Carl Hagelin made his debut for the Penguins despite only flying over to Pittsburgh yesterday. He had a good debut, taking four shots and earning 13:15 minutes on the ice. The negative and positives in Hagelin's game are clear to see. He has excellent speed and he was good on the PK but he hasn't got the quickest hands, as was demonstrated on a breakaway when he failed to get a good deke off. However, the early signs are encouraging and he seemed to work well with Malkin and Kessel.
Sidney Crosby continued his resurgence under Sullivan, scoring his 13th and 14th goals of the season. The first goal was a questionable one as it hit his skate before going in but the referees deemed it to be a deflection and not a distinct kicking motion. Crosby's second goal was a beauty snipe from the boards over Lack's shoulders into the top corner.
Malkin didn't have the best game but he seems to have gelled well with Hagelin and there is clearly some chemistry developing with Kessel. Kessel and Malkin had two assists each, both on the same goals. Kessel has struggled a little lately so it was good to see him contributing.
The fourth line was excellent again with Connor Sheary scoring his second goal of the season, despite falling over when shooting. The fourth line continues to cycle well and can only improve when injuries are healed on other players. Lastly, it was good to see Maatta and Daley both score. Daley has been superb since the trade and Maatta showed a good improvement with his skating, which has been one of his downsides. With Letang out, both need to play well to cover.
The only downside to the game was the referee, Tim Peel, taking out Warsofsky late on in the game after losing his footing and sliding through him. Warsofsky hit the ground hard and is likely out for tomorrow's trip to St.Louis meaning that it is highly probably that Derrick Pouliot is called up. The next two games will be tricky as they feature the Blues and Flyers and they will be a good character test of the team.
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