Penguins Krunch Kraken, 6-3

Little ol’ Penguins aren’t supposed to be a match for big, scary sea monsters that take down four-masted ships. Yet that’s precisely what happened in yesterday’s matinee clash between the Pens and Kraken.

The black-and-gold shook off an early bout of sluggishness, not to mention lane-clogging defense by their hosts, to forge a two-goal, first-period lead on tallies by Parker Wotherspoon and Connor Dewar.

Just when it appeared the Kraken had us in their tentacles, courtesy of a game-tying goal by ex-Ranger Ryan Lindgren at 13:55 of the second period, Brett Kulak wired the puck home from distance 50 seconds later to reclaim the lead for the good guys.

The Pens widened their edge to 4-2 at 2:21 of the final frame, when Justin Brazeau scored on a wrister off the rush from the top of the left circle. Courtesy of a nice setup by Anthony Mantha.

Again the Kraken responded, with Eeli Tolvanen doing the honors on the power play with Kulak serving a holding penalty.

Then Sidney Crosby made an amazing, not to mention gritty, play with just over three minutes remaining to provide some cushion. Sid jolted Kraken defender Vince Dunn off the puck behind the cage and slipped a short pass to Rickard Rakell stationed mere feet away. In an equally terrific play, Rakell fired the puck past Joey Daccord from an impossible angle to make it 5-3.

Dewar sealed the win with a post-in empty netter from 140 feet.

Puckpourri

Sid earned top-star honors with a pair of assists. Few superstars, let alone 38-year-olds, would make the play he did along the wall to forcefully separate Dunn from the puck and move it quickly to a teammate.

Shades of 4 Nations, when he flattened Mikael Granlund at center ice late in a Semi-Finals matchup with the game on the line before setting up Sam Reinhart for an empty-netter.

Great to see us get so much offense from the supporting cast. It’s one of the factors that’s distinguished this bunch from black-and-gold clubs of the recent past.

Speaking of, has anyone else noticed Dewar’s release and shot? He can really zing it, as his 11 goals (and counting) for a fourth-liner will attest. A suggestion: try the former Everett Silvertips ace in the shootout.

Although they’ve cooled off somewhat following an impossibly hot start, I still really like the Brazeau/Mantha combo. So much beef, not to mention underrated skill, for foes to contend with.

Stuart Skinner got the nod in goal and was tough when he needed to be, stopping 20 of 23 shots. That makes five wins in his past six starts for Big Stuuuuu.

Dan Muse & Co. must be quietly disappointed with the play of Jack St. Ivany. The rangy righty took a seat in the press box, while Ryan Graves rotated in for his first game action since an OT loss to Utah on December 14.

Ryan Shea shifted to his off side next to Wotherspoon, while Graves slotted next to Connor Clifton on the third pairing. With an assist and four hits, Clifton continued his surprisingly strong play. He’s displayed good mobility and puck skills, to boot.

Recovered from his concussion, Rutger McGroarty was re-assigned to the Baby Pens. Hulking Joona Koppanen (six goals, 11 points in 21 games at Wilkes) was promoted in his stead. Stick the 6’5” Finn between Brazeau and Mantha? You’d have the “Offensive Line.” Literally.

I’m being silly.

Standings-wise, the Pens (23-14-11, 57 points) tightened their hold on third place in the Metro. We currently enjoy a three-point bulge over the Caps and Flyers.

Up next, back-to-backers against the Flames and Oilers on Wednesday and Thursday night.