Did the Penguins seal Claude Julien’s Fate

The highest scoring team in the NHL was at it again, putting up five goals in a 5-1 win over the Boston Bruins.

Tuukka Rask exited the game for undisclosed reasons after allowing 2 goals on 22 shots. The Penguins then torched backup goaltender Zane McIntyre in the third period, scoring 3 goals on their first eight shots against McIntyre.

This game was the story of the Bruins season.

Boston outshot Pittsburgh 46-35, had a massive 87-48 edge in shot attempts. They just can’t score.

Claude Julien has been coaching on a day-to-day basis and his job security will be the hottest topic in the NHL tonight.

Last year Bruins GM Don Sweeney was widely known to be very intrigued about hiring Mike Milbury when Boston last winter considered firing Julien. He was believed to be talked out of going the Milbury route but what theater would that be.

Key Takeaways from the Win

Crosby Line Dominates

— Boston had no answers for the Crosby line. Some have felt Bryan Rust had reached his expiration date on the line and he’s likely not a long-term fit there, but that talk will cool for a couple days.

The Crosby line produced three even strength goals with Rust scoring his 12th of the season and Sheary added two goals, his 16th and 17th goals of the season.

Sidney Crosby – 1 Goal, 2 Assists
Bryan Rust – 1 Goal, 2 Assists
Conor Sheary – 2 Goals, 1 Assist.


Murray Sensational

Matt Murray won his fourth straight game and what a performance by him in making 45 saves. He’s back to playing big in goal, squaring up on shooters and showed great athleticism side to side. Murray made a number of highlight reel saves and he has a stranglehold on the No. 1 job once again.


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Goal Summary

2nd PERIOD

Rust vs Bos 1
PIT 0:18 Bryan Rust (12) | Assists: Sidney Crosby, Conor Sheary

Sheary vs Boston 1
PIT 9:06 Conor Sheary (16) | Assists: Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust
BOS 13:49 David Krejci (11) | Assists: David Pastrnak, Matt Beleskey

3rd PERIOD

Hornqvist vs Boston
PIT 1:40 Patric Hornqvist (11) | Assists: Chad Ruhwedel, Evgeni Malkin

Conor Sheary vs Bos 2
PIT 2:59 Conor Sheary (17) | Assists: Bryan Rust, Justin Schultz

Crosby vs Bos 5
PIT 4:37 Sidney Crosby (28) (Power Play) | Assists: Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel[/hide]