Penguins Surge Past Maple Leafs

Game Review- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Pittsburgh Penguins are 2-0 to begin the 2014-15 campaign and have honestly dominated every facet of the game thus far.  There is still a question mark surrounding their penalty kill, but tonight's effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs, on the road, during a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, was a promising look for this squad still looking to form their truest form of chemistry.

Positives:

• Evgeni Malkin played better, notching a wicked goal on the powerplay and adding two assists.
• Patric Hornqvist has made Pittsburgh fans quickly forget about James Neal.  His speed, size, and ability to find open areas on the ice and rip shots consistently is refreshing and exciting.
• Speaking of 72, he and Sidney Crosby have something special brewing.  Sid has his right-handed shooting winger back, just with less of a pedigree (Billy Guerin).
• The third and fourth lines are not just out there to absorb minutes, but they contribute.  Whether it be drawing penalties, racking up shots, or simply winning puck battles and maintaining possession, they are on a mission right now.
• Defensively, the Penguins were quick to get the puck out of the zone and boxed out well, for the most part, in front of Marc-Andre Fleury.
• Fleury, once again, had another solid game.

Negatives:

• The pairings of Kris Letang-Olli Maatta, Paul Martin-Christian Ehrhoff looked forced and uncomfortable for all parties.  
• The penalty kill was better, but still weak tonight, allowing both Maple Leafs' goals with the man disadvantage.
• While Malkin lit it up offensively and continued his dominance over the Maple Leafs, his game away from the puck is still sloppy.  I know it's early on in the season, but the unnecessary penalties and turnovers need to make a turnaround soon.