There are a million things to talk about when you look at a loss like this. First off, Malkin has GOT to shoot the puck more. Now, I'm not knocking his assist to Talbot, but I am saying that with 20 seconds left in the game, down by one with an extra attacker, you don't drop a pass to the crowded center of the ice, you shoot it.
All in all, better presence by the PK unit this game, although it did give up a goal. On a similar note, nice work by Whitney on the PP in the first to tap in an otherwise clearable puck.
I think it's also safe to say that the refs kept the whistles to a minimum this game. And when I say minimum, I mean, they left this in the locker room after the second period. There were easily two missed calls on Malkin take-downs, and the more than obvious holding call on Malone.
Fleury makes me nervous. The second the puck leaves on a shot, I hold my breath. He's so shaky in the net, and he's very easy to set off. He seemed stable in the first, but gradually disippated as the game wore on. It's almost like he's thinking "Well, I just gave up a goal, game over." You don't play for the shutout, you play for the win man!
Speaking of, Carey Price records his first NHL win with this 3-2 victory. He apparantly possesses the very thing that sticks a dagger in the heart of the Pens - the ability to stop the puck. Crosby dinged two off the post this game, and had a grand opening to the net on a mishandled puck by Price but was unable to capitalize on the attempt.
I wrote earlier that the key to winning this game was containing Kovalev. Well, it happened for all but one goal of the game. For most of the night Brooks Orpik was the man sticking Kovi, but Ryan Whitney over-committed on a play in the Canadiens' zone, leading Kovalev to a breakaway goal. Again, it's almost like I could forsee the goal happening before it even left the stick with Fleury in net.
I'm all for a Sabourin start against the Leafs on Saturday. It's more than obvious that Fleury is off to a nervous start. So, sit the guy for a game or two and let Sabourin get the time. If anything, at least it will scare Fleury in to working for job security.
Highlight of the night? Roberts slamming Plekanac's face (not 100% sure on who it was from the Habs)right in to the boards. You could actually see him reaching in to check for teeth. Scary Gary at it again.
Penguins' Goals
2nd Period
PPG Whitney from Recchi and Crosby
3rd Period
Talbot from Malkin and Recchi
Fleury 32-35
