Back-2-Back Recap

In Columbus, the Penguins fell 3–2 to the Blue Jackets in a shootout. Sergei Murashov was doing the absolute most to keep them in the game, but the Pens were out of ammo—and it showed in the shootout, too. Geno grabbed another point, but the team as a whole seemed to be running on airplane (glue) mode.

In Dallas, Pittsburgh finally picked up a win, although it still required a shootout. Connor Dewar was the only scorer in regulation, and thankfully, Sidney Crosby scored on the shootout. We/He needed that one. Side-note, I can see the pros and cons of using—or not using—our usual shootout lineup. There are arguments to be made on both sides, but lets … re-visit that soon.

Our power play was MIA. Five opportunities against Dallas, and absolutely nothing to show for it.

Tonight, we play the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago has had a bit of a rough start. They opened the season with a win over St. Louis, then proceeded to lose their next three games. So, the Blackhawks will be looking to turn things around and make a statement against Pittsburgh. Connor Bedard is questionable to play as he continues rehabbing a shoulder injury. The face of the franchise hasn’t had the start to the season he was hoping for, and Chicago could certainly use his offensive firepower.

In his absence, look for the usual suspects—Frank Nazar, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Hit-a-Cabbie Kane—to help generate some offense. Like the Penguins, the Blackhawks have a hodgepodge of younger players trying to find their footing, including Anton Frondell, Sam Rinzel, and Artyom Levshunov.

Chicago will be hungry to snap its losing streak, and the Penguins will be working to start one. .

LGP