I was gathering my thoughts for this summary when the refrain from an old ’70s disco tune popped into my head.
“That’s the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it, uh huh, uh huh…” (Thank you, KC and the Sunshine Band.)
Sorry, it’s the best my brain could cook up after a long day at the gym. But, bottom line, there was a lot to like in the Penguins’ stirring 7-4 comeback victory over the Sabres Friday night on the Niagara frontier.
Effort, for one. After dragging arse through their first two exhibition games, our A-team finally showed a discernable pulse, not to mention plenty of jump and even more offensive chops. Leading the attack was none other than Drew O’Connor, who popped for his second two-goal game of the preseason while skating on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust.
Speaking of Crosby, he authored what was arguably the game’s tipping point at the 3:50 mark of the second period. The Sabres had just snagged a 2-1 lead on a goal by top pick Zach Benson and were feeling their oats when Peyton Krebs bowled over Kris Letang behind our cage with a bracing check.
Sid, who’d been heading up ice, turned to pursue Krebs. After delivering a couple of brisk crosschecks he shed his gloves and quickly executed a takedown of the frisky Sabres forward.
Message sent.
Although Buffalo cashed in on the man-advantage, it was a clear-cut case of losing the battle but winning the war.
Inspired by our captain’s actions, the black and gold staged a ferocious rally. Marcus Pettersson (yes, the Dragon!) beat goalie Devon Levi with a wrister from the left circle at 7:17 to ignite the comeback, followed in short order by a Lars Eller marker. The blare from the horn had scarcely subsided when O’Connor potted the go-ahead goal courtesy of a nifty power move to the net.
We proceeded to pour it on. With the Sabres down a man, the power play finally broke through, with Evgeni Malkin tipping home a shot-pass from Erik Karlsson. Early in the final frame Jeff Carter (!!!) widened our lead to 6-3 on a third-chance pickle stab from the slot.
When Casey Mittelstadt struck for the Sabres at 6:38 to disrupt our goal-scoring skein, I confess to feeling more than a tinge of discomfort. But Letang scored from the left circle on the power play off a brilliant feed from Crosby to stick a fork in the Sabres.
Puckpourri
Per Natural Stat Trick, the Pens held an edge in most statistical categories, including shot attempts (68-59), scoring chances (44-23), high-danger chances (22-13) and faceoffs (51.7 percent). NST had the shots even at 37-apiece. NHL.com gave the Sabres a 37-35 edge.
Tristan Jarry wasn’t airtight (neither was our defense), but made the saves he needed to make.
Thirteen Pens tallied at least one point, with O’Connor (2+0), Letang and Pettersson (1+1), and Crosby, Rickard Rakell and Ryan Graves (0+2) collecting two points apiece.
The power play at long last broke through, converting of two of three chances and looking impressive while doing it.
Man, is Karlsson spellbinding. He’s an absolute wizard with the puck, always three steps ahead of the play. And his speed…otherworldly. What a weapon he’s going to be.
Speaking of weapons, O’Connor is blossoming right before our eyes. Not to toot my own horn, or worse yet, affix him with the dreaded PenguinPoop Curse, but I’ve had a feeling about this kid (and wrote about him this summer). He has all the tools.
I’m really impressed with the way Jansen Harkins has stepped in and seized his opportunity, something several higher-profile off-season additions failed to do. He can really skate and get in on the forecheck and is very noticeable on the ice. Has a little bit of sand in his game, too.
It’s going to be really interesting to see who sticks with the team. Radim Zohorna (who didn’t play) enjoyed a strong camp and preseason, although he’s faded just a bit. Vinnie Hinostroza’s impressed with his speed and hustle. Colin White’s been solid and Austin Wagner’s provided wheels and a touch of aggression.
Speaking of, I know I harp on the value of physical play ad nauseam. But Sid’s tussle with Krebs was a clear-cut case of a fight inspiring our guys. Just wish someone other than No. 87 was doin’ the chuckin.’
I feel a heckuva lot better about us than I did a couple of days ago. Hopefully our newfound hop and sizzle will carry over into the regular season.
Ready or not, here it comes…
