True confession.
I did not watch or even listen to the Penguins’ 4-3 victory over Utah in Salt Lake City last night. The power was out at my place for the last day or so, the result of the wind storm that swept through the ‘Burgh on Friday. Likewise, there was no electricity at my friend’s home, where I performed extensive doggy-sitting duties on Saturday.
Looks like I missed a doozy, not to mention another “mammoth” comeback. (Har har.)
Following on my phone while trying to conserve the battery, I noted the quick two-goal lead nabbed by our hosts on a pair of tallies by Dylan Guenther just 91 seconds apart.
Obviously not the kind of start we’d hoped for, much less wanted.
With visions of another lopsided defeat dancing in my head, I didn’t check back in again until late in the second period.
I was stunned, happily so, to see that our boys had clawed their way back to even the score at 2-all. Watching the video replay after my power had been restored, I saw that Anthony Mantha had scored in typical slick fashion on a 5-on-3 at 14:48, followed by Tommy Novak at 17:36 thanks to a pizza served hot ‘n’ fresh from the oven by Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka.
Again upon later review, I noted Bryan Rust notched his 24th goal of the campaign at 1:24 of the third period to give us a 3-2 lead, only for ex-Pen Ian Cole to knot things up from the slot on a 3-on-2 at 4:17.
My thoughts? Please Dear Lord, not another overtime/shootout.
The Big Guy granted my prayer.
Just past the eight-minute mark, Noel Acciari shrugged off the concerted checking effort of Mammoth defenseman Nate Schmidt to muscle the puck into the net. Like a “bulldog on a pork chop,” as the Ol’ Two-Niner, Phil Bourque, described it.
As ugly/pretty a game-winner as you’ll ever see. Or in my case, not see.
Puckpourri
In a case of déjà vu all over again, our four goals came from virtually the identical spot: the lower inside edge of the right circle with traffic in front. Underscoring the value of getting bodies and pucks to the net.
Also reinforcing the importance of rebound control, or in Vejmelka’s case lack of, per PP colleague Other Rick.
Speaking of goaltending, Stuart Skinner turned aside 26 of 29 shots in typical workmanlike fashion. Most important, Big Stu buttoned up our net over the final 53 minutes or so. Paving the way for our comeback.
Since I didn’t see the game, most of my comments will be of the “just the stats, ma’am,” variety.
Mantha notched a goal and an assist to earn top-star honors. He has a career-best 25 goals and counting, not to mention 51 points. During Evgeni Malkin’s five-game suspension, the big guy stepped up big time with four goals six points.
Is it just my impression, or are Mantha’s skills really subtle, almost quiet, for one so large? He possesses really soft hands and smarts to match. Along those lines, most of his goals seem to travel about three feet. Hey, they count just as much as a booming slapper on the scoresheet.
So glad we didn’t trade him.
Egor Chinakhov, Erik Karlsson and Parker Wotherspoon each contributed a pair of assists to the cause. With two goals and 11 points in his last nine games, EK65 has really stepped to the plate with Sidney Crosby and Geno absent.
Likewise, Chinakhov has emerged as a play driver and setup machine extraordinaire (a goal and six assists) in five games sans Geno.
The Pens survived the Malkin suspension with a 2-1-2 record, garnering six out of a possible 10 points. Without Sid? We’re 4-3-3, good for 11 out of a possible 20 points.
All things considered, I’ll take that and gladly.
What is it about ex-Pens scoring against their former team? Last night, Cole. Tuesday night, the ‘Canes Mark Jankowski. Guys hardly known for their offense.
Standings-wise, the Pens (33-18-15, 81 points) remain locked in a virtual second-place tie in the Metro with those #@!& Islanders. One point better than current Eastern wild-card teams Boston and Detroit. Two better than the streaking CBJ.
Sneeze, and you’re liable to find yourself on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
Unfortunately, our load doesn’t get any lighter. Crosby pal Nathan MacKinnon and the league-best Avs on Monday, followed by the ‘Canes again on Wednesday.
Sheesh!
Final thought. I really like Novak (seven goals and 16 points in his last 21 games). He just seems to do a lot of things well. Chalk up another scouting find (and win) for PP colleague Caleb DiNatale.
