Sharks beat Pens in overtime. My thoughts on the game and other things.

The Pens were in action last night hosting the San Jose Sharks at the Consol Energy Center.

Despite once again not having Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz, Mark Letestu, and Paul Martin,the Pens were rejuvinized by newly aquired winger James Neal.

I wanted Neal to score so bad last night, and even though he didn't, he still had a solid game and looks like he's going to be a great addition to the team. Neal brings speed, talent, and great at the wing, and fits in perfect with the Pens' system.

For the night Neal played 20:48 T.O.I, had 3 hits, 2 shots on goal, and was a +/- 1. Although Neal is going to be a great fit and a great addition to the Pens, I'm sorry to say that we won't see his full potential until Crosby comes back.

Also, despite not scoring, Neal's effort and play in overtime was something to be admired.


As for the rest of the team, two guys stood out above the rest. Forward Tyler Kennedy and Pens goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.

I want to say this right now, I'm absolutely sick of the Fleury haters. These people are the worst "Pens fans" by far. They have absolutely no idea what they're talking about.

Last night Fleury gave up 3 goals on 38 shots. For you "yinzers" out there, that means he had 38 saves. Remember, no Crosby, no Martin, no Kunitz, no Malkin, no Letestu. This also coming against a very talented San Jose Sharks team that has been red hot.

Despite allowing 3 goals, Fleury was simply amazing last night. He made big save after big save and was, to me, the best player on the ice. The save he made on Patrick Marleu, who was on a breakaway in overtime, was one of the greatest saves seen in quite some time.

The 3 goals weren't Fleury's fault, they were defensive breakdowns. The first goal was a power-play goal and was clearly Matt Cooke's fault. The second and third goals were both defensive breakdowns.
Fact is Fleury did everything he possibly could to give the Pens a chance to win the game last night. They didn't. They let Fleury down.

Mr. Tyler Kennedy is another guy that gets a lot of hate for no reason. The guy is on fire right now and stepping up big in the absence of the Pens' big-guns. Kennedy scored both of the Pens' goals last night, inclduing a goal with 50 seconds left, that forced the game to overtime.
Kennedy is now on pace for 19 goals this year and already has four game-winning goals this season.

Yet I keep hearing people say "I hate Tyler Kenndedy". "Kennedy sucks". "Kennedy looks like the Grinch who stole Christmas". Well that last one might be true but I'm starting to be convinced that most "Pens fans" are either stupid or just haters. Why are we hating on Kennedy? He's a very solid third-line winger that is going to get you around 30-40 points a year.

I hear all of this hate on Kennedy, who is stepping up big for this team, but I continue to hear the loves and cheers for Maxime Talbot. I get it. He scored two goals in game seven. He's funny. He had a funny comercial on FSN.

You people bash one of the best goaltenders in the league, a goalie that you should be happy and grateful to have on your team, and you continuassly praise a grinding forward that offers very little to the team. Yeah he plays hard. Trust me, they all do. If Talbot is going to get a free-ride in this city for his two goals in game seven then you people should never say anything bad about Fleury again. Because, trust me on this one, the Pens win the cup without Talbot. They don't win that cup without Fleury.

(Side note: Tyler Kennedy has 14 goals this year. Talbot has 14 points. Not hating, just saying)

Other observations from the nite:

Joe Pavalski is really good.

Matt Cooke might have played his worst game of the season last night. First goal was totally his fault.

Ben Lovejoy stinks.

The Pens have five straight road games coming up.

Brooks Orpik left the game and did not return. Some are saying he might miss the first two games of the road trip.

Pens' defense blocked a lot of shots but were out of position a lot, as were the forwards.

If Paul Martin goes down for a while the Pens are screwed.

Letestu, Dustin Jeffery, and Chris Kunitz could all return during the road trip.

What the hell happened to the lights last night?

I still continue to hear rumors about Alexei Kovalev and/or Corey Stillman coming to the Pens.

I hope Crosy comes back in time for the playoffs.

The officials were awful last night.

Was it me or did the Sharks get away with a lot of hooking/ clutching and grabbing?

Derek Engelland had a big time hit but also took an awful penalty.

Ben Lovejoy still sucks.