It's never an easy game when you head into Minnesota to take on two-time Jack Adams Award winner Jacques Lemaire and his Wild team. The franchise disregards common practices around the NHL, and does so quite successfully, currently sitting atop the Northwest Division.
Heading into the game, I was a little concerned that the Penguins would look somewhat discombobulated next to such an efficient squad. But instead it was the Penugin's who may have finally proved their mettle, in was possibly their best 60 minutes of hockey this season.
The first 2 periods were close, the Wild's conservative play minimalized scoring opportunities, taking the game into the 3rd tied at 2 a piece. But the Penguins offensive eventually broke through, scoring 2 in the 3rd and going on to defeat Minnesota 4-2.
Evgeni Malkin continued his dominant play scoring the first 2 goals, and assisting on another. Sykora scored on the power play in the 3rd. Sidney Crosby scored a breakaway, beating Minnesota backup Josh Harding, and finished the night with a goal and 3 assists.
Both Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Malone had 2 assists. And Dany Sabourin, who started in lieu of the thus far inconsistent Marc-Andre Fleury, stopped 28 of 30 shots, picking up his second win of the season.
Jordan Staal has been relatively quiet so far with only 2 points through 11 games, let's hope he can kick the sophomore slump when the Penguins take on the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday at 9 o'clock.
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