Penguins beat Calgary to go to 2-0

The Penguins need to go back to the Cowher era Steelers and borrow the old t-shirt and moniker 60 minute men! Last night was a tale of three periods. In period one, it looked like the Flames might dominate play, beating the Penguins to loose pucks, pressuring in the offensive zone, and keeping the Penguins bottled up. The problem was all they got for that was a 1-0 lead. In the second period, the Penguins put on an awesome display of defense, as well as an overwhelming attack from all 4 lines, scoring 4 goals in about 12 minutes, including 2 more power play markers! They also outshot the Flames 25-9. The beginning of the third looked a lot like the Penguins would close out a pretty workmanlike period and a relatively easy victory. That all changed about midway through the period, with the Flames getting two goals, one of a Fleury miscue behind the net to put the heat on the Pens at 4-3. Jordan Staal closed it out with an empty net goal with 5 seconds left to play to secure the Penguins second road win in a row.

Some post game observations:

It is still early, but you have to be enthused about the Pens' special teams, with the power play going 2 for 2, and the PK again perfect at 3 for 3. Four power play goals in two games would have seemed impossible last season;

Matt Niskanen had another strong outing, and even "gulp" looked a bit like an offensive force, netting a goal and an assist last night;

Joe Vitale has been STRONG thus far, playing a solid grinding game, killing penalties, and creating havoc in front of the net. He was 55% of faceoffs last night;

Letang had a strong game, looking far more consistent in his defensive positioning, and remaining an offensive force. His assist on Malkin's goal has him in a tie with Jordan Staal as the Pens' leading scorer with 3 points;

Malkin is scaring me a bit. First off, let's hope that his "soreness" is not an indication that he will battle knee issues all year. But we also should be a bit concerned with his propensity to lose his cool, and be well, just PLAIN STUPID. His retaliation on Glencross after Stempniak's slashing call last night that wound up in a pseudo fight was a dumb selfish play, as was his dust up earlier with Stempniak. Malkin is showing how easy it is to get under his skin, and at times can be a liability with his temper. And again, at times, he was dominant with the puck. Time to settle down and play smart hockey Geno, we need you at your best;

Fleury again made a pretty horrid play that resulted in a goal that turned this game into a white knuckle ride it did not have to be down the stretch. And again, he made the big saves necessary to win when they needed him to;

Jordan Staal played a very strong game at all ends of the rink, and carried the load down the stretcth;

Hey folks, the Pens are on a western Canada road trip, have beaten an elite team on its opening night, and a very solid Calgary team on its opening night without Crosby or Orpik in the lineup. Not bad. Let's hope Geno is okay physically, and that a little "couch time" with Doctor Bylsma will get his head right too.