The game was billed as the battle of the league's top two scorers, Evgeni Malkin and Steven Stamkos, both players with 73 points on the season, but Stamkos had 43 goals to 33 for Geno. However, Geno leads Stamkos in points per game at 1.38 ppg coming in, to 1.22 ppg for Stamkos. The Penguins entered the contest in 6th place in the Eastern conference, but a win would allow them to leapfrog both Philadelphia and New Jersey for the 4th spot. Now for the game. In the first period, Chris Kunitz opened the scoring with his 17th goal of the season at 11:09, assisted by Malkin (41) and Neal (28) to give the Pens a 1-0 lead. Then, just 50 seconds later, Matt Cooke scored his 12th goal of the season, lifting a rebound of a Joe Vitale shot (9) over the head of Rolson, and off his back into the net. He was also assisted by Zybenek Michalek (6). The Penguins go up 2-0. Then at 14:40, Jordan Staal intercepts a pass on the penalty kill and beats Rolson unassisted on the breakaway for his 20th goal of the season, a short handed goal! The Penguins are now up 3-0. The period ended that way. Fleury then, kept the Lightning at bay, stopping breakaways by St. Louis and Stamkos, along with several other net front chances. Then, about halfway through period two, Jordan Staal cashes in again for his 21st goal, this time on the power play, with assists by Sullivan (19), and Neal (29). The Penguins take a 4-0 lead. This goal was the result of a Malone mistake, and a great feed by Sullivan. It was also just deserts for Roloson taking a cheap shot at Malkin. Turned out they should have left the sleeping giant alone. At 16:03, Evgeni Malkin beat Roloson from a crazy angle for his 34th goal of the season, assisted by Kunitz (26) and Engo (11). Malkin gave Roloson the stare down in the crease, game on. At 17:28, Teddy Purcell gave the Lightning some life, scoring to make it 5-1 Pittsburgh on a power play. The goal also ended more than 100 minutes of shutout hockey by Fleury. The period ended with Pittsburgh up 5-1. In the third, Malkamania went back to work at 5:50, when Malkin scored his 35th of the season, with a Mario like romp through the entire Tampa defense to make it 6-1 Pittsburgh. He was assisted by Matt Niskanen (15). Just an unreal goal by Malkin. That was to show Roloson how many fucks he does not give about him! Malkin completes his humiliation of Roloson and his hat trick by netting his 36th goal, a power play goal at 13:42, assisted by Neal (30), and Sullivan (20). Pens lead 7-1. Then with only 47 seconds left, Pascal Dupuis scored his 14th of the season, assisted by Staal (9) and Sullivan (21). Pens win 8-1! Some interesting notes from this game. The Penguins are now in 4th place in the East with 75 points and a 35-21-5 record. They are also now 20-0-2 when leading after two periods. Jordan Staal now has 21 goals in 41 games, a pace of 42 goals in a season, despite marginal power play time, and marginal wingers. He also has 6 goals in the past 7 games. Also, Staal's .512 goals per game average bests three of the top five goal scorers in the league! Where are you Staal bashers now? Staal still does factor in heavily on all special teams, with 3 short handed goals, 5 power play goals, and a key part in the best home ice penalty kill in the NHL. Geno, now leads the league in scoring with 77 points, and likes his home cooking, netting 13 goals in his past 12 games at the Consol Energy Center. Matt Cooke now has 10 points in his past 13 games. There were lots of heroes in today's game. First off, Malkin had 4 points including a hat trick and an assist, Staal had 2 goals and an assist, Sullivan and Neal each had 3 assists, and Kunitz had a goal and an assist. Add to that, Pascal Dupuis and Matt Cooke each had a goal and stellar work on the penalty kill. Fleury was a monster in the cage today, keeping the Lightning out of the game, when they had a chance in the second period. He is now 13-2-1 in his last 16 starts. Special teams were big today as the Penguins scored on both of their power play chances, and held the Lightning to 1 for 6 on the PP, while adding a shorie. Also, today's hat trick was Geno's 9th in his career, and 2nd in 3 games against Tampa Bay. Finally, it is interesting to note that the Penguins have done their part in the scoring race for Geno, shutting out Stamkos on the season. Tomorrow, another back to back matinee game against Columbus. Go Pens!
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