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The Penguins bring a 3-1 series lead back to Pittsburgh Thursday night. It was an interesting game. The Pens scored 7 goals on 42 shots. No problem generating offense tonight. Unfortunately, they allowed 4 goals to the low-scoring Senators. Two of the goals, however, came on two-man advantage power plays for the Senators.
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Fred Chartrand)
It is wonderful to see some of the “role players” really making a difference in this series. Of course, we expected Max Talbot to step up and play at a higher level. He had done just that and maybe more. Tonight he had a goal and an assist. Craig Adams gave Talbot a wonderful pass for Max’s goal. Chris Kunitz had a goal and two assists. Matt Cooke scored a goal. Everyone is chipping in. Let’s not forget to mention the defensemen, who have come together for the playoffs.
The “stars” are also doing their thing. Crosby……need I say more. The kid is playing just amazing. 2 goals and 2 assists tonight, in case you weren’t keeping track. Malkin scored another goal and Jordan Staal poked one in tonight. Sergei Gonchar chipped in with 3 assists. The team is hitting on all cylanders right now.
Notes:
- Ponikarovsky seems to have used his goal in game 3 to create some momentum for himself. He showed a bit more energy and generated some chances tonight.
- This game was very chippy. If the Senators were playing scared last
Photograph by: Jean Levac, The Ottawa Citizen
game, as Krundle postulated, they made a complete 180 tonight. There was a lot of physical play including alot of extra-carricular activity.
- Letang, though playing a very strong game, did miss the net after taking a great pass from Crosby that sprung him for a partial breakaway.
- I, personally, would love to see someone, anyone level Andy Sutton with a huge hit. This guy is smashing people left and right.
- How about Chris Neil’s goal celebration. What a tool! It would have been awesome had the Pens scored on the ensuing PP.
- Was anyone else annoyed by Paul Steigerwald repeatedly referring to Daniel Alfredson as Alfie?
A five game series victory would be very nice.
I would put Max on the 3rd line as he has had good chemistry with Staal and Cooke before, and Dupuis’ speed will fit in nicely on Geno’s line.
Pens in 5, like I said.
And wow, who is this Talbot guy? Move him to 3rd line with Kennedy out? Or put him on 2nd and move Dupuis to 3rd?