Pens Recap - Penguins 2 Capitals 1
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by FrankD
Consider it to be a little bit out of character for a Pittsburgh Penguins squad that has on average scored three goals a game this year to win by the score of 2-1. But hey, they'll take it.
The Penguins improved to 4-3 on the season with a road victory in DC. The defense did their best to contain Ovechkin, but he still managed to get off 9 shots. That is why full credit goes to Fleury on the night, for shutting down Ovechkin and stopping 30 shots after having last night off.
On the other side of the rink, Brent Johnson got the start over Oli Kolzig in what some deem to be a gametime decision. Johnson went 20 of the 22 shots faced, but it wasn't enough as his offense failed to put anything other than a Pothier goal on the board halfway through the first.
Crosby picked up another point on the night, with a powerplay assist to Whitney for his second on the season.
Laraque and Brashear, no strangers to dropping the gloves, threw down early in to the third. Laraque landed some solid shots, until a late rally from Brashear sent them both crashing to the ice in what some may hail an even match.
Even the youngin' Jordan Staal got in to a scuffle, taking the brunt of Pettinger's punches straight to the head. The fight was short-lived, but Staal certainly earned his wings.
The Penguins powerplay was 1-5 on the night, while the Capitals went scoreless on three attempts. The Caps have now lost four straight, after shooting out of the gate at the beginning of the season with three consecutive victories.
The Pens also did a much better job tonight of avoiding the box, which is hopefully something they consider for the remainder of the season.
Penguins Goals
First Period None
Second Period Staal from Recchi - Orpik Whitney from Crosby - Malone PPG
Third Period None
Fleury : 30-31 Johnson: 20-22
