aliens, would you please come and get Derrick Brassard? This guy continues to deliver against the Pens. [Trib]

One more about the slow start. The game honestly was lost in the first period, just like we feared it would be. [Penguins]

The whole puck-moving defenseman concept has gone out the window. Let's bring back the stretch pass. [Hockey Buzz]

Let's talk about happy things, like Matt Murray. He continues to rake in awards for the sensational rookie season in the NHL and was announced as the winner of the Baz Bastien Award for outstanding goaltender. [Penguins]

Elsewhere in the NHL playoffs, Detroit Red Wings stole game 1 from Tampa helped by a healthy dose of Datsyukian magic. Ben Bishop has no idea what happened and how. We know the feeling.  [Winging It In Motown]

Minnesota Wild continue to roll and take game 1 from the Blues, 4-2. My dark horse for the Cup. [ESPN]

Ducks win their game 1 by the same score. Is this the year Ducks go all the way? Lessons to be had. [Sportsnet]

How do NHL players get compensated in the playoffs? A good primer on the CBA. [Colligan Hockey]

John Klingberg gets paid. Dallas Stars extend their young defenseman for 7 more yeras. [Dallas Morning News]

PK Subban won't face any additional discipline for intentionally chopping Mark Stone's wrist and that's expected. Lots of chest-thumping and inflammatory words, when the only thing to do for the Sens is: move on. [Silver Seven]

Some team is going to get lucky in 2016. Meet Auston Matthews, who just broke Kane's NTDP record for points in a season. Also read about unexpected warm American places with fantastic youth hockey programs. [Sportsnet]