In the previous four games of the this series, the team that has scored first has lost. The Pens changed that today. The Pens did score first but also won the game. The Penguins did not have the early let down to get the juices flowing tonight. It took them two full periods to get their groove. The overall play was as bad as it has been for the first two periods. Even though they got the early lead, I never felt good about how they were playing. Washington dictated the play most of the game. The Pens had trouble getting the puck out of their zone for much of the first tow periods. When Pittsburgh came out for the third period, they seemed to find their groove. It took the overtime period to finalize this game. Pittsburgh got a fluky goal in OT that went off a defensmen’s stick. Though it was fluky, this goal was a result of hard work.
Varlamov bounced back admirably from a subpar game the night before. He made 38 saves in the loss. I would say he played very well. There was speculation that the Caps may go to Theodore for game 6. I don’t see that happening. He played well tonight.
Malkin’s parents are becoming the quite the celebrities. It is wonderful to see how excited they get at the games. They are very proud of their son. The city seems to have embraced the two. It is a great story……the Malkins.
Notes:
- I must say that I found it hard to believe that the Pens did not get more physical with the Capitals in response to the Gonchar hit. In fact, the Caps out-hit the Pens all night.
- It was great to see the third line have a great game. They have been taking some heat throughout the course of this series. I was glad to see them get it together.
- Fedotenko continues to impress.
- Satan continues to impress.
- Have you ever witnessed a game where the referees disappeared the way they did tonight.
Here is to sawing the Caps off Monday night in Pittsburgh.
See you all Wednesday night… 😉
Thanks Stealth. We do appreciate some opposing views, it makes for more lively discussion. We have enjoyed the series thus far, but I would like the excitement to end tonight. Sorry.
Good luck tonight Pens fans… It’s been a great series, with very exciting games… Not that I like the last few game results, but there is no denying the excitement of the games… Here’s to a clean game six, and hope for a mini-miracle in Pittsburgh tonight, which forces a game seven… Come on hockey fans, who doesn’t love a game seven? The CAPS always lose those anyway, right? So whatcha worried about… Play a sloppy, lazy game and lets all have a big game seven for the marbles… 😉
Well, it was worth a try, right?
Whatever happens tonight, it’s been a lot of fun…
I hope Gonchar isn’t out too long…
Again, good luck, but GO CAPS GO!!!!!
Ovechkin and Steckel quoted as, “It’s not over until they win four games.” LOL.
@Ron Malore
Definitely agree with you on the Backstrom comments. He is definitely stepping up his game.
Still calling Pens in 6. Monday night this town will rock.
WE WILL, WE WILL, ROCK YOU!
GO PENZ!
[Da Cheez says: Orpik had to have the best post-game quote. He was asked if the silence after the game-winner was the best sound in the world . . . after a slight pause he replied:
“The sound of silence in Philadelphia was much better. That’s mostly because the fans here are a lot classier . . . but that silence – it’s a pretty good second!”]
Well, that’s nice to hear…
[WOOHOO.]
Oh, that reminds me… Hey, JLPens, is the CAPS car ready for my possible arrival in a day or two?
While it’s never over ’till it’s over—- you have to wonder what the Washington folks are doing. Fat contracts to players like Nylander who are healthy scratches to questionable decisions now by their coach. To me, looking at Backstrom, he appears to be the best player (besides Ovechkin) on the ice for Washington and yet they play Fedorov a 40 year old on that first line. Then in OT Fedorov’s 1st shift is on defense. Fedorov on the ice for about 10 to 15 seconds while Malkin after a 2 minute plus shift has enough energy in overtime of back to backs for that last drive. Incredible the reserve energy in our players What I’m saying is that the plan of wearing this team down is working. And, the decisions on players by the Capitals indicate a lack of depth in their organization which is often presented by many as their strength.
WB/S on the other hand is mirroring the big club. Love it.
Orpik had to have the best post-game quote. He was asked if the silence after the game-winner was the best sound in the world . . . after a slight pause he replied:
“The sound of silence in Philadelphia was much better. That’s mostly because the fans here are a lot classier . . . but that silence – it’s a pretty good second!”
WOOHOO.