Pens win another big Atlantic Division game 6-3

I am going to do this post backwards from my usual style.  I want to make general comments and observations from this big weekend for the Penguins.  They go on the road and defeat in back to back contests their two biggest divisional rivals by a combined score of 9-4.  Both of those teams lost their other games so the Pens take a 4 point lead over these two bitter rivals.  There are plenty of things to be optimistic about thus far including a power play that outside of some goofiness in the third period, looked dangerous going 4 for 8 on the weekend and getting the goals from Neal, Kennedy, Kunitz, and Dupuis, pretty good distribution and on point in my preview article that the lack of quality wingers is a little overstated by the "Winger for Sid" crowd.  The TEAM is solid in all four lines, with good role definition.  They did give up a power play goal tonight, albeit a 5 on 3, but the penalty kill has looked very good in my estimation.  The ability to play 2 top goalies in back to back games showed its value as well.  Also, after a year where I thought he looked a little long in the tooth, my favorite defenseman is passing out the Free Candy again with regularity and looking fresh and healthy.  It is only two games, but Paul Martin is indeed having a very good start and looking a lot like the player they thought he was when they signed him.  Martin has 3 assists in 2 games, and has played intelligently and with poise in both games.  Simon Despres had a bad turnover tonight, but added an assist and as the game wore on, looked more and more comfortable.  If he can progress a little every game, he will be a valuable asset to this team with his size and skating.  I also liked the addition of Joe Vitale to the fourth line.  His speed and grit are to me the kind of play you want from your fourth line.  If you want to give Jeffrey his ice time, give him Tangradi's role for a couple of games on the Malkin and Neal line.  He has some finish to his game, but I am not a fan of him in the role of a 4th liner.  I am a big Arron Asham guy and was not sold initially on letting him leave and replacing him with Glass.  Then you read up on glass and note his shot blocking ability, his PK ability, his speed, and tonight he handled himself quite well in a battle with the aforementioned Asham. Sutter has fit in quite well, and the third line is contributing every night with Kennedy scoring goals in back to back tilts. James Neal has not missed a beat and has 3 goals in two nights! Kris Letang has been dominant in all facets of the game.  The Penguins scored nine goals against two of the best teams in the East, yet Malkin and Crosby do not have a goal, though Geno leads the team in scoring with 4 points.  When the two of them start finding the net, the Penguins will be a very scary team to deal with.  It is early, and the grind will take its toll, but it is a good start for your Penguins folks. Now to the game.  As noted, the game was only two seconds old and Glass asked Asham to dance, and he was obliged.  The two had a long spirited bout, with both parties tossing some nasty bombs, but I would give the edge to Glass in this one.  They will meet again I have no doubt!  I gave you a little taste of their last bout from 2011 when Asham was a Penguin, just for good measure.

 

  The Penguins opened the scoring at 1:48 when James Neal potted his second of the season, a power play goal from Malkin (2) and Letang (1).  At 9:55 Ryan Callahan tied the game on a 5 on 3 power play.  At 15:05, Kennedy got his second of the season from Vitale (1), and Simon Despres to restore a one goal lead at 2-1.  Moments later at 18:50 Niskanen got his first goal from Crosby (1) to take a 3-1 lead into the second period.  At the 9:11 mark the Penguins got their second power play goal of the game when Pascal Dupuis tapped in a shot from Malkin (3) to give the Pens a 4-1 lead.  Kunitz got the other assist.  At 5:06 of the third, a red hot James Neal got his third goal of the year, while Malkin picked up his fourth assist and third point of the night, while Martin got his third assist of the year.  Some sloppy play led to two goals from the Rangers, one from Taylor Pyatt, and a short handed goal from Rick Nash to close the score to 5-3, and make it a little interesting.  Then Kris Letang closed it out getting his first goal and second point of the night into an empty net to make the final score 6-3 Pens.  Home opener on Wednesday against Toronto!