Bruins Derail Penguins Playoff Push, 6-4

When I wrote my article yesterday comparing this season’s playoff scenario to last spring’s, I detailed some of my concerns. Never dreaming they’d manifest almost verbatim during last night’s sloppy, error-filled 6-4 loss to the Bruins at PPG Paints Arena.

If anything, I figured by mentioning our issues I’d eliminate the chance of them happening…kind of like mentioning an opposing goalie’s shutout bid. Unfortunately, the PenguinPoop curse seems to understand reverse psychology.

The Penguins appeared to carry the play through a scoreless first period, but looks can be deceiving. Although we outshot the Bruins, 13-7, they held a decided edge in scoring chances (16-6) and high-danger chances (8-3).

Some of that domination occurred during a late-period power play with Evgeni Malkin in the slammer. Much of it resulted from slipshod defensive play on our part, particularly as practiced by Erik Karlsson. Playing in his 1000^th NHL game, EK65 was a one-man blunder bus, and I’m not referring to the 17^th century weapon favored by pirates.

Likewise, Kris Letang committed a dreadful turnover late in the first period, setting the tone for a wild second period that saw the black-and-gold foes combine for six goals.

The boys from The Hub broke through just past the eight-minute mark on a net-front goal by Penguin-killer Jake DeBrusk, then doubled their pleasure a scant 14 seconds later on a tally by Pavel Zacha.

Our Pens battled back just over two minutes later on a goal by Bryan Rust, who deflected a slick feed from Drew O’Connor past Linus Ullmark to make it 2-1.

Alas, the Bruins struck back just 68 seconds later. We left Kevin Shattenkirk wide open at the top of the right circle and the veteran defender blew the puck in off the post. In the process, ending Alex Nedeljkovic’s night just past the midpoint of the contest.

In came Tristan Jarry, who hadn’t played since a relief stint against the Avs on March 24. Somewhat predictably, the puck went in on the first shot he faced, a shorthanded tally by Brad Marchand at 14:54. In fairness to Jarry, Karlsson didn’t see or plain ignored his outlet pass up the boards. Leading to a wide-open look from close range for Marchand.

To our credit, we didn’t roll over and die. Not right away, anyway. Michael Bunting dragged us back into the fight with a dirty power-play goal from the doorstep at 15:52.

Early in the third period, with Marcus Pettersson in the box after attempting to cover for Karlsson’s latest sin, Lars Eller nudged the puck ahead to O’Connor, who bulled around and through Marchand with a power move to score a shorty of his own.

Suddenly, it’s 4-3 with over 15 minutes to play.

Sadly, our hopes for a comeback were dashed at 14:10 when Morgan Geekie struck from close range thanks to some sluggish defensive coverage. Former Pen Danton Heinen (remember him?) scored on a long-range empty netter at 17:13 to put the game on ice for his new team.

Malkin deflected the puck home at 18:39 to make things mildly interesting, but the outcome was never in doubt.

And just like that, our 10-game points streak came screeching to a halt.

Puckpourri

The shot-based stats told the story. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Pens held a slight edge in shot attempts (69-67) and shots on goal (32-31). However, the Bruins enjoyed obscene advantages in scoring chances (43-31) and high-danger chances (25-15).

My word, has O’Connor stepped up his game of late. He’s got six goals and eight points in his last 10 games, seven goals and 12 points in his last 16 games. The latter set of numbers compiled basically since Jake Guentzel was traded.

While we’re on the subject, Bunting has six goals and 16 points in 19 games with the Pens. On the flip side of the coin, Jake (eight goals, 24 points in 16 games) has been otherworldly for the ‘Canes.

Sidney Crosby assisted on Rust’s goal, giving him 90 points for the season, the eighth time he’s reached that mark. He recorded 89 points in two other seasons.

Geno needs five points in our last two games to reach 70. A long-shot, but not out of the question.

Not to keep ripping the guy, but Karlsson (minus-4) was in a word…awful. After resembling a Norris Trophy winner for a handful of games, he’s reverted to committing egregious mistakes all over the ice. In the process, hanging his goalie and defense partner Pettersson out to dry.

Reilly Smith, generally effective of late, had a rough game as well (minus-3). The fourth line was nonexistent, although in fairness Radim Zohorna and Emil Bemström barely touched the ice. Gee, when have we seen that dynamic before?

For the eight-gazillionth time, Mike Sullivan, if you’re not going to play guys, dress someone you will play. Frankly, I though Jesse Puljujärvi did an okay job and even scored a couple of goals before being given the Sully treatment.

Nedeljkovic stopped 13 of 16 shots before being pulled. Jarry made 12 saves on 14 shots. Perhaps it’s my own personal bias, but I still trust Ned to make the big save. I don’t have the same faith in Jarry.

On Deck

The Pens host the Predators (47-29-5, 99 points) on Monday night. No easy foe. Then we wrap up the season on Long Island Wednesday night against the Islanders (37-27-16, 90 points).

It was a bad night at black rock…and for our playoff chances. The Capitals, Red Wings and Flyers all won games I expected them to lose, in the process leap-frogging us by a point in the standings (87-86) while knocking us out of a playoff spot.

Our mandate? Crystal clear. We must win our last two to have a crack at the postseason.