BENNETT, FLEURY LEAD PENS OVER CANADIENS
Game REview
November 18, 2014
It was toted as a litmus test for both squads. The Montreal Canadiens were atop the NHL rankings, riding high on a six-game winning streak. The Pittsburgh Penguins were playing some of the best hockey they have all season and were coming off of that crazy finish in Pittsburgh just three nights earlier against the New York Rangers.
After Tuesday night, it's safe to say the Pittsburgh Penguins passed their test.
The 4-0 score was a surprise, but how the Penguins achieved it was not. They were defensively stingy all night, not allowing Grade-A scoring chances for the Canadiens, who were flying on the ice. Marc-Andre Fleury was exceptional in the contest, stopping all 27 shots he faced.
And speaking of Marc-Andre Fleury, is there any question that he is on absolute fire this season? Penguins' beat writer Josh Yohe has the proof:
It was toted as a litmus test for both squads. The Montreal Canadiens were atop the NHL rankings, riding high on a six-game winning streak. The Pittsburgh Penguins were playing some of the best hockey they have all season and were coming off of that crazy finish in Pittsburgh just three nights earlier against the New York Rangers.
After Tuesday night, it's safe to say the Pittsburgh Penguins passed their test.
The 4-0 score was a surprise, but how the Penguins achieved it was not. They were defensively stingy all night, not allowing Grade-A scoring chances for the Canadiens, who were flying on the ice. Marc-Andre Fleury was exceptional in the contest, stopping all 27 shots he faced.
And speaking of Marc-Andre Fleury, is there any question that he is on absolute fire this season? Penguins' beat writer Josh Yohe has the proof:
Marc-Andre Fleury currently ranks first in shutouts (4), second in wins (11), 5th in save percentage (.930) and seventh in GAA (1.98).
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) November 19, 2014This is just a guess, but I don't believe Fleury has been in the top ten in all of those categories this far into a season in quite some time. He's truly hitting his stride and it is exciting to watch.
The other true standout in the contest was Beau Bennett, who put up a goal and two assists tonight; his first points of the season. He was dominant on the ice with physical play, a ridiculous shot, excellent vision and superb passing. If he stays healthy and can play like he did tonight, he will be a valuable asset heading into the playoffs. Read more of my thoughts on him with this article I wrote for The Hockey Writers.
Positives:
Negatives:
The other true standout in the contest was Beau Bennett, who put up a goal and two assists tonight; his first points of the season. He was dominant on the ice with physical play, a ridiculous shot, excellent vision and superb passing. If he stays healthy and can play like he did tonight, he will be a valuable asset heading into the playoffs. Read more of my thoughts on him with this article I wrote for The Hockey Writers.
Positives:
- Marc-Andre Fleury. Read above statements.
- Beau Bennett. Read above statements and associated article.
- Steve Downie. Had a goal and an assist and did not find himself in the penalty box. I love Downie's game when he is on and the play between Bennett, Kris Letang and himself was an absolute thing of beauty. Glad to see him contribute effectively tonight.
- Paul Martin. Has been so good this year, it's really hard to put into words how good he is. It took a couple of years for Martin to settle in with the Penguins, but he has found his groove and he is everything he was hyped up to be. I genuinely hope he is a part of their future plans.
- Sidney Crosby. It was good to see Crosby get off of the snide and score his first goal in eight games and his first power play goal in 14 contests. It was an easy tap in goal, but he was in the right place at the right time. As always, Crosby was dancing on the ice and effective on the forecheck; again, like always.
- Evgeni Malkin. He has been absolutely flying and taking over games as of late. Tonight was not as dominate as the last contest against New York, but there were glimpses of it as he tried to run the gauntlet several times and applied the body when needed.
- Blake Comeau. Such a versatile player that blends in on whatever line he's on. A chameleon, really. He was physical and had a few good scoring chances.
- Special Teams. The power play potted one and the penalty kill was perfect again, remaining the 2nd best PK unit in the league. Such an impressive turnaround looking back on the firs three games.
Negatives:
- N/A. One of the best all-around games the Penguins have played all season. Really nothing to critic; exceptional play.
