Pens atop the NHL after beating Dallas 3-1

In tonights game the two teams with the most points in the NHL squared off in another East v West battle, and the Penguins came out on top 3-1 by playing a very disciplined game, allowing only 20 shots on goal against a high powered offensive team.  The Stars had only 12 shots through the first two periods, but Lehtonen kept them in the game.  The Penguins special teams were the difference tonight killing both Dallas power plays, and scoring on 2 of 5 power play chances even with 2 PPGs waved off.  In addition Matt Cooke froze Kari Lehtonen for some insurance on the first penalty shot of his career to give the Penguins their insurance goal.  The Penguins are now 5-0-2 against the Western Conference, and 5-1-1 at home on the season.  The Penguins are also atop the league in points with 23, boasting a record of 10-3-3.   Marc Andre Fleury is now 6-0-1 in his past seven game, allowing only 10 goals in that span.  Fleury stopped 19 of 20 shots tonight, including some big ones that could have changed the complexion of the game.  Kris Letang's assist has him on a five game scoring streak, and Neal's two goals give him a 5 game streak as well including 2 goals and 4 assists during that timeframe.  The scoring tonight is as follows.  Dallas took the lead 1-0 in the first despite being thoroughly outplayed when Eric Nystrom was all alone in front of Fleury and Radek Dvorak made a beautful pass that Nystrom buried behind Fleury.  The Penguins tied the game when James Neal connected on a power play goal from Kunitz and Sullivan to tie the game just 24 seconds after a very borderline call taking a goal that Kunitz scored off of a Malkin shot off the board.  The Penguins then took the lead when James Neal again connected for his 11th goal of the year, and second of the night from Malkin and Letang just 23 seconds after a second Kunitz goal was waved off.  Amazing tenacity from this power play unit.  The insurance goal came on a beautiful move from Matt Cooke on a penalty shot.  Some of my observations from tonight:

To those of you who question the contract of Kunitz, just think of tonight.  He had only one point, an assist, but he had 2 goals waved off, both of which  could have gone either way.  He created absolute havoc on the ice in front of the net ALL NIGHT LONG.  The man just battles......and battles some more.  Right now, it is scary what James Neal is doing.  He is getting to open spots on the ice, and using his release and powerful shot to keep himself near the top of the league in goal scoring with 11 goals, one off the top spot in the NHL.  The line of Malkin Sullivan and Neal just looks like it has scary chemistry.  One of my favorite humans, coach Disco has alluded to breaking this line up once all are healthy, loading up the top line with Kunitz and Neal centered by Crosby.  Disco, don't do it brother.  This line is dynamite, and remember the damage done by Crosby, Kunitz and Duper last year?  That leaves your third line as Kennedy and Cooke centered by Staal.......that is a scary three line monster if you ask me.  Also,  you continue to see the skill of Matt Cooke and his discipline tonight.  A very underrated hockey player and teammate.  It warmed the cockles of my cold black heart to see Cookie Monster turn Lehtonen inside out on his Penalty Shot.  Suck on that Buttman and Shanny. He is a very valuable piece of the Penguins' puzzle.  Matt Niskanen was again a very solid force at both ends of the rink tonight, and  he just looks comfortable out there.  It is looking like a little more  Shero magic that he was an add on to the Neal for Goligoski trade! I do like the Goose, always did, but Neal is just a beast when you give him some linemates, making it a good trade for Pittsburgh without Niskanen.  If Nisky plays like this all year, the trade is just sick in favor of Pittsburgh.  Another underrated, but typical  Shero move has been Steve Sullivan.  Yes, I know, he has one goal.  He has several assists as well, and does so many little things on the ice that help put Geno and my new man crush into position to crush the souls of our opponents.  He looks great bringing the puck up the ice, always gaining the zone, and getting the Penguins to set up shop,  and he seems to be the catalyst of a power play that now wins the Penguins games instead of costing them games.  The play he made that resulted in the second power play goal was a thing of beauty!  In Shero I trust that is for goddamn sure!  Finally, my man Engo laid Michael Ryder out, and quietly played yet another solid game for the Pens.  I love to see guys like Engo get the job done and enjoy some time in the spotlight after how long it took him to get here!  Finally, the point totals do not at all tell the tale of just how good Geno and Kunitz were last night.  Kunitz again is a sonic hedge  hog around the net, and Malkin just hammered some power play shots that should have yielded two more points.   Now off to Raleigh for the second part of a back to back weekend schedule for the Penguins.