Article Written By: Adam Wible
An unlikely hero keeps the Penguins 5 game winning streak alive, in a shootout against the New York Rangers.
Pittsburgh center Brandon Sutter, scored for his second time in consecutive games, and eventually the game winner in a shootout. The game started out quick and physical. Zero penalties and goals during the first period set the pace for the evening. That all changed 12:44 into the second period. Chris Kunitz connected on a pass from Sydney Crosby for a power play goal, taking the lead. It didn’t take long though for the Rangers to tie the game. Carl Hagelin put a backhander behind Henrik Lundqvist for his 7th of the season.
However, the Penguins started the third period with all the momentum. They got 2 quick goals 5 minutes into the period from, Pascal Dupius and Brandon Sutter. “Any time you get a 1-on-1, especially 4-on-4, you want to try to make a play on it,” Sutter said. “I just tried to drive wide to get the D to think I was going to go wide or shoot. I tried to pull it in. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It worked pretty well tonight.”
That 3-1 lead lasted until Rangers winger, Mats Zuccarello brought them within one backhander. After that Matt Niskanen, picked up a bad penalty late in the third. It was costly, as Derick Brassard tied the game for the rangers, beating Marc-Andre Fluery with a wrister. Tying the game late, the the score would stand 3-3 heading into overtime.
Marc-Andre Fluery and Henrik Lundqvist put on a show in overtime, as neither team could score. The game would head to a shootout, an extra round shootout at that. Fluery made 5 saves shutting out the Rangers, while Brandon Sutter scored on his 5th shot beating Henrik. Lundquvist liked what he saw though.
“I think being down 3-1 we were in a tough spot, but we kept fighting and that’s a good sign,” Lundqvist said. “I feel like the last two games we’re making progress.”
Plenty of great matchups tonight with 11 games on tap.
The battle out west, seems to be the game of the night.
The big question is, can the sharks tame the three-headed monster that is the Los Angeles Kings goaltending?
San Jose boasts 3.21 goals per game average, while the stifling Kings goalies hold opponents to 1.89 goals per game. This has the makings to be a great game, as both teams can score and have phenomenal goalies to back them up. Martin Jones looks to continue his nhl debut best 6 game winning streak. Starting opposite of Jones is Stanley Cup Champion, Antti Niemi.
It’s a shame this game is not on National Television tonight. This has the makings to be a great game.
My picks for the night.
Toronto 3-1, Philadelphia 4-3, Pittsburgh 3-1, Nashville 2-0, and Vancouver 4-2
Upset of the night: Buffalo 3-2