Lifeless Powerplay Fails Penguins In Loss (4-3)

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Dec 8, 11:20 PM | Hype this story!
Buffalo Sabres
1 2 3 OT SO Tot.
1 2 1 - - 4
 
Pittsburgh Penguins
Tot. 1 2 3 OT SO
3 2 1 0 - -
 
Summary
The Pittsburgh Penguins lost their second consecutive game in regulation for just the second time this season, as poor goaltending and an ineffective power play allowed the Buffalo Sabres to win in come-from-behind fashion.

The game started out with a promising feel, as Evgeni Malkin came out flying, assisting on Ruslan Fedonteko’s two first period goals.  Then, with a 2-1 lead and a power play to start the second period, Kris Letang scored his first goal of the season to give the Penguins a commanding lead.

Unfortunately for the Penguins, the Sabres failed to roll over, scoring the next three goals of the game.

The Sabres did everything in their power to serve the game to the Penguins on a silver platter, taking penalty after penalty, but the Penguins converted on just one of eight power play opportunities, including three five-on-three advantages.

At the other end of the ice, Dany Sabourin continued his stretch of iffy starts and, once again, fought the puck all night long.

With three games in their next five days, the Penguins won’t have much time to make adjustments, but after suffering two consecutive losses, coach Michel Therrien has some instructing to do.

Next up: Penguins travel to New Jersey to play the Devils Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
 
Three Stars
# Player Team Pos. Stats
1 Roy Buf C 1 goal
2 Fedotenko Pit LW 2 goals
3 Vanek Buf LW 1 goal (GWG)
 
Stat Line
  Shots Faceoffs Power Plays
  1 2 3 OT Total Won Lost Convert Total
Penguins 11 13 8 X 32 31 29 1 8
Sabres 9 11 9 X 29 29 31 0 3
 
Scoring Summary
Per. Time Team Goal Assist 1 Assist 2
1 9:37
11:07
15:15		 Pit
Buf
Pit		 Fedotenko, 6
Roy, 8
Fedotenko, 7		 Malkin

Malkin		 Sykora

Sykora
2 1:31
6:40
14:49		 Pit
Buf
Buf		 Letang, 1 (PP)
Kotalik, 7
Paille, 3		 Crosby
Mair
Guastad		 Crosby
Afinogenov
MacArthur
3 6:13 Buf Vanek, 20 Pominville Hecht
OT - - - - -
 
Penalty Summary
Per. Time Team Player Penalty
1 3:02
7:06
18:03
19:40		 Buf
Pit
Buf
Buf		 Bench (Afinogenov)
Orpik
Pominville
Vanek		 Too many men on ice – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
Hooking – 2:00
Delay of game – 2:00
2 0:19
9:14
9:14
18:22
18:22
18:22		 Buf
Buf
Buf
Buf
Pit
Pit		 Hecht
Vanek
(Gerbe)
MacArthur
Malkin
Malkin (Sykora)		 Tripping – 2:00
Interference – 2:00
Unsportsmanlike conduct – 2:00
Roughing – 2:00
Roughing – 2:00
Cross checking – 2:00
3 6:43
9:37
13:23		 Pit
Buf
Buf		 Goligoski
Roy
Gerbe		 Hooking – 2:00
Tripping – 2:00
High sticking – 2:00
OT - - - -

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Dec 9, 06:42 AM

    Looks like MT has some work to do with the boys. Wonder why Curry wasn’t put in, Sabu is struggling.

  2. RYANS

    Dec 9, 08:17 AM

    3 5-on-3’s…. 0 goals off of. Time to shake things up a little. Maybe posting up Malkin and Staal in front of the net to get some bigger bodies down low?

  3. Pens1967

    Dec 9, 08:22 AM

    HCMT is quoted today that the players are told to go in front of the net but they won’t do it. If the players on the PP won’t do what they’re told, including Sid and Gino, then they should not be replaced by players who will do what they’re told to do.

    Also, I continue to believe the lack of a 4th line is a big problem for the team. Godard is a complete waste of time and it’s clear Therrien’s lack of faith in him keeps him from rolling a 4th line. IMHO, Godard should only be dressed for games when it’s clear the opposition will try and good it up and he should play on Sid’s wing, otherwise he should be a healthy scratch and replaced by Minard or Pesonen.

  4. Shlim

    Dec 9, 09:22 AM

    Or he could bring back the Biz Nasty, who at least can play hockey better than Godard. And he fights, too.

    I think Kris Letang’s goal was on one of their 5-on-3’s? Maybe it was right as one expired into a 5-on-4…

    Anyway, I think they should bring back ol’e Eddie Johnston to coach the power play. His powerplay was dominant. But if players wont do what they’re told, I guess nothing will work except the perfect pass & perfect shot.

  5. RyanS

    Dec 9, 11:18 AM

    Yeah, right after the first 5-on-3 expired is when Letang scored. I say put Pesonen Minard and Biz-nasty on the 4th line. They dominate in WBS, obviously they are familiar with each other, I think it could work out as well as a fourth line can.

  6. Pens1967

    Dec 9, 11:20 AM

    Ooops, meant to say “should be replaced by players who will”.

    I agree about Bissonnette. He’s not a heavy weight, but at least he can play and has a edge to his game. He has enough talent to play with Sid and deter any cheap shots opponents might be thinking about taking on Sid. Also, if TB is looking to trade players already, I wouldn’t mind seeing Adam Hall come back to the ‘burgh.

    And, yeah, Letang’s goal did come at the end of a short 5-3 advantage or just after it ended.

  7. Ben Schmidt

    Dec 9, 12:56 PM

    Letang’s goal came with 10 seconds left on the 5-on-3. They had another 48 seconds of 5-on-4 remaining, but they were so inept on it, I can see how people missed that the Pens were still on the power play during that time.

    Last night was definitely Sabourin’s worst game this season. I was surprised he wasn’t yanked after giving up that third goal, seeing as how he had let in 3 goals on 16 shots at that point. He was constantly out of position, he was flailing all over the place, and making bad decisions on when to go out to play the puck, or challenge the shooter. I honestly think the Pens would have won if Fleury had been healthy and in net.

    If Fleury isn’t ready soon enough, I hope we see Curry get another start soon. Sabourin is looking like he’s been worn out. He needs a break to get his head back in the game.

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