Big night at the Igloo

Tonight was a big night at the Mellon Arena with the Penguins winning back to back games at home for the first time since December 12th and 15th. In addition, both victories came against quality opponents, and this one after falling behind 3-1 in the second period. This victory tied the Pens with Buffalo for second in the conference with 71 points, but the Sabres have three games in hand. In addition, the Pens have pulled within one point of the Division leading Devils who also have 3 games in hand. In addition, Jordan Staal broke a 12 game goal less and 6 game pointless streak tonite with a well deserved goal. Staal, despite his lack of recent scoring, has remained one of the best and most consistent Pens players on the team. Watch how dominant Staal at times on the ice, and how many chances he creates. When this kid refines his finishing touch, he is a 30 plus goal guy in addition to all of the other skills he brings to the table. This guys is easily a second line center on most other teams, and a first line center on some. Sid's hat trick left him with 37 goals, tied for the league lead with Patrick Marleau of the Sharks and 71 points, making him second to Vancouver's Henrik Sedin with 78. There are twenty five games left this season, and I for one and hopeful for a 50 goal season for Sir Sidney. He needs roughly one goal every two games to get this done, and less than one point per game to break 100 points for yet another season. Other positive signs have been the recent play of Kris Letang, who had six shots yesterday and two assists today. Suddenly Tanger is looking like the young defensive stud the Pens have thought he would be. Also, Alex Goligoski picked up another assist tonite, and despite his missing quite a few games, he actually has more goals and assists than Letang, and is in striking distance of Gonchar! That is not bad for two young defensemen who could be the cornerstone on the blue line for years to come. It was great to see Tyler Kennedy feed young AHL call up Mark Letestu for his first goal as well. Do not underestimate the importance of Letestu fitting in on that third line. If he can do that, and stay on the big club he creates great versatility for the Pens. If Letestu can center a fourth line AND occasionally center the Cooke and Kennedy line, Bylsma can move Staal up to the second line at times to create match up hell pairing him with Evgeni Malkin OR keep him on the best third line in hockey. The ability to do both can create great situational flexibility for this team, and could make a great guy like Max Talbot tempting to move at the deadline for the right offer. Malkin picked up two more assists to remain on a point scoring streak. The two headed monster seems to be back in business for the Pens! Now for the bad......Ruslan Fedotenko remains a defensive liability, and has the worst plus/minus on the team at minus 10. Martin Skoula, well he just plain sucks..........period. Bylsma, bring up Lovejoy and see what he can do, or Engelland...............Fleury was not at his best tonite, but he was good enough for the two points. Why do the Pens torture Ryan Miller, the leagues best goalie in terms of save percentage, and second best in terms of GAA? That is 8 goals in the past four periods against Team USAs starting netminder. If the Pens can take 3 of the next 5 going into the Olympic break, I will like their chances of taking a run at the Atlantic Division title. Keep your eye on the late game tonite between Philly and Calgary as the Pens have a 14 point cushion against the Flyers who are third in the Atlantic. IOn a side note, the late scratch of Jay McKee particularly in favor of Skoula lends credence to a rumor that Mckee is on his way to Chicago as part of a three player deal. Stay tuned.