Penguins/NHL
Evgeni Malkin recorded 2 goals & 2 assists, upping his NHL points lead to 53. Malkin has 14 points in his past seven games and Michel Therrien said it best in his post-game comments stating “Malkin played an outstanding game.” Evgeni Malkin is now a +20 on the season.
Matt Cooke, Jordan Staal, Miroslav Satan and Philippe Boucher also scored for Pittsburgh. Marty Reasoner, Bryan Little and Colby Armstrong had Atlanta’s goals who were coming off of a 4-1 win Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators. Armstrong has three goals in his last two games
Marc Andre Fleury returned after being sidelined for nearly a month to record his 9th win of the season. Fleury was very sharp making 28 saves.
The Thrashers came out of the gates flying and had several prime scoring chances early in the game. Fleury made some key saves as it took the Penguins a few minutes to find their game after being off for five days.
Defensively, I thought the Penguins gave up too many scoring chances against a team like Atlanta and if Fleury wasn’t on top of his game, this could have been a 6-5 game instead of 6-3.
The Penguins scored two power play goals and they had very good puck movement. Jordan Staal may have found his role on the power play in front of the net. For Penguins to be consistent on the power play they need a presence in front of the net.
Late in the second period there was some physical play towards Evgeni Malkin and Michel Therrien read the situation perfectly. Enforcer Eric Godard was on the ice with Malkin within seconds.
Jeff Taffe played well. He set up Miroslav Satan with a beautiful pass for the Penguins fourth goal. Taffe was making things happen offensively which is what he needs to do if he wants to stay with the Penguins
Ryan Stone played physical at times but he just lacks NHL speed.
The Penguins are now 2-4 in their last six games. The Penguins have a scheduled practice tomorrow afternoon at 12:00 p.m and host the Toronto Maple Leafs (12-13-6) Saturday night.
More to come
Photo courtesy of Dan4th
