The Penguins' Perfect Run Ends in a Subpar Performance
The Pittsburgh Penguins' six-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt in a surprising turn of events at PPG Paints Arena. The team's performance was a stark contrast to their recent success, as they struggled to match the Calgary Flames' intensity and energy.
The Flames, on the other hand, snapped their own four-game losing streak with a decisive 2-1 victory. Calgary's offensive woes persisted, having failed to score a second goal in their previous three games, but they managed to break through in the third period.
In a pivotal moment, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang pinched along the right wall, but his effort was unsuccessful. Calgary capitalized on the resulting three-on-two odd-man rush, with winger Matt Coronato snapping a stick-side wrister past Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs at 42 seconds into the third period. This goal proved to be the game-winner, giving Calgary a 2-1 lead that they held until the final whistle.
The Penguins' first period was a far cry from their dominant streak. They managed only five shots against a spirited Calgary team that attacked relentlessly. The Penguins struggled with Calgary's relentless puck pressure, making mistakes that led to two-on-ones and ultimately a breakaway goal by Conor Zary, who intercepted a pass and raced 115 feet for a backhand goal at 2:33.
As the second period unfolded, the Penguins found their rhythm and energy. Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea atoned for his first-period giveaway with a crucial takeaway in the middle of the second period. Egor Chinakhov took the puck from Ben Kindel at the red line, setting up a two-on-one break with Evgeni Malkin. Malkin faked a shot, passing the puck back to Chinakhov, who snapped a wrist shot past Calgary goalie Devin Cooley for a 1-1 tie at 9:17.
The Penguins' performance in the second period was a stark contrast to their sluggish first period, outshooting Calgary 10-6 and dominating in high-danger chances. The only players with more than two shots after the second period were Calgary's Joel Farabee and Penguins winger Justin Brazeau, each with three.
In the third period, the Penguins had a tying goal waved off when game operations played 'Renegade' from Styx, amidst a sea of towel-waving fans. Tommy Novak appeared to score, but the referees ruled it no goal due to a knock-down by Sidney Crosby, who sent Calgary goalie Devin Cooley to the ice at 15:35. Silovs remained in the game, stopping 24 of 26 shots, while Cooley made 27 of 28 saves.
Penguins Notes:
- Before the game, the Penguins announced that winger Bryan Rust was out day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Kevin Hayes took his place in the lineup, and coach Dan Muse adjusted the top three lines.
- The new lines were: Tommy Novak-Sidney Crosby-Rickard Rakell, Evgeni Malkin-Ben Kindel-Egor Chinakhov, and Anthony Mantha-Kevin Hayes-Justin Brazeau.
- The remaining lines were: Connor Dewar-Blake Lizotte-Noel Acciari.
