Penguins/NHL
The Penguins got a massive two points in a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers that takes away the pain of Tuesday night’s collapse. It was quite easy coming in to chalk this one up as a likely loss. Playing the Oilers has become a house of horrors and a terrible matchup for the Penguins. To come out flying in building up 4-1 and 5-1 leads to go with a number of moments where the Oilers had opportunity after opportunity to storm back, Pittsburgh didn’t break. A wonderful battled tested game from the entire lineup to the goaltender. We saw a playoff mentality from the Penguins and quite the momentum swing around the team 24 hours prior to Thursday’s win.
Stars Shine 
Sidney Crosby | Goal, 2 Assists | Since Thanksgiving Crosby continues to carry the Penguins on his back. Barring a legitimate splash from the General Manager to add one or two Top-9 forwards, Pittsburgh is going to need another 35+ games for the Crosby line to carry them into the postseason. Rakell-Crosby-Rust combined for 3 goals, 4 assists in the win. If Crosby at his age and with the Four Nations Faceoff looming can maintain this level the rest of the way, it will be quite the feat.
Connor McDavid | 3 Assists | McDavid on the ice looks like he was created by a computer. The lack of Cups will always haunt his resume to some but not enough realize we all could be watching the Greatest Offensive Talent that’s ever played the game.
Leon Draisaitl | 2 Goals, 7 SOG, 8 Attempts | Draisaitl netted goals 30, 31 on the season and is scoring at a 62 goal pace. While Draisaitl doesn’t possess the dynamic flashiness McDavid does, his ability to control the play in such a methodical way is something else and so rare. Not to mention he can put the puck in the net from anywhere in the offensive zone.
Another Goaltender Swing? Coming into the homestand Pittsburgh mapped out Tristan Jarry to start the first two games of the homestand. That changed with Tuesday’s third period debacle. Alex Nedeljkovic’s 40 save performance, and a number of sprawling saves has re-opened the door for him to take some starts away from Jarry. Still, last season’s late run was a mirage for Nedeljkovic. You start trying to throw him there out too much, the consistency starts lacking which is why he is who he is. But there’s no denying his battle level is night and day above Jarry’s and when Nedeljkovic is on his game, he has moments where he comes up with those big saves to jumpstart momentum and get the crowd into the game.
Have Penguins found something with Hayes at 3rd line Center Spot? Talk in the Penguins organization was when came out of the lineup last month is the coaching staff no longer believed Hayes could play at a good enough level 5 vs 5. This is a guy who isn’t quick enough off the boards to play the wing effectively anymore but put him at center and give him some wingers who know how to at least stick handle, Hayes can still create 1-on-1 offense when he has time and space. Hayes has been a welcomed addition in someone outside of the Crosby line creating their own offense. Word is assistant coach To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
Injury Buzz: To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
