Little old penguins should be no match for big, scary sea monsters that take down four-masted ships. Yet that is exactly what happened yesterday during the matinee clash between the Pens and Kraken.
The Black and Gold shook off an early bout of sluggishness, not to mention their hosts’ clogging defense, and forged a two-goal lead in the first period after drawing Parker Wotherspoon And Connor Dewar.
Just when it looked like the Kraken had us in their tentacles, thanks to an equalizing goal from ex-Ranger Ryan Lindgren at 1:55 PM of the second period, Brett Ear sent the puck home from distance 50 seconds later to regain the lead for the good guys.
The Pens widened their lead to 4-2 at 2:21 of the final frame Justin Brazeau scored on a wrist rush from the top of the left circle. Thanks to a nice design by Anthony Mantha.
Once again the Kraken responded with Eeli Tolvanen taking the honors on the power play, with Kulak serving a holding penalty.
Than Sidney Crosby made a great, not to mention gritty, play with just over three minutes remaining to provide some cushion. Sid shocked Kraken defender Vince Dunn of the puck behind the cage and slid a short pass to Rickard Rakell stationed just a meter away. In an equally great play, Rakell shot the puck past Joey Daccord from an impossible angle to make it 5-3.
Dewar sealed the victory with a post-in empty-netter from 40 yards out.
Puckpourri
Sid earned top star with a pair of assists. Few superstars, let alone 38-year-olds, would make the move he did along the wall to forcefully separate Dunn from the puck and quickly move it to a teammate.
Shades of 4 Nations, when it went flat Mikael Granlund at center ice late in a semifinal game with the game on the line before he lined up Sam Reinhart for an empty netter.
Great to see us getting so much offense from the supporting cast. It’s one of the factors that sets this group apart from black-and-gold clubs of the recent past.
Speaking of which, did anyone else notice Dewar’s release and shot? He really enjoys it, as his eleven goals (and counting) for a fourth-liner will testify. One suggestion: try the former Everett Silvertips ace in the shootout.
Although they’ve cooled down a bit after an impossibly hot start, I still really like the Brazeau/Mantha combo. So much beef, not to mention underrated skills, that enemies have to contend with.
Stuart Skinner got the nod in goal and was tough when needed, stopping 20 of 23 shots. That makes five wins in his past six starts for Big Stuuuuu.
And Muse & Co. must be quietly disappointed with the game of Jack St Ivany. The handsome right winger took a seat in the press box, while Ryan Graven saw action for his first game action since an OT loss to Utah on December 14.
Ryan Shea moved to his offside next to Wotherspoon, while Graves moved wide Connor Clifton on the third link. With an assist and four goals, Clifton continued his surprisingly strong play. He has also shown good mobility and puck skills.
Recovered from his concussion, Rutger McGroarty was reassigned to the Baby Pens. Colossal Joona Koppanen (six goals, 11 points in 21 games at Wilkes) was promoted in his place. Place the 6’5″ Finn between Brazeau and Mantha? You would have the “Offensive Line”. Literally.
I’m stupid.
In terms of standings, the Pens (23-14-11, 57 points) strengthened their hold on third place in the Metro. We currently enjoy a three-point bulge over the Caps and Flyers.
Then back-to-backers against the Flames and Oilers on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
#Penguins #Krunch #Kraken