Penguins End 2014 With Needed Victory
Game Review
December 31, 2014
In the last game of 2014, the Penguins needed a win and needed one badly. Against the worst team in the Eastern Conference, a depleted Penguins' team did just that as Brandon Sutter's third period goal propelled the Penguins past the Hurricanes 2-1 on home ice. Beau Bennett and Marc-Andre Fleury were spectacular for their respective games.
Bennett picked up two assists in his first game back after missing the previous 16 with a lower body injury. Fleury stopped 24 Carolina shots, some which were prime scoring opportunities.
The win ended a four-game losing streak (0-3-1) and pushed the Penguins to tie the New York Islanders for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division heading into 2015.
Positives:
Negatives:
In the last game of 2014, the Penguins needed a win and needed one badly. Against the worst team in the Eastern Conference, a depleted Penguins' team did just that as Brandon Sutter's third period goal propelled the Penguins past the Hurricanes 2-1 on home ice. Beau Bennett and Marc-Andre Fleury were spectacular for their respective games.
Bennett picked up two assists in his first game back after missing the previous 16 with a lower body injury. Fleury stopped 24 Carolina shots, some which were prime scoring opportunities.
The win ended a four-game losing streak (0-3-1) and pushed the Penguins to tie the New York Islanders for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division heading into 2015.
Positives:
- Beau Bennett. Really noticeable all night. Glad to see him picking up where he left off prior to his injury. My Penguins' New Year Resolution: Keep "Sunshine" healthy.
- Brandon Sutter. Yet another exceptional night for the former Hurricane. Picked up the game-winning goal and was great all night along with fellow goal scorer and new linemate, Chris Kunitz.
- Marc-Andre Fleury. Words cannot describe how great Fleury has been all season for the Penguins. Very few bad goals and he looks much more comfortable in net; truly heading into his prime.
- Ending the Streak. The Penguins did not want to head into 2015 riding a losing streak. They are not going to.
Negatives:
- Top Line. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Bryan Rust were quiet most of the night. They had two great shifts in the second period, but other than that, were not at all a force on the ice.
- Derrick Pouliot. I understand he is young and will make mistakes, but some of the mistakes could have been very costly tonight. I like how he has played so far and know that his career can only go up from here. Very excited about his development.
- January, 2015. This month is going to be incredibly difficult for the Penguins. Match-ups with the Lightning, Islanders, Canadiens (x2), Bruins, Flyers, Rangers, Wild, Blackhawks, and the Capitals are 10 of the 12 games in the month. Tough, tough schedule.
