The Pittsburgh Penguins fell to their cross state rival, Columbus Blue Jackets last night. Losing by a final score of 4-1. The Pens were without Captain Sidney Crosby for the 14 consecutive game since sustaining a concussion. Also absent from the lineup were Evgeni Malkin and Mark Letestu whom both have knee injuries. A game time scratch was the pens 2nd leading goal scorer, Chris Kunitz, whom missed because of an apparent lower body injury in between the morning skate and game time.
The Penguins just couldn't generate any offense, mustering up only one goal mid way through the third period. Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason had a tremendous game turning away 32 of 33 shots.
Game Notes- Kris Letang continues to struggle since Sidney Crosby absence from the lineup, finishing the game with a -3 rating. In 14 games without Crosby Letang has only 5 pts(1G-4A) and -5 rating...Pens record dropped to 8-5-1 without Crosby...Chris Kunitz has been listed as day-to-day with lower body injury....next game Thirsday vs. LA Kings 7 pm start time.
I believe the Pens are going to continue struggling, with there three top offensivemen out of the lineup. (Malkin,Crosby,Kunitz). While those three are out, Jordan Staal, Tyler Kennedy, and the defensemen our going to have to step up, for the pens to stay on top of the eastern conference.
ReplyDeleteAfter the Columbus game Tuesday evening I watched an interview with Tyler Kennedy that I found very interesting. Tyler stated that nobody should attempt to fill the roles of the missing superstars and that everyone should just continue to play their game. I agree with that, i think the Penguins still have enough talent to keep pace in the Atlantic Division and easily hold a playoff spot until Kunitz, Letestu and Crosby return.
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