Fail!

[auntiemeesh]

All the talking heads were a little overwhelmed by Pittsburgh's dominating play on Friday, to beat the Canadiens 6-3. They seemed to think that meant the series was already over and won by the Pens. The Pens seemed to have fallen into the same trap, judging by the complete lack of sustained effort they put into today's game. Ten minutes of strong play, resulting in the first goal. Then a stupid penalty which cost them the momentum, something they never regained. The rest of the game they were sluggish, frequently looked lost and confused on the ice, like they weren't sure exactly what it was they were doing there.

Jordan Staal was out with a lacerated tendon on his foot. Only the second game he's missed in four years and the first injury related game. The Pens missed him a lot. Kennedy and Leopold were both back from injuries, and Kennedy had a lot of jump at times, but they were both a little rusty, and Leopold took a hit (second? third? period, don't remember) and looked really rattled, slow to get moving again. I don't remember seeing him on the ice after that, although that doesn't mean he wasn't there.

Malkin wanted to score, but didn't want to do the dirty work, skating by and failing to finish his checks. Crosby did what he could, but he was stymied by Hal Gill. The two went at it several times during the game and Crosby grew really frustrated by the end.

Not a good outing for the boys in black and gold.

Comments

[eve11]

It was a sad showing for sure :( I hope they bounce back and win the next three. they have been playing pretty well on the road.

[auntiemeesh.livejournal.com]

If they take Montreal seriously as an opponent and remember the lesson that Washington failed to learn, they should do okay. *hopes*

[ani-no-mouse.livejournal.com]

Sorry the boys performed so poorly during this outing. I hope they are back on form for their next game now that they've seen that they really do have to show up to play in this series!

[auntiemeesh.livejournal.com]

I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, but not holding my breath. They seemed to think they played well in that game, which doesn't bode well.