Pens win a nail biter - up 1-0 in series

WOOOOOO

What a freaking game


I haven't seen goaltending this good on both sides in a loong time. Fleury and Ward went save for save until Satan got the puck coming out of the penalty box - and made a killer move to beat Ward.


That seemed to light a massive fire under Pittsburgh, as they became relentless in the offensive zone. Geno got the Pens second goal in under 2 minutes, to really get the crowd into it.


Pittsburgh kept the pressure on the Canes for a while after that, but Ward made several spectacular saves.
I really think all those nice saves would have really taken the momentum away from most teams - and it did to a small degree - but Pitt held off the 'Canes with Fleury making several spectacular saves of his own.

The second period was pretty much like the first, with the goalies playing unbelievably....see a trend here?
Carolina's LaRose scored in the second, although the Pens outshot them 12-6.
This game turned out to be quite physical for two teams with "no rivalry"


Orpik and Cole went at each other throughout the game, until Cole left the game with an apparent knee injury after being hit by Matt Cooke.

They call carolina the Cardiac Kids because they seem to find a way to win late in games.

And they almost did it again in this game

Carolina scored on a powerplay late in the game with Ward on the bench - then they almost scored againon a goofy shoot in from center ice that Fleury somehow fought off.

I said this would be a tough series, and if this game is any indidcation, we are in for a doozy.

If you would have told me before this game that Satan and Boucher would have more impact on this game (in a positive way) I would not have believed you - hats off to them. Its nice to see Satan playing so well - he might just redeem himself with Penguins fans yet.

Thats not to say Crosby and Geno had bad games at all - they would each have had 2-3 points if the 'Canes tender wasn't on fire. Ward also stoned Guerin twice...

Penguins that really stood out for me tonight:

Kennedy, Boucher, Malkin, Orpik...and of course Fleury

Next Game Thursday (too long between games)

9 down - 7 to go

GO PENS