Pens finish SoCal Trip

Pittsburgh finished their trip to South California with a 5-0 win over the San Jose Sharks yesterday at SAP Center. The  Penguins entered the three game road trip having beaten the Philadelphia Flyers 5-4. Over the three games Pittsburgh picked up 5 out of a possible 6 points. Considering how hard this trip often is, that is an excellent reward.

The first two games of the trip, against Anaheim and Los Angeles, were back to back meaning that Murray made his season debut against the Ducks. Murray lasted played for Pittsburgh in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals and has missed a lot of time due to a broken thumb.

Murray is a hugely different player to Fleury and showed it over the three games. Fleury looks uncomfortable at times and lacks composure and the ability to re-adjust himself and focus on the game at times. When Fleury gives up a soft goal due to either unfortunate circumstances or poor decision making, he struggles to move on from it and it affects his game.

Murray is different. He hasn't, to my memory, given up any big softies like Fleury has. But when he has a poor game or is struggling he is able to compose himself and remained focused. The difference can be huge for the defence in front and it sometimes shows. With Murray there appears to be more confidence from the defence in the goaltender.

At the other end of the ice Crosby continued his lightning start to make up ground on those ahead of him. Over the three games he scored four goals and one assist to bring his season totals to eight goals and two assists through just six games. He is top of the league in goal scored despite playing around six fewer games than those at the top with him.

Crosby has been scoring a range of goals too. Against San Jose he scored two opportunistic goals that give the impression that, right now, anything that can go right for Crosby, will. His goals against the Kings were more "typical" Crosby goals. A goal off a deflection and a quick move with a finish off a rebound.

Through the three games the Penguins defence improved and the fact that it coincides with Letangs return isn't a surprise. He is a great possession player and is also excellent and creating and sustaining a transition game into attack. He does have improvements to make, mostly as a PP QB, but he is a hugely important player.

In all, the trip has been a huge success and hopefully the Penguins can continue their good form into the next few game this week against the Oilers, Wild and Leafs.