Sidney Crosby led to the Penguins to a 3-2 Win at Mellon Arena
It was just a matter of time before Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin would strike in the third period. Malkin and Crosby have been playing on separate lines for the past 3 games but the two reunited late in the third as Evgeni Malkin scored the game winner with 2:03 left in the third period to snap the Penguins 5 game winless streak. Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal also scored. The young stars Staal 18, Crosby 19, and Malkin 20 showed the hockey world what a bright future the Penguins have. The loss for the Flyers extended their winless streak to 6 games and after seeing them for the third time this year, they are just not a good hockey team. Defense is built for the old NHL and offensively they don’t have a good mix upfront. Former Penguin Randy Robitaille and Geoff Sanderson had goals for the Flyers, who lost to the Penguins for the third time this season and have worst record in the Eastern Conference. The worst thing for Flyers management would be to sell of some of their young talent for a veteran player. The season is a lost cause and it’s time for this team to move on and trade the older players like Forsberg and build with the young players, Gagne, Richards, Carter and ect.
The Buzzontheburgh’s Penguins notebook
Penguins left winger Johnny Leclair was promoted up to the 2nd line with the absence of Nils Ekman. Leclair had a solid game and made a great pass at the blue line to Michel Quellet which led to a 2 on 1 where Staal blasted one home to put the Penguins on top 2-1. The powerplay situation is still a problem. Too many lefties out there and no presence in front of the net. Leclair did get some time and we have stressed before that Ouellet and Leclair should switch off to give the power play some different options. Another option the Penguins need to work on is moving Evgeni Malkin around. Malkin loves that spot in the slot similar to the goal he scored yesterday and against LA. The St.Louis Blues use to run the same sequence with Brett Hull. Hull would find that open space in the slot on the power play and just let em rip. Right winger Michel Ouellet had his best game of the year effort wise. Ouellet was very effective in the corners and he is on pace for a 30 goal season. Michel Therrien has drawn a lot of criticism from fans because of the ice time Ouellet has received but it’s paying dividends. The Penguins are off until Friday where they take on the Buffalo Sabres.
