Man, was the offense hot tonight. 52 shots at Toskala compared to the 27 unleashed by Toronto, and they were only 1 for 7 on the powerplay! Excuse me, let me preface that as being a PITIFUL 1 for 7. And Malkin - what did I tell you about shooting? Always trying to make it look pretty when all we need are some goals.
Lots of firsts tonight, like Crosby's first goal of the season. It came on a shot deflected off a Leafs' leg, but hey, we'll take it. He'd later net another one on a rebound in front of the net. Crosby also got in to his first 'tiff' of the season, with the towering Antropov. Although it would almost appear like a fight was about to break-up, the NHL's refs did a good job to make sure our pretty boy wouldn't get hurt. Thank you front office.
Sabourin got his first start of the season as well. Gotta say, as much as I was hoping and waiting for this day, I began to think twice when I saw how his performance ranked in just a few short minutes. After letting in two goals, Fleury looked like the better option. Unfortunately that opportunity came sooner than later after Sabourin collided with Tucker during a Brooks Orpik check. Perhaps this game made me a Fleury believer afterall. Orpik would later leave dazed and confused from the ice, with his eyes practically rolled in to the back of his skull.
And finally, the Penguins' first road win.
I'm stoked that the offense mounted as many shots as they did, but again it was all about survival. When you give up 4 goals, you have to come back stronger and they did just that. Talbot, who scored his first goal in the last game against Montreal, also popped in two tonight, including one of which was shorthanded on to an open net.
The Pens did everything right tonight, including the penalty kill. The Leafs, despite having six attempts with the man advantage, were unable to convert on the night. But that just goes to show you how much of a team they are to capitalize on even strength attempts. Antropov...that dude is a giant when he comes crashing down on net.
Uncertain as to Orpik's situation, but it may have been a good time to at least have Nasreddine train with WBS. It might just wind up being the perfect thing to put him in to the line-up. Of course, I've been a Letang supporter since camp, and I wouldn't be the least bit upset to see him called up for a game or two. Yet, let's hope all is fine with Orpik and we don't have to keep our heavy hitter on the bench for long.
Penguins Goals
1st period
Christensen from Hall
2nd period
Crosby from Sykora - Gonchar
Talbot from Roberts - Hall
Malone from Staal - Malkin
3rd period
Crosby from Sydor - Malkin
Talbot - no assist
Sabourin - 4-6
Fleury - 19-21
