Bruins Derail Penguins Playoff Push, 6-4
When I wrote my article yesterday comparing this season’s playoff scenario to last spring’s, I detailed some of my concerns. Never dreaming they’d manifest almost verbatim during last night’s sloppy, error-filled 6-4 loss to the Bruins at PPG Paints Arena.
If anything, I figured by mentioning our issues I’d eliminate the chance of them happening…kind of like mentioning an opposing goalie’s shutout bid. Unfortunately, the PenguinPoop curse seems to understand reverse psychology.
The Penguins appeared to carry the play through a scoreless first period, but looks can be deceiving. Although we outshot the Bruins, 13-7, they held a decided edge in scoring chances (16-6) and high-danger chances (8-3).
Some of that domination occurred during a late-period power play with Evgeni Malkin in the slammer. Much of it resulted from slipshod defensive play on our part, particularly as practiced by Erik Karlsson. Playing in his 1000th NHL game, EK65 was a one-man blunder bus, and I’m not referring to the 17th century weapon favored by pirates.
Likewise, Kris Letang committed a dreadful turnover late in the first period, setting the tone for a wild second period that saw the black-and-gold foes combine for six goals.
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