Tuesday, December 19, 2006


This was a very disturbing game to watch. The Pens had more issues than Sports Illustrated tonight.

I didn't catch the first period, and I was able to catch only the last ten minutes of the first period on the radio. As was the case with the Washington game last week, I run to my car after work to find the Pens already down 2-0. I hadn't hated my life all day (a record) until I heard Mike Lange say the Blues were up 2-0. Weight jobbed with a goal only 44 seconds into the game, and Dan Hinote scored five minutes later.

Considering the Blues were only 1-1-5 when leading after the first period, no one should have been the least bit worried.
Watching the first two minutes of the second period made me realize why the Pens were down.
Nothing was going right.
No bounces were going the Pens' way.
Their passes to each other were more terrible than the ones I make at the Sheetz MTO girl every day.
St. Louis was getting to every loose puck.
Is there any reason why the Pens didn't have a jump in their step tonight?
Is that Sheetz joke even funny?

While Pens fans were contemplating those questions, St. Louis scored again. Ryan Johnson made himself noticed (and put his name on the ballot for the NHL's most boring name contest) by making it 3-0. Fleury was pulled after that goal, and the rest of the second was garbage.

" Dude, I'll give you 20 bucks if you let us score a goal. "

If you didn't watch the third period, it's easy to re-create those 20 minutes: Go stare at a wall and have someone crap on your bed.

Crosby assisted on a Malkin goal semi-early in the third to pump everyone up. Right there, you know the Pens possessed the firepower to come back. You felt good until the Blues came into the zone with the puck and you realized the Pens couldn't give up any more goals.
Billy Guerin scored a little more than a minute after Malkin did to make it 4-1.
That was it.

Stats
  • Crosby: 1 A
  • Malkin: 1 G
  • Fleury: 3 GA on 12 shots
  • Thibault: Nice performance in relief duty.
  • Shots: 26 apiece
  • Powerplay: STL ( 0 for 3 ) PENS ( 1 -8 )
Miscellaneous
  • That Isle of Capri chant with 5 minutes left in the third was glorious.
  • There's really nothing to mention about this game...other than it seems like it took place in an alternate universe.
  • If we're 1 or 2 points out of a playoff spot this year, it's gonna be torture to look back on this game.
  • We hate to lose, but the Blues have been the Western Conference version of the Pens. I'm not saying we should be happy that they won tonight, but we know what it feels like.
..............................
NHL RECAP

Since the Pens game left us thirsting for NHL action, we've thrown in a tiny NHL recap.
Only a couple links because the games aren't finished.

Montreal went into Buffalo and left with a 5-2 win. The Habs are tough.
I'm glad I own a Montreal Canadiens t-shirt...just so I can jump on their bandwagon in the playoffs. That's allowed if your team doesn't make it.

Tampa Bay beats Washington 5-4 tonight. Kris Beech scores for Washington.

Carolina helps out...no one, really...by beating Philly 2-1.

The Islanders beat the Rangers 4-3. Jason Blake with a hat trick, Jagr with two goals.

Atlanta and New Jersey are tied at 3 late. If both the Rangers and Devils lose in regulation tonight, it would really take the sting off this Blues loss.

There are three Western Conference games that no one cares about unless you care about them.

Florida is owning Toronto 6-1 with a little bit of time left in the game.

And, finally, The Pensblog Curse aimed toward Dany Heatley has spread to the entire Ottawa Senators team. They get crushed by the Bruins tonight.

Dany Heatley drives to the net.

Disclaimer

We are in no way affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.

In accordance with the Fair Use Copyright Law, The Pensblog uses logos and registered trademarks of the National Hockey League to convey our criticism and inform the public.

Photos on The Pensblog are used without permission but do not interfere with said owner's profit.

If you own a specific image on this site and want it removed, please e-mail us (thepensblog@gmail.com) and we will be happy to oblige.

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