Big Guns Blaze as Penguins Dump Senators 5-2

Hey all. A quickie post detailing some of the highlights of the Penguins’ snappy ‘n’ scrappy 5-2 preseason victory over the Senators last night in Sudbury, Ontario.

The big guns were a blazin’ as Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, the black-and-gold version of mac-and-cheese, combined for five goals during the Kraft Hockeyville classic, including a hat trick by Geno.

On the night, the big guy fired off six shots on goal and finished a team-best plus-2. Sidekick Sid displayed good chemistry with newcomer Anthony Beauvillier.

Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell each notched a pair of assists.

The power-play converted on two-of-three opportunities (!!!) with Geno and Sid doing the honors. Even a middle-of-the-pack power play would be a huge improvement over last season’s dismal showing and greatly enhance our chances of garnering a playoff berth.

It should be noted that ex-Sen Erik Karlsson was absent from the man-advantage mix due to injury.

The goaltending was solid, especially in the face of an early Sens push. Tristan Jarry stopped 24 of 26 shots before exiting midway through.

Filip Larsson was pristine, turning aside a dozen shots in relief. Perhaps Kyle Dubas unearthed a sleeper in the 26-year-old Swede.

Kid defensemen Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering acquitted themselves well, as did newcomer Matt Grzelcyk. Certainly good news.

Oh, and for those who like a little mustard on their hot dog, Boko Imama pounded out a decision over Sens forward Jan Jenik in a third-period dust-up. While it’s hard to envision a scenario where the burly 221-pounder will actually play for the Pens, it’s nice to know we have someone in the organization who can handle the policing chores should push come to shove.

I’ll close with a comment from fellow PPer Caleb DiNatale.

“I thought the Penguins looked really good last night,” he texted. “They looked like the Pens of old, fast and dangerous.”

We’ll take it, and gladly!