If you’re a Penguins fan, there’s a lot to be thankful for this morning. We’ve entered March, putting an extremely mild February in our rear-view mirror and entering the homestretch toward spring. Speaking of turning the corner, our Pens seem to be gaining some traction with not a moment to spare.
Last night in the Music City, the Pens overcame a determined effort by the trade-depleted Predators, not to mention a stingy performance by goalie Juuse Saros, to prevail 3-1. In the process running our modest winning streak to three games and tightening our still tenuous grip on the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
Heroes included goalie Tristan Jarry, who thwarted an early breakaway attempt by Mikael Granlund and numerous other odd-man breaks during a rocky first period while his teammates struggled to find their legs. But I especially want to single out Brock McGinn, who was placed on waivers earlier in the day.
When your services are offered to every other team in the league, free and clear, it sure doesn’t scream that you’re valued by your present employer. I can only imagine what McGinn was feeling as he took to the ice with his teammates, perhaps for the final time.
Too, his dad was in the stands as part of the father’s trip, which I’m sure only added to the awkwardness of it all.
Yet Brock went out and did what he always does…hustling, hitting, sacrificing his body on the penalty kill and blocking shots in his typical honest, workmanlike fashion.
He also made the singular play of the game.
With the Pens down 1-0 and the third-period clock ticking toward the 11-minute mark, McGinn took a short pass from Rickard Rakell in our end. Looking up, he spotted Sidney Crosby speeding toward the Preds’ zone and promptly split the ‘d’ with a beautiful lead pass. Sid gathered up the puck in full stride and smoked Saros through the five-hole to tie the score. As he celebrated, he pointed emphatically to McGinn as if to say, “Great pass!”
If this was, indeed, the “Brock Star’s” last game wearing the black and gold, it was one heck of a sendoff.
With both goalies in lock-down mode, it appeared overtime was imminent. But with 99 ticks left in regulation, Jason Zucker picked Ryan McDonagh’s pocket and beat Saros under the right pad for the go-ahead goal and game winner.
Following a huge side-of-the-net save by Jarry on Granlund with 20 seconds left, Bryan Rust somehow notched an empty netter with an incredible hustling, diving play to cap a gritty, feel-good win.
Puckpourri
The contest had a playoff feel, with lots of grinding and hitting and shot-blocking. Despite a sluggish start, the Pens held the edge in shot attempts (75-56), shots on goal (34-25), scoring chances (42-36) and high-danger chances (14-13).
Former Pen Mark Jankowski (remember him?) staked the Preds to a 1-0 lead at 7:01 of the third period. The big center body-blocked a dangerous, diagonal outlet pass from Kris Letang and, in Mike Lange vernacular, gave Jarry more moves than Mae West before beating him stick side.
The latest ex-Pen to join the Conor Sheary I Torture My Former Team Club.
Evgeni Malkin didn’t register a point, but his work in the corner helped set up Zucker’s tally. Geno fell awkwardly following a big second-period hit by Zach Sanford. I held my breath until it was evident No. 71 was okay.
Drew O’Connor (three shots on goal) continues to impress. Love the way he uses his size and wheels and just drives to the net and shoots the biscuit.
In his Blues debut, a 5-3 loss to the Kraken, Kasperi Kapanen had four shots on goal, a hit and three blocked shots in 19:17 of ice time.
Trade Winds
The Pens are rumored to be negotiating with Vancouver. The names of Pittsburgh-area native J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser are being bandied about. Not sure how we’d afford Miller, who’s slated to make $8 million/season on a 7-year deal that begins next season. I don’t want Boeser, rumored to be a prickly pear.
A sickening thought. I’d hate to see Zucker go west to balance the books.
I was surprised to read that we may be in the running for Arizona’s stud d-man Jakob Chychrun. A little trivia…his dad, Jeff, played for us back in 1992.
In notable trades around the league, the Rangers acquired Patrick Kane from the Blackhawks. Toronto continues a stunning remake of their roster, acquiring rugged d-man Luke Schenn. Former Pred Mattias Ekholm went to the Oilers and the Caps are sellin’ big time.
On Tap
The Pens (30-21-9, 69 points) travel to Tampa Bay for a Thursday rematch with the Lightning (37-19-4, 78 points).
The Sabres and Red Wings lost last night, taking the heat off ever so slightly. But the suddenly hot Senators are climbing.
Rick
I totally agree with you on the trade senario’s. Zucker is exactly they type of player that does
well come playoff time – he’s a skilled grinder. Obviously you don’t want to lose him for
nothing at the end of the season.
Like you I’m not a huge fan of Boeser. I think he can get you some goals but his lack of
defense, and physical play concerns me.
At the end of the day I’m just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping GMRH hasn’t out
smarted himself by waiting until the last minute to pull off a trade!!