The Penguins had another strong outing tonight, beating the Devils 4-1 on home ice to run their record to 6-2-2. First, the bad news. In a shocking development, another key Penguins player is injured when Zybnek Michalek left the game in third period with an injury to his hand after blocking 6 shots and getting an assist. If the Penguins luck holds, who knows he may be gone until Christmas. Let's hope not. The rest is all good news. First, Jordan Staal played a monster game scoring two goals, including his 100th career goal, and dominating in all three zones. Staal now has 5 goals and 8 points in 10 games, maybe quieting some of his critics in the process. Staal is playing against top lines, and is beginning to consistently assert himself. Once the two headed monster is healthy, the Penguins will really be dominant down the middle! James Neal also scored a goal, giving him 8 goals 9 points in 10 games! Neal made a beautiful play retrieving the puck behind the net, before stepping out from behind the net and powering the puck behind Hedberg. Perhaps the biggest goal of the night came from Chris Kunitz though. After the Penguins surrendered a shorthanded goal to Patrick Elias on the first part of a double minor to allow the Devils to tie the game, it appeared as if NJ might be poised to take the lead. Instead, Kunitz answers quickly to regain the lead on a power play, which went 2 for 6 tonight. Also, Richard Park collected two assists, giving him 5 points in 8 games, and has done more than an admirable job in a top six forward role. Finally, Marc Andre Fleury again stood on his head, stopping 23 of 24 shots, and keeping the Penguins out in front despite some quality chances, especially in the second period. You have to like the way the Penguins generally are responding, and how they have continued to battle despite an almost comical barrage of injury. Next week, a home and home against the kings of the cesspool, and Atlantic Division rival Islanders should make for an interesting week.
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