Following a New Year’s Eve 5-2 win against the Detroit Redwings, the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-15-4) hosted the New York Islanders (21-12-5). In a game that left fans leaving Consol Energy Center with smiles, Sidney Crosby finished the night with a pair of goals, and Kris Letang dazzled for a second straight game with three assists, two of which ending with his captain putting the puck away.
Marc-Andre Fleury made his return to the net tonight after behind held out for almost three weeks due to a concussion and allowed a single goal. Pittsburgh reached out to an early 2-0 lead in the first period, setting a season high of 20 shots in that period. Coach Mike Sullivan had this to say to the press following tonight’s 5-2 win against the Islanders:
“It’s nice to be able to play with a lead. It helps the goaltender, especially with it being Flower’s first game back.” Sullivan continued in the post-game conference, “It’s a big win anytime you play within in your division. It is huge for our team right now, we are trying to do our best to get points right now.”
Practice Makes Perfect
The Penguins are figuring it out, make no mistake. Sullivan has brought with this team a new sense of identity: discipline and offense. Although with no goals to show for it, Pittsburgh had scored very few goals, but generated quite a bit of chances.
Now that the shots are finally being put away, there is a difference in their play. Power plays were choreographed with precision, finishing the night scoring on two of their four chances. Pittsburgh also played strong on the other side of the ice, but did lose steam at the end of the second half, allowing John Tavares score one of his team’s goals on the night.
Blossoming Through Winter
On his first start since December 14, Fleury looked as if he never missed any time. Finishing the game with 38 saves, the Flower wasted no time making his presence known by taking pressure off of the rest of the team and making great saves in the net.
Fleury allowed only two goals on the night, one coming in the last minute of the game, and has not missed a beat in his 14th win on the season. He also benefited from a solid defensive performance that bolstered his own play.
The defense stepped up once again blocking 17 shots and allowed themselves to only find themselves in the penalty box once. Playing a physical game with 34 hits, Pittsburgh, in the last two games, has shown that Sullivan’s brand of hockey is something special.
Patience Pays Off
Before the game against Detroit, Pittsburgh had generated little offense. Letang’s addition has put a major piece of the puzzle together as having the offensive minded defensemen as a key advantage in Sullivan’s philosophy.
Now the Penguins are putting the pressure on the other team, and are gelling well into their roles. Players like Matt Cullen, tonight’s third star behind Letang and Crosby, Eric Fehrs, Nick Bonino, and Conor Sheary have filled gaps in the team well, and have supported some of the more elite players in recent play.
What’s Next
Pittsburgh will be challenged in their next game at home against the Chicago Blackhawks (22-13-4) on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
