The Penguins played a good game against the Habs controlling the play in the first period and restricting the shots that the opposition were able to take. Both teams traded powerplays in the first and there is a distinct improvement on the movement in Pittsburgh's powerplay since Sullivan was appointed. There is still a problem with shot counts though and if you're only getting one shot, as they did on Saturday night, then you're not making the most of your chance.
Montreal had a renewed vigour in the second period and the game moved into a more balance contest with 12 shots to each side. Torrey Mitchell had a rough period, committing two penalties. On the first the Penguins managed to convert just 12 seconds in with Malkin passing the puck around the net to Kessel who fed Hornqvist in the front to slot it past Condon. Subban responded relatively quickly for Montreal with a bomb of a shot from the point. The Penguins hard work was rewarded though when Rust scored on a slight breakaway after a superb pass by Bonino.
The third period was a much tougher one for the Penguins and Montreal piled on the pressure but despite the Penguins committing two more penalties their PK and defence held firm. Part of the reason is down to Fleury playing unbelievable hockey and I think it would be fair to say that he is having a career year. Eric Fehr wrapped up the win late on with an empty net goal.
Wilkes-Barre played two games over the weekend, one on Friday the 8th and the second on the following Saturday. Wilkes-Barre won both games to stretch their win streak 5 games. The opening game was a rivalry match-up against cross-state opponents the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
The game was busiest in the first with the teams trading goals and the period ended with the Pens up 4-3 with goals from Archibald (twice), Wilson and Sheary. Sheary and Wilson both scored on their return from the NHL after being sent down. Wilson followed that up with another two goals the following night against Utica Comets. Sheary had three assists too. Jarry and Murray continue to put up incredible numbers at the other end.
Finally, the Wheeling Nailers. They played a back-to-back double header with the Orlando Solar Bears and lost both. Palazzesse and Foster split the matches but they couldn't do much as the Nailers lost 5-2 and 6-3. Wheeling led the first game 2-0 after the first period with goals from Zlobin and Wydo but 5 goals on 24 shots sunk them. Wheeling were tied going in the third period in the second game too but Orlando took their chances and the Nailers didn't. That was the big difference.
An decent weekend, the Nailers the only ones to struggle.
0 comments:
Post a Comment