Pens shutout Islanders 1-0
Jonathan Farzalo | Pittsburgh Penguins
Feb 25, 11:19 PM | Hype this story!
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| Summary |
| Marc-Andre Fleury came up with a 1-0 shutout
performance on a night when either team could have squeaked out two
points. Both teams played a pretty lackluster game, even though
at times the Penguins did carry the play in the Islanders end.
It was very evident that the Pens missed the services of Sidney
Crosby, however in the end Sergei Gonchar, Evgeni Malkin, and Petr
Sykora found a way to notch the only goal needed with little time left
in the 3rd period. Neither team was able to convert on their 3 powerplay chances but the Penguins looked much better than they have over the course of the season while on the man advantage, and the penalty kill was tremendous at holding the Islanders team at bay. The game wasn’t without it’s crazy moments and chances, both teams had a few near goals, post hits, double post hits, and even the horn sounding as if the Pens had scored even though they had not (this almost seemed like an alarm clock buzzer for the Pens, as they turned it up a notch and the crowd awakened). It’s a game like this that shows the character of the team and of certain players who can step up and/or bounce back. Marc-Andre Fleury had something to prove, after giving up 14 goals in the last 3 games he needed to shut the door and he did. While the Islanders may not be a threatening team, they are a team that has tortured the Penguins over the years. Now the Penguins head on a long road trip, and while they probably can’t win all their games before returning to Mellon Arena, it’s possible that when they do return they can do so in a playoff spot. |
| Three Stars | ||||
| # | Player | Team | Pos. | Stats |
| 1 | Fleury | PIT | G | 21 Save Shutout |
| 2 | Sykora | PIT | W | 1 Goal |
| 3 | Danis | NYI | G | 27 Saves |
| Stat Line | |||||||||
| Shots | Faceoffs | Power Plays | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | Total | Won | Lost | Convert | Total | |
| Penguins | 8 | 10 | 10 | X | 28 | 35 | 21 | 0 | 3 |
| Islanders | 6 | 11 | 4 | X | 21 | 21 | 35 | 0 | 3 |
| Scoring Summary | |||||
| Per. | Time | Team | Goal | Assist 1 | Assist 2 |
| 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | 17:32 | PIT | Petr Sykora (23) | Gonchar | Malkin |
| OT | - | ||||
| SO | - | ||||
| Penalty Summary | ||||
| Per. | Time | Team | Player | Penalty |
| 1 | 2:24 | NYI | McAmmond | Holding – 2:00 |
| 2 | 5:28 11:59 15:36 |
NYI PIT PIT |
Gervais Gill Fedotanko |
Hooking – 2:00 Hooking – 2:00 High Stick – 2:00 |
| 3 | 3:30 11:00 |
PIT NYI |
Godard Tambellini |
Hooking – 2:00 Hooking – 2:00 |
| OT | - | |||
Comments
KG
Feb 25, 11:41 PM
Collective sigh of relief after this one!
DaBich
Feb 26, 06:18 AM
You got that right, KG!
Shlim
Feb 26, 09:07 AM
Intense game, that goal horn really did pick us up haha.
Did anyone hear the fart during the 3rd period by either Steiggy or Bobby? hahaha
At least who I was with thought we heard one…
RelentlessForecheck
Feb 26, 09:28 AM
A few relentless observations:
- Bylsma made some much-needed adjustments to his game plan to minimize odd-man breaks against. Defensive coverage on the opposing breakout was much better as a result. Still a few missed assignments, but nowhere near what we’ve seen the past three games.
- Standout performances: Talbot, Satan, Letang, Thomas. Talbot does have natural tendencies towards center, and he is much more comfortable there. The new approach fits his aggressive style very well, and he created some decent opportunities offensively.
Satan, again, is the most improved player since Bylsma took over. His confidence is up 250% as he is taking shots outside the crease (including a 30’ rip that made sweet crossbar music), forechecking well, and making good, quick decisions passing the puck.
Letang made sure he got into the flow right away and sent a message to his coach. Letang needs a bit of work on the mechanics of Bylsma’s approach offensively, as he did leave the defense exposed on a few pinches. Still, he played his game at both ends of the ice and was rewarded with Whitney’s time on the PP. Having a RH shot at the point who has a quick release and can hit the net every time is a major asset.
It was great to see Thomas back in the lineup, although he only saw 4th line ice time. He didn’t see any PK time, which was a bit of a disappointment. Bill always seems to make the right play and never rushes it: last night was no exception. He created a few chances on net, managed to cycle the puck well down low, and played a rock-steady game.
- Fleury played a better game. The defensive coverage allowed him to play a simpler game, but he made the saves that he had to. For the Pens to make the postseason, Fleury will have to make these one-goal leads stick. He proved last night he can do that.
- Overall, a win… but just. Offense lacked potency; Crosby was definitely missed. Staal just wasn’t as much of a factor as he needed to be, but Talbot did get the nod above him. Some good chances as NY turtled through the first, but more of those needed to tickle the twine. Defensive coverage was better, although you can tell guys are still a little hesitant to stand people up at the blueline. Transition game looked decent and puck possession was great; just needed a bit more to show from those efforts.
Bylsma is starting to impress me.
Steve -- You stole my name!
Feb 26, 05:04 PM
What a game! In a bad way of course… Quite the contrast from last Thursday’s game against the Canadiens (I could tell my wife was bored), but a win is a win. I think all of us in F3 looked at each other and let out a giant “WTF?!” when Minard drop-passed on a breakaway. At least that’s how it looked to us from the other end of the rink.
But again, I’m not going to complain about two points. But they need to play a much better game Friday at Chicago or it could get ugly…
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