Penguins fall to Sabres 4-3

The Penguins couldn’t hold on to a 3-2 lead going into the third period. The Penguins were outshot 10-3 in the third period and failed to put away the game early in the third when they began the period with a 5 on 3 power play for 53 seconds.

The Penguins power play which ranks dead last on the road burned them tonight. The Penguins were 0-7 on the night. The Sabres were very aggressive on the penalty kill.

John Curry played very well making 28 saves on 32 shots. He did what he needed to do for the Penguins to win tonight. It was good to see him perform well tonight.

Sidney Crosby (2 goals) and Evgeni Malkin (2 assists) continue to carry the Penguins offensively. I Thought Michel Therrien might have went away from the Crosby/Sykora/Malkin unit a bit early in the third period after how well they were playing together in the second period.

The Penguins third line unit of Matt Cooke – Jordan Staal – Tyler Kennedy had another solid game. Tyler Kennedy scored his first goal in 8 games. Staal has picked up his play since the Detroit game a few weeks ago but the best case scenario for the Penguins is for Staal to be able to carry a second line if needed. He’s not a very good playmaker and that’s why he plays better with grinders like Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy, compared to playing with a skilled forward like Petr Sykora or Miroslav Satan.

The days of Pascal Dupuis being on the first line needs to end and right now Crosby and Malkin need to play together. What hinders the Penguins from making that a permanent move until upgrades are made is Staal’s inability to carry a second line.

I really like what I‚Äôve seen from Kris Letang this season. Letang would be one of my few untouchables at the trade deadline. Letang is a much better overall defenseman at this point compared to Alex Goligoski. That is not a knock on Goligoski who has been fared well in his first season but I’m not as high on Goligoski as others are. For Letang to take the next step, he needs to shoot the puck more on the power play.

Read more for the latest update on Marc Andre Fleury and Ruslan Fedotenko. Scouts filled HSBC Arena. Could a trade be in the works?

Pesonen sees limited Ice Time: Janne Pesonen had 10 shifts for a total of 6:02. The Blackhawks were in attendance and have had their eye on Pesonen

Scouts fill HSBC ARENA: 13 teams had scouts in the building including the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers. Click here for more

Fleury to begin skating: Goaltender Marc Andre Fleury did not make the trip to Buffalo but is expected to skate within the next couple days. Fleury remains sidelined with an groin injury and could be out for another couple weeks.

Fedotenko Healthy Scratch: Ruslan Fedotenko joined frequent press box watcher Mark Eaton tonight at HSBC Arena. Fedotenko has had an up and down season and has currently been playing on the fourth line. He will likely rejoin the lineup tomorrow as a source tells me Pesonen could be sent down tomorrow.

Boucher injured: Defenseman Phillipe Boucher left the game in the second period with an undisclosed injury. Boucher’s status for Saturday’s game will not be known until tomorrow.

Photo courtesy of Dan4th