With sincere apologies to our faithful PenguinPoop readers and guests, I don’t have time to post a more traditional game summary. Instead, I’ll dispense with the details and share a few recollections of last night’s heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to the Capitals in Game 3 at PPG Paints Arena.
Rarely have I been prouder of our guys. Dealing with the shocking dual losses of top scorers Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary, the Pens showed a ton of guts, not to mention heart, spirit and resilience. A display of valor truly worthy of a champion.
Once again, the black and gold proved they’re never out of a game, even when the odds are thoroughly stacked against them as they were last night.
Heck, I’d pretty much resigned myself to a loss when Evgeni Malkin beat Caps goalie Braden Holtby in the waning minutes from his favorite spot in the right faceoff circle.
I hollered loud enough for my boss, Dave, to come scrambling out of his office at Wright’s Gym.
“Did we score?” he asked.
“Yes!” I replied, slightly out of breath. “Geno got one!”
Eyes glued to the big screen TV, I yelled even louder when Justin Schultz struck from center point moments later. Again, Dave came piling out of his office.
“Again?”
“Yeah…Schultz this time,” I huffed.
I couldn’t help but notice the posture of the two teams. While the Pens flew to their bench in an unbridled display of ecstasy, skates barely skimming the ice, the Capitals slunked—heads down—in slow motion, as if tethered to an unseen ball and chain of playoff failures past.
Dear Lord, we just might win!
If only we’d had a few more minutes of regulation. Our guys just weren’t able to hold the momentum through the break. With Trevor Daley in the box, Kevin Shattenkirk made a nice play to change the shooting angle. He beat Marc-Andre Fleury clean to the blocker side.
After receiving a reassuring rap on the backside from Ian Cole, Flower quickly exited the ice with teammates in tow. No sense in sticking around.
No shame in losing, either. Especially when you gave it your all.
That’s what our guys did last night.
Puckpourri
The Penguins controlled the faceoff circle (36-31) and outhit the Caps by the same margin. Washington held a slight edge in shot attempts, 63-55, and shots on goal (33-30).
According to an ESPN report, Mike Sullivan announced that Crosby has suffered a concussion.
“Sid has been diagnosed with a concussion,” the Pens’ coach said. “He will be out for tomorrow’s game. We will evaluate him from there.”
“He’s very upbeat and positive,” Sullivan added. “We’re very optimistic and hopeful we’ll have him back in a timely fashion.”
Sheary is in concussion protocol as well. He was hurt in a collision with teammate Patric Hornqvist.
Hey all,
The Penguins have recalled right wing Josh Archibald and center Oskar Sundqvist from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Rick
They are probably backups. I would think that Guentzel is moved to his natural Center position and Wilson & Rowney are in. Just a guess tho.
Hi Phil
Have you seen anything about the morning skate and the line ups used or the Pens being quiet about it.?
Maybe HBK gets reunited and used as a second line and Cullen moves to center the third line?
??
They haven’t practiced yet, and the media isn’t sure they are going to run lines in practice. Could this be a ploy by Sullivan to not let the Capitals in on what they are doing? Even the mayor of Pittsburgh wants to know, he tweeted:
Who do you go with tomorrow?
LW-C-RW
Guentzel-Malkin-Kessel
Hagelin-Bonino-Hornqvist
Kunitz-Cullen-Rust
Wilson-Rowney-Kuhnackl
Your lineup?
this was the best reply:
Sestito – Caufield – Goddard
Asham – Cooke – Leroux
Rissling – McSorley – Durbano
Hanson – Hanson – Hanson
Everyone but Wayne Van Dorp.
Here is what I would play:
Still a formidable lineup.
Kunitz-Malkin-Rust
Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel
Wilson-Guentzel-Hornqvist
Rowney-Cullen-Kunhackl
Hey Phil,
Love Option 2 … 🙂
Unfortunately, “Demolition Durby” passed away about a dozen years ago.
I’d opt for Bob “Battleship” Kelly as a replacement … 🙂
Rick
Hi Rick…
A couple of points about last night.
1. Never give up. I was very impressed at the compete level of the Pen’s especially in the 3rd period. Great to see Justin step up. He was do.
Bryan Rust played in another gear too. He really tried hard to be a difference.
2. The first few power plays after Sid went down they really missed 87. We take him for granted in that he keeps the puck in the offensive zone on the PP.
I am glad they finally scored on Geno’s goal. They were a little out of sync.
Finally alot of talk about concussions and hockey in our media regarding Crosy. Hockey Canada wants Sidney back more than any of us.A lot of Hockey mom’s are concerned .
Hope he is back for game 5.
Let’s go Pen’s.
Jim
Hey Jim,
Great points … sorry I didn’t respond to your earlier comments. It’s been a crazy day.
I understand perfectly about losing it a bit over this incident. You hate to see anyone get hurt, especially on a dirty play (on Ovechkin’s part…I really don’t think Niskanen intended to hurt Sid). And especially when the injured player is playing at such a rarified level.
Agree…let’s hope (and pray) for a quick recovery. Sheary, too.
Rick
Hi Rick,
Just heard local Halifax media saying Sidney’s is hurt. I hope that it is just precautionary, but I have heard this before.As we said before, many factors to consider.
Lets go pen’s. 🙂