Once again the Penguins came out very tentatively. For a good portion of the first period the Pens were whiffing on passes and dump-ins, not skating hard, putting no pressure on the Detroit defense and generally looking uncomfortable. Again, they did warm up and start playing the Penguin game we know and love. At one
The Pens had plenty of scoring chances. They just need to finish on those opportunities a bit more frequently. Both Crosby and Guerin hit posts. A number of shots were directed right into Osgood’s chest. They missed the net on countless chances. The good news is that they were creating some very good chances. The bad news is that they (so far) are not finishing the chances they generate. This was similar to how they started in the Philly series. I feel good that the Pens will start to score on more of their chances as the series progresses.
In this game, Detroit played more of puck control game. They had possession for extended periods of time. They also had a lot of presence in front of our net. The Pens did a great job in game one of not allowing the Wings to set up in our zone. Detroit was more effective tonight. The Penguins will have to work harder to prevent Detroit from controlling the game in Pittsburgh’s zone.
Notes:
Now the Pens come home to even this series up. Let’s go Pens!
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