Pittsburgh Takes a Commanding Lead Over Ottawa

 The Penguins bring a 3-1 series lead back to Pittsburgh Thursday night.  It was an interesting game.  The Pens scored 7 goals on 42 shots.   No problem generating offense tonight.  Unfortunately, they allowed 4 goals to the low-scoring Senators.  Two of the goals, however, came on two-man advantage power plays for the Senators. 

It is wonderful to see some of the “role players” really making a difference in this series.  Of course, we expected Max Talbot to step up and play at a higher level.  He had done just that and maybe more.  Tonight he had a goal and an assist.  Craig Adams gave Talbot a wonderful pass for Max’s goal.  Chris Kunitz had a goal and two assists.  Matt Cooke scored a goal.  Everyone is chipping in.  Let’s not forget to mention the defensemen, who have come together for the playoffs.

The “stars” are also doing their thing.  Crosby……need I say more.  The kid is playing just amazing.  2 goals and 2 assists tonight, in case you weren’t keeping track.  Malkin scored another goal and Jordan Staal poked one in tonight.  Sergei Gonchar chipped in with 3 assists.  The team is hitting on all cylanders right now.

Notes:

• Ponikarovsky seems to have used his goal in game 3 to create some momentum for himself.  He showed a bit more energy and generated some chances tonight.
• This game was very chippy.  If the Senators were playing scared last

  game, as Krundle postulated, they made a complete 180 tonight.  There was a lot of physical play including alot of extra-carricular activity.

• Letang, though playing a very strong game, did miss the net after taking a great pass from Crosby that sprung him for a partial breakaway.
• I, personally, would love to see someone, anyone level Andy Sutton with a huge hit.  This guy is smashing people left and right.
• How about Chris Neil’s goal celebration.  What a tool!  It would have been awesome had the Pens scored on the ensuing PP.
• Was anyone else annoyed by Paul Steigerwald repeatedly referring to Daniel Alfredson as Alfie?

A five game series victory would be very nice.