I find myself falling behind in Penguins game reviews when I don't get them up immediately following the game, which is why thanks to the World Series and a Halloween outing Saturday night, I'm back 2 games. But it seems a shame not to say anything, so I'll get in a brief little something-something.
Let's see, which games was this. Oh, that's right, now I remember another reason I wasn't so eager to get into this game. We sucked.
The Pens got the early lead with Sidney Crosby goal, assisted by Reechi and Malkin, and took the 1-0 lead into the 2nd.
After numerous opportunities, the Leafs finally tied in up in the 2nd, with an Alex Steen goal.
Heading into the 3rd, the Penguins were being severely overplayed, and yet somehow maintained in the game. It looked like one of those ugly games that a good team knows how to win. But then the 3rd period happened.
2 minutes into the 3rd the Penguins allowed two goals Jiri Tlusty in 35 seconds, giving the Leafs the 3-1 lead.
Later in the 3rd near the 10 minute mark the Leafs scored another couple goals, this time in only 33 seconds (Tomas Kaberle, Boyd Devereaux). 5-1
The Penguins made it somewhat more respectable, picking up another goal, this one on the power play (Goncahar assisted by Malkin and Crosby). But that was the game 5-2.
Its easy to blame Fleury for a 4 goal 3rd period, but it comes down to the Penguins not doing what they need to do, especially in the defensive and neutral zones.
Following the game Michel Therrien sounded somewhat befuddled in the post-game conference. He called it "a game that you have to win." Considering how the Leafs have been playing, I'd say he's right.
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