The Penguins enter Columbus after a hard fought battle with the NY Rangers. Columbus was coming off a back-2-back, where they won one and lost the other. Things in Columbus can always go left, so I was mentally prepared for anything. Brian Dubinsky was in the building, once again using Sidney Crosby in order to be relevant.
Tonight was also special for one other guy in the arena.
Not much happened in the 1st period for the Penguins. Columbus hit first, as Voracek sent a cross ice pass to Roslovic, who was waiting in front of Casey. Dumo was focused on the play at the boards, and did nothing to prevent the pass. 0 – 1.
Merzlikins barely stopped Crosby on the doorstep, as he tried a between the leg shot. The defender quickly scurried the puck out of trouble. Someone hauled down Malkin, however the ensuing power play was uneventful. After the end of the PP, ERod was all alone in the offensive zone. He tried to wait out the goalie, but Elvis did not bite.
Friedman, who played his 1st game since November, picked up some shifts with Letang, but was mostly with Chad. He was very noticeable throughout the whole game. This was his shot, and he took it, but I’m getting ahead. Kappy beat his defender, but couldn’t get the goal. Chad then said, ‘I’ll show you how to score’. 1-1
Two Columbus defenders tried to murder Jake on the opening face-off. And he almost returned the favor by scoring a goal, but Elvis’s glove-hand was too strong. Roslovic held up Carter, for the second power play. That PP was flaccid. Jake shoved his stick into a Columbus players’ hand, and was called for disturbing the peace. Pens were strong on the PK, and DeSmith had great positioning. But unfortunately, after they killed it, Roslovic ripped one past DeSmith.
Pettersson made a diving play to block a shot, and the rebound lead to a 3 man rush, but Columbus was quick to recover. ZAR and Carlson have a slap match, and were sent to the sin bin. 4 on 4 play was nothing to talk about. The best chance of the period came when Heinen went up high, off goalie, and Dumo sent the rebound back on net. Elvis had to quickly shift to the other side and was able to fight off the rebound.
3rd period had a lot of back-n-forth play, but nothing that really was noteworthy until Mark put on his Superman cape. Friedman saved DeSmith’s bacon, when he ripped the hearts out of the Columbus fans with this …
The period continued on …and I may have fallen asleep, but I was awake to watch Geno tie the game. I don’t know why we were on the PP, but Rust set Geno up for a easy tap in. Rust has been reading Evgeni’s brain lately, and hear me out, what if he played more with Geno. Then we can try to re-animate ERod on Sid’s line. Just an suggestion. Anyway, that was the 3rd straight PP goal for Geno. 2-2
With 5 min left in the game, both Dumo and Letang leave Boone Jenner alone in front of Casey. Thankfully he missed the shot. So, with 2:14 left in the game, Sidney was showing Columbus his office, when he sent the puck to Jake. And Jake, sent it back to Crosby, who was rushing to the net. He made contact with Elvis, but it was outside the blue. Columbus challenged the goal because of interference, but it was deemed a good goal. 3-2. Now the penguins are on a power play, as punishment for their failed challenge.
On that Powerplay, Geno and Jake both had good oppotunities to go up 4-2, but they couldn’t score. Game. Penguins Win.
Summary:
- Also good to have a DeSmith win.
- Friedman looked really good. I wouldn’t give up any of D-men right now, but it’s good to know he’s there. Cough Petterrson Cough.
- Our offensive production is a little slim, but a win is a win.
- Who wants to make a milk carton for Kapanen?