Third-line center Mark Jankowski made quite a splash in his Penguins debut, scoring a goal five minutes into the game then setting up Brandon Tanev’s goal that temporarily tied it in the third period.
Problem was, Jankowski’s exploits were quickly overshadowed when the Pens proceeded to implode, allowing three goals over a 7-minute span (the last two 20 seconds apart) in a 6-3 defeat in Philadelphia.
But before the game got out of hand, there was this burning question. What’s Jankowski’s nickname? Hockey players have to have nicknames!
So, when Sidney Crosby met with reporters today, did I ask about the third period breakdown? The problems with defensive zone coverage? His spectacular goal?
Heck no! I got to the bottom of the important issue – what do we call Jankowski?
“I’ve heard ‘Janko’,” Sid laughed, “that seems to be the most common one. Tans (Tanev) played college with him (Providence) so I think he should know that and that’s what he goes by so we’re going to follow suit with that.”
If Janko’s line can follow suit with an effort like they had in the opener, the Penguins will have a better chance of bouncing back against the Flyers Friday night.