Three Takeaways From Penguins Time beyond regulation Loss To Pink Wings

The Pittsburgh Penguins performed a greater recreation on Wednesday evening however nonetheless walked away with a loss, this time to the Detroit Pink Wings in additional time, 3-2.

On an evening when the group celebrated Evgeni Malkin’s 500th goal, securing a win wasn’t within the playing cards regardless of a strong efficiency from Alex Nedeljkovic.

Fortunately, the Penguins secured some extent within the loss, which helps within the standings, however with every passing defeat, probably the most urgent factor is to win future video games.

Let’s focus on some takeaways from the additional time loss to the Pink Wings.

So Shut, But So Far Away

The Penguins fell behind 2-0 and rallied again to get some extent in additional time as soon as the Pink Wings pulled out a 3-2 win. The additional-period loss gave Pittsburgh a single level, their third up to now 5 video games.

It was a formidable comeback, contemplating how badly the Penguins have been outplayed on Monday in opposition to the Dallas Stars. As soon as on the verge of touchdown on the backside of the Metropolitan Division, they now have a three-point cushion over their subsequent opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Though it’s one other loss and places the Penguins three video games below .500, Wednesday evening’s efficiency was one in every of their higher current efforts, regardless of the ultimate rating.

Goaltending Woes Proceed

Nedeljkovic was scheduled to choose up the items after Monday’s loss. He got here in reduction and performed solidly for over 50 minutes, stopping the Stars from reaching double digits.

Towards the Pink Wings, Nedeljkovic was as soon as once more outplayed by an opponent, watching Cam Talbot make 31 saves, together with robbing Malkin in additional time seconds earlier than the game-winner.

Realistically, Nedeljkovic ought to have made the save on Simon Edvinsson, however the younger Swedish defenseman fired one alongside the ice that fooled the Penguins netminder.

As a substitute of bailing out Pittsburgh and securing two factors, Nedeljkovic wasn’t the one making the ultimate save of the sport. These moments have sunk so many video games for a workforce that leads the NHL in objectives in opposition to.

Pointless Streaks Proceed

On an evening when the Pittsburgh devoted had an opportunity to have a good time Malkin’s five hundredth aim, he was pointless for the eleventh time this season. Regardless of having the game-winner on his stick in additional time, he could not convert.

In the meantime, Rickard Rakell was held off the scoresheet for the fourth recreation, whereas Drew O’Connor’s pointless streak reached 12 games. Erik Karlsson has solely two factors within the final 5 video games, whereas Kris Letang has three up to now 14 video games.

Different notable Penguins gamers with out factors embody Jesse Puljujarvi, who has had a single help within the final eight video games, and Matt Grzelcyk, who has had energy play time and one help up to now six video games.

Virtually each evening, if Crosby and Malkin do not get factors, the secondary scoring dries up, and the Penguins do not discover methods to win video games. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh solely wanted three objectives however could not discover them of their sticks.

Penguins & Pink Wings Trivia Solutions

How did you rating in our Game Day Trivia quiz? Listed here are the solutions.

1. Marian Hossa

2. Phil Kessel, Syl Apps Jr.

3. Marc-Andre Fleury

4. Chris Conner

5. Paul Coffey

6. Jim Rutherford

7. Glen Sather

8. Bryan Watson

9. Mario Lemieux

10. Chris Kunitz