Game 1 Post-Game Reactions: After dominant win, focus already on Game 2 for Penguins

(Game Highlights: NHL Network Online)

Some Quick Hits on Tonight’s 5-0 win:

*– The night Kris Letang had is why if he ever hits the open market next summer, teams will be lining up to offer him $9-$10 million per season and make him their franchise defenseman for the next seven years.

Letang who has emerged this season as one of hockey’s best defensemen, had a strong night with a goal, +2 rating and 4 hits in the Penguins 5-0 win.

Letang’s power play goal was a beauty where he had perfect placement and Letang said afterwards he was first looking to pass.

“I was looking to pass first because we made a quick play down low, so I was waiting for a pass and I kind of looked off the goalie and shot it,” Letang said of the goal.

*– Dan Bylsma sitting Tyler Kennedy who has 67 career playoff games wasn’t an easy one for him and he was asked about what went into the decision making on playing Beau Bennett over Kennedy. “Beau probably our next best power play guy in last 10 games, other than five on first unit,” Bylsma said. “Again he’s also a guy who has played very well without puck,very well in defensive situations, areas, and has earned trust in that regard.”

*– Bylsma in playoff mode would not provide an update on Jussi Jokinen or James Neal. “I don’t have one and I’m not going to give you one,” Bylsma said when asked about an injury update on the two.

*– The Penguins blocked 22 shots in the game, lead by Mark Eaton’s team-high of eight. “Lot of guys put their bodies on the line, blocked shots” winger Pascal Dupuis said.

*– A number of key veterans tonight had the same message in that tonight was one win and the focus has to turn to Game 2 already.

“It’s one game feels good to win, but right back tomorrow, we know they’ll be hungry and desperate and tomorrow we get back to work,” winger Jarome Iginla said.

Mark Eaton and Pascal Dupuis had the same message.

“I said it before, it’s a start, it’s one game, the score doesn’t matter,” Eaton said of the Penguins winning 5-0. “It’s one game and we need to focus on Friday.”

“It’s one win, so we just need to get ready for next game,” Dupuis said. “It’s one win, definitely feel good about it. Gotta get to work for next one.”