Pens win 5-1 in Ottawa

The Penguins did what they had to do tonight, taking 2 points from a weaker opponent. Ottawa has a horrible home record, going only 1-9-2 at home since they beat the Penguins at home back on 12/26. That said, the Senators had been 7-3 in their past ten games, so they were kind of hot going into the game. Tonight, Tyler Kennedy opened the scoring with his 16th goal. Kennedy added an assist later in the game giving him 1G and 4A in his past two games. He also has 9 goals in his past 19 games, and has really elevated his game in the absence of Crosby and Malkin. Jordan Staal had another strong game, chipping in a goal and an assist as well. Staal has 2 goals and 2 assists since his UGLY performance on Saturday against Montreal. How about Zybnek Michalek as another guy who has really elevated his game lately. After going 92 regular season games without a goal, he now has 3 in his past four games. Add in a goal by Ben Lovejoy, and the Pens blue line had a nice evening! How about Kunitz following up a 2 goal, and 1 assist performance with a 3 assist night tonight? He has really looked solid since his return from injury. And public enemy number one, the Cookie Monster adds his 12th of the season. The win gives the Pens 90 points on the season, and keeps them within sight of the Division/
Conference leading Flyers who own a three point lead on the Penguins, but have 3 games in hand. The two head to head games between Pittsburgh could decide the Division if either team can take both games. If Philadephia wins both, the race is over, and if Pittsburgh can win both, especially in regulation, they could really put the heat on the Flyers down the stretch. Next up, a big game against the Rangers on Sunday which is a four point swing game in the race.