Pens Take Series Lead Over Ottawa

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By Reg Dunlop   April 18, 2010

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It was a very nice time for Alex Ponikarovsky to show up.  He scored very early in the first period to give the Pens a quick one goal lead.  Though the first period did

Malkin scores easily after a great effort by Talbot.

not include a great deal of offensive power, having a one goal lead seem to give the Penguins the kind of momentum they needed.

These last two games, the Penguins have put together the kind of 60 minute effort that have been dearly lacking for sometime.  Maybe there is something to this whole taking it up a level in the playoffs.  Pittsburgh has gotten some good play from some unexpected sources in these three games so far.  Tonight, it was Ponikarovsky, Talbot and Billy Guerin.  If these “role players” keep contributing and the stars (Malkin, Crosby & Gonchar) continue to play well, it could be a lopsided series.

Marc-Andre Fleury played another solid game tonight.  Let’s hope that his confidence is getting back to where we need it to be.  The team is doing a great job in front of him.  He has not had to face a lot of shots and for the most part, the shots have been fairly routine.  He has been forced to make a couple of big saves, but not too many so far.  The Pens have kept the Senators “stars” in check for the most part.  I like the way things are going right now.

Here is to coming back to Pittsburgh for the series clinching game on Thursday.