Penguins Down Bruins 4-2 At Mellon Arena

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Dec 23, 06:53 PM | Hype this story!
1 2 3 Tot.
1 0 1 2
 
1 2 3 Tot.
0 3 1 4
 
Summary
"Scary" Gary Roberts broke out of his shell to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-2 victory over the Boston Bruins this afternoon.

The game started out in familiar fashion, with the Bruins taking an early 1-0 lead that lasted until Roberts poked in his second of the season just two minutes into the second period.

Then, 11 minutes later, the Penguins buried two goals exactly 30 seconds apart, one by Malkin and the other by Laraque.

Solid goaltending by Ty Conklin held the Penguins in the game during the third period until Petteri Nokalenainen scored for the Bruins with the goalie pulled.  But Roberts secured the victory with an empty net goal with 10 second remaining.

The victory provides a morale boost for the Penguins as they head into a two-day Christmas break; however, the loss of Mark Eaton to an undisclosed knee injury could put a negative spin on things.

Eaton was hit behind the goal midway through the game and had his legs kicked out from under him.  He was able to get up and rejoin the play in the defensive end, but did not return to the game after returning to the bench.

Starting for the second time in three nights, Conklin looked to be the solidifying presence the Penguins need between the pipes while starter Marc-Andre Fleury nurses his high ankle sprain.

Conklin stopped 28 of 30 shots en route to his second victory in three nights.  Alex Auld was not as effective, making 21 saves on 24 shots.
 
Three Stars
1 Gary Roberts Pit, LW 2 goals, 1 assist
2 Georges Laraque Pit, RW 1 goal, 1 assist
3 Ty Conklin Pit, G 28 saves, .933 sv %
 
Stat Line
Team Shots Faceoffs Power Plays
  1 2 3 OT Total Won Lost Converted Total
Pittsburgh 10 7 8 X 25 26 26 1 5
Boston 12 7 11 X 30 26 26 0 3
 
Scoring Summary
Per. Time Team Goal Assist Assist
1 3:48 Bos Axelsson Chara Savard
2 2:16
13:04
13:34		 Pit
Pit
Pit		 Roberts
Malkin (PP)
Laraque		 Laraque
Staal
Roberts		 Christensen
Gonchar
Christensen
3 19:06
19:50		 Bos
Pit		 Nokalenainen
Roberts (EN)		 Schaefer
Crosby		 Lashoff
Armstrong
 
Penalty Summary
Per. Time Team Player Penalty
1 8:53
9:17
14:23		 Bos
Bos
Pit		 Ference
Wideman
Crosby		 Holding – 2:00
Slashing – 2:00
Slashing – 2:00
2 11:53
16:24
19:03		 Bos
Bos
Pit		 Kobasew
Stuart
Roberts		 Charging – 2:00
Holding – 2:00
Tripping – 2:00
3 1:43
15:41		 Pit
Bos		 Malkin
Lucic		 Tripping – 2:00
Slashing – 2:00

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Dec 24, 07:40 AM

    Is it me or does Conklin make the tough saves and allow the easy goal?? I see him making tough save after tough save…them WHAM, he lets an easy one in.
    Over all tho, I’m pleased with his efforts.

    This was a fun game to watch after some of the misery we’ve put up with.

    Way to go Roberts!

  2. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 24, 12:04 PM

    Yeah, I think you’re right. He does have a tendancy to leave in a softy here and there — but that is to be expected from a third stringer. With that being said, at this point, I think he is the better option as the starter while Fleury heals. I said it a while back, Sabourin is a fine backup, but given an expanded role, his flaws would be exposed. That is what I believe we are seeing happen with Sabourin.

    Each player has a niche he fits into. Some players’ niches are team leaders, top liners, or starting goalies. Others have a niche of checking line center, enforcer, or backup goalie.

    When a player leaves his niche, bad things happen. Now, the trick is, knowing when a player is playing really good in his niche compared to when a player is playing himself into a larger role. Sabourin looked really good in his early starts, but the more time he gets, the less impressive he becomes.

    Conklin, on the other hand, is a starter. He has started in the NHL, he has started all season in the AHL. His niche is a starter — not necessarily a great starter, but a starter. He plays his best when he plays more. Sabourin plays his best when he plays less. At least that is what I am seeing.

    So, to make a long explanation short. I think Conklin should continue to start in Fleury’s absence, with Sabourin getting the occasional opportunity (like once a week). Then, when Fleury returns, Conklin returns to the AHL (or gets traded, if he played well enough), and Sabourin remains the backup.

  3. DaBich

    Dec 26, 08:37 AM

    Sounds like a plan to me!

  4. Matt Bodenschatz

    Dec 26, 12:49 PM

    All right, let’s go for it then :)

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