Monday Night’s Game Should be Interesting

Based on what I saw last night, tomorrow night’s rematch should be very interesting. Last night we saw the Penguins score 4 unanswered goals in the third period to thump the Rangers 8-3.  During the course of the game, we saw a couple of fights including one where Ryan Callahan tried to retaliate for a hit that Cooke layed on one of his teammates earlier.  It seems that the Rangers did not appreciate Cooke’s questionable hit.  Donald Brashear also attempted to engage Cookie at one point.  The game was quite physical throughout.  There were 60 credited hits and lots of extra-curricular activity.

I would expect the Rangers to come out tomorrow with a purpose.  The Pens have had trouble winning games in Madison Square Gardens in recent times.  Tomorrow they will have to be well prepared on many levels.

The return of Kennedy, Letang and Goligoski seem to really lift the Pens last night. It was good to see almost the entire lineup back on the ice together.

Notes:

• It was interesting to see Brashear try to engage Cooke, but skate away when Goddard try to pick a fight with him.
• The Staal boys had a little conflict at one point.  They pushed a shoved a bit after a scrum in front of the Pens net.  It ended after Jordan slapped Marc’s stick away from him as he tried to pick it up.
• Good to see Kennedy pick up a goal in his return.
• Brooks Orpik is on an offensive tear.  He picked up two more assists last night.  He is shooting the puck frequently and has been rushing the puck up ice on occasion.
• Our friend, and all around swell guy, Sean Avery was at it again last night. He is simply a punk.  His blind jumping of Fedotenko was a perfect example of the character this loser has.
• Oh, and Crosby had his second hat trick of the year.  It was quite a scene as it was hat give away night at the Mellon Arena.  It rained hats for several minutes.

I am certainly looking forward to the rematch tomorrow night.  I hope the Pens are as well.