Preseason Hockey - Pens vs Canadians
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In the first preseason effort of both the Pens and the Habs, the latter walks away the victor in overtime with a 3-2 victory. Former Penguin Alexei Kovalev led the way for the Canadiens with involvement on all three goals including the overtime winner.
Sidney Crosby was active for the Pens, with a goal and dish for two points on the night. Despite the loss, Fleury looked relaxed in goal, remaining between the pipes for the entire length of the game. I wouldn't be the least surprise if Ty Conklin gets the nod tomorrow night as starter or at least some ice time come the second period or so.
Consider it a warm up. I mean, preseason doesn't count anyways right? Maybe I'm just in denial, but at least the boys weren't embarassed with a shutout of sorts.
The real focus of a preseason game is to highlight the rookies. Obviously eyes will be on Malkin and Gonchar, Crosby and Staal, but they were here last year. And hey, as great as they are to watch, it doesn't hurt to take a look at some of the guys who may get ice time with them this season.
If I had to pick two guys as the center of attention, then hands down I'm picking Angelo Esposito and Kris Letang.
In seven games last season, Letang put up 8 shots, two of which hit the mark. At a 25% shot percentage and a much needed right handed shot on the Pens defensive core, he seemed like a perfect fit. However, it was his lack of patience on defense and his urge to over commit on plays that opened up odd man rushes and ultimately sent him back to Wilkes-Barre.
This season however, is a different story. He's learned to be a more stay at home defenseman who uses his lean frame as an obstacle rather than a weapon. At six foot, 190 pounds, it would almost seem Letang is a bit undersized. But if there was ever evidence needed to prove fast and sleek overpowers slow and bulky in the new NHL, then Letang is it.
Tonight he looked poised and mature beyond his age, and I would be thoroughly suprised if he didn't make the cut.
On to Esposito, who in his 12+ minutes on ice tonight didn't even manage to put a shot on. Needless to say, it's a bit disappointing when your number one draft pick doesn't seem like he can play to his potential. Yet, you have to take a sensible approach to the matter. It's his first time on NHL ice. If anything, he now knows he better step it up tomorrow night, with just as many, if not more judgmental eyes falling on his every move.
Til then he better get a good night's sleep before the puck drops again tomorrow in Montreal at 7:30pm.
