Breaking down Phil Kessel’s game-winning goal against the Blue Jackets

When Phil Kessel scores 2 goals in a game, it’s a good night. Period. In this instance, it was an extra good night because it meant the Penguins beat the Blue Jackets in OT. It would have been nice to get the 2 points in regulation and keep Columbus off the score sheet completely, but beggars can’t be choosers.

I had a good feeling about the Penguins getting the win when they went to the PP in OT. It should have been a penalty-shot for Cam Atkinson hooking Sidney Crosby on a breakaway, but that's none of my business (and all’s well that ends well).

When the Penguins were awarded the power-play, they deployed their Malkin-less 4-man unit of Justin Schultz, Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby, and Phil Kessel.

With Phil Kessel circling up high in the zone with the puck, he and Kris Letang rotate to put Letang into a shooting position.

As Kessel puts himself in position to make a play, Brandon Dubinsky is focusing on him. At this point, he has Letang and Schultz both as viable options, as Sidney Crosby is doing Sidney Crosby things and occupying two defenders down low.

Kris Letang opens up for a one-timer availability and Kessel puts a perfect pass in his wheelhouse.

Letang does indeed line up for a one-timer. Crosby is of course aware of this and ready to be in place for a deflection or a rebound if needed.

Letang’s shot never gets through and the puck rebounds off the of the Blue Jackets defender and through the slot. Kessel starts lurking towards the back door.

As the puck comes across the net-front area, Crosby sort of ties up the defender in front, while Kessel attacks the net.

While Brandon Dubinsky is busy eating garbage, Phil Kessel is busy blowing past him and scoring a pretty rebound goal.

I think it’s pretty safe to say that if you give Phil Kessel this scoring chance with that much net, he’s not going to miss very often. 4-3 Penguins. Goodnight.

Real talk -- we, as Penguins fans who can sometimes lack self-awareness, are so spoiled. Evgeni Malkin is on the shelf with an injury, and we can still roll-out a 4-man unit consisting of Crosby, Kessel, Letang, and Justin Schultz. That’s not fair.