New Season Same Outcome: Pens Win 4-2

Pens fans thought we'd have some relief on the injury bug when the Pens started season, but that is not how the cards were dealt. With Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Brooks Orpik all out of the lineup, the Penguins continue to fine ways to put victories into the win column.  The Pen's moved 3-0-1 and have taken 7 of 8 possible points to start the season with their first win in a home opener at the CONSOL Energy center. 

Penguins 4-Panthers 2

The Penguins would win this game just like they did last season when their two superstars weren't in the lineup. With strong defensive play and great penalty killing effort.


The penalty killing unit is perfect through four games killing off all 16 penalties. 


Pascal Dupuis opened the scoring at 14:57 of the first period on a goal that was assisted by Joe Vitale and Kris Letang.


Matt Cooke gave the Pens a two goal cushion off a pass from Joe Vitale, who had two assists in the game, and is proving that he is a more that suitable replacement for Max Talbot.


Marcel Goc would pull the panthers back within a goal at 12:06 of the second, scored by Marcel Goc.


Richard Park would score his first goal back as a Penguin shorthanded at 15:21 of the second period. Park's first ever goal as a Penguin also came as a shorthanded tally.


The Panthers would strike early in the third to pull within a goal, when Tomas Fleischmann scored at 3:16 into the period, and it looked like the Penguins third period woes would continue.


That was until James Neal stuffed home a loose puck at 6:39 to regain the Pens' two goal lead.


The Pens would hold onto that lead until the game ended and would move to 3-0-1 on the season.


POFA's Notes
Joe Vitale has been playing some great hockey, and likely has solidified his place in the lineup for the time being. He has been the go-to guy in face-offs and has been routinely clicking near 60% on his draws.


Kris Letang is already having a whale of a season. He currently leads the league in points with 6 (1G, 5A).


Matt Cooke is currently tied for the league lead in goal scoring with 6.


POFA's Play of the Game
Marc-Andre Fleury and Ben Lovejoy combine to keep the puck out of the net as it was fluttering on the goal-line.



The Penguins take on the Washington Capitals on Thursday evening at the CONSOL Energy Center.