PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Considering where they started, the Pens had a strong finish before Christmas break with 19 wins in 33 games. However, head coach Mike Sullivan not pleased with everything including extra time.
Carolina fought back to send it to overtime and in the extra period, Canes Jacob Slavin scored on a three-on-two just 26 seconds in to give Carolina a third win in three matchups with the Pens, all by one goal. Final on Thursday, 4-3 Hurricanes.
“You just can’t chase behind the net,” said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. “If you chase behind the net it’s an automatic three-on-two the other way. It’s an important detail. We need more discipline in that area.”
“It’s my fault 100%,” said forward Evgeni Malkin. “I tried to catch him behind the net. I lost my edge a little bit, three on two they play great. I need to stay focused and don’t go behind the net. It’s a lesson learned for me.
It’s my mistake 100%.”
It’s the Pens fifth overtime loss of the season.
“I think we can be better in overtime,” Sullivan said. “I think that’s an important element. I don’t think our overtime performance to this point in the season has been nearly what it needs to be and we are leaving points on the table because of it. We’ve got to get better there.”
How it happened
Pens took the early lead on what else, the power play. The 10th consecutive game with a power play goal the most since 12 straight in 2013. A big piece of that power play scored the opener, Sidney Crosby (19th) finished around the net with assists to Kris Letang and Jake Guentzel.
The Hurricanes tied it 15 seconds later as a missed shot came hot off the board behind the net and right to Martin Necas who beat the defender to the spot and a fairly easy tap in, 1-1. Then 17 seconds later, off a faceoff win, Jalen Chatfield scored his first NHL goal on a long slap shot through Jason Zucker, Letang and over the glove of Tristan Jarry to make it 2-1.
Special teams again for the Pens, this time after a sixth penalty Brian Dumoulin cleared to Teddy Blueger who took it in on the right side, the shot missed, but Brock McGinn (10th) trailing on a tough angle-a right handed shot from the left side lifted into the top right corner, 2-2.
It looked the game would be won on a pretty goal from Bryan Rust (9th). The Pens forward took a quick pass from Marcus Pettersson and went about 150 feet, the last 15 walling off a defenseman and tucking it behind Antti Raanta to make it 3-2 at 12:55.
A former Penguins first-round pick forced overtime with a wrap around goal at 15:34. His tenth of the year and 15th season Jordan Staal has scored double-digit goals.
Pre-Christmas Break
Sullivan’s overall message through the first 33 games.
“I love this group,” Sullivan said. “They are great people. They are great players. We got a really good team. We’ve won a lot of games as of late, but our expectations are high. There is another level to this group. We’re right in the mix right now, but there is a lot of hockey left and we have to push to get to the next level.”
“I love coming to work with them every day.”
Notes
· Hurricanes have won eight of the last 10 against the Pens
· Jarry made 31 saves and now with points in 14 straight games, most since Marc-Andre Fleury in 2007 and 2010.
· Carolina has three more wins on road than home
· Forwards Josh Archibald and Ryan Poehling remain out with injuries.
Moment of silence
Pens held a moment of silence showing a video tribute to Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris, the last few photos were Franco at a Pens game including him dropping the ceremonial first puck at an outdoor game at Acrisure Stadium.
Up Next
Christmas Break-until Tuesday night at the Islanders, then a pair of home games to end the year on Wednesday (Detroit) and next Friday (Devils).