Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Battle of speed and talent - Penguins vs Blackhawks

By: MF, 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in Chicago to face off against the Blackhawks in a back-to-back game situation. They are coming off a tough 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars last night.

Since last night there have been a few moves as the trade deadline approached earlier today. The Penguins acquired defenseman Mark Streit from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2018 fourth-round draft pick. They also acquired defenseman Frank Corrado from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Eric Fehr, Steve Oleksy, and a 2017 fourth-round draft pick.

The only other change since last night is that Cameron Gaunce was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre Scranton, while Derrick Pouliot was called up.

The Penguins have to bounce back after giving up a 2-0 lead last night to the Stars. They have to play smart, stay focus, and limit the Blackhawks chances. Lets Go Pens!

The Pens lineup is as follows:

Forwards
Kunitz - Crosby - Guentzel
Hagelin - Malkin - Hornqvist
Cullen - Bonino - Kessel
Kuhnhackl - Rowney - Wilson

Defense
Dumoulin - Hainsey
Cole - Schultz
Pouliot - Ruhwedel

Fleury in the net!

Play by Play
Pens 1 Blackhawks 4

3rd Period
0:00 - The Pens fall to the Blackhawks 4-1. The Pens didn't capitalize on their chances and the Blackhawks did. The Pens gave the Blackhawks way too much time and space. However, Fleury was outstanding even in the loss.

0:40 - Kane scores. Kane gets an empty netter and that is a hat trick. 4-1 Blackhawks

2:14 - Fleury heads to the bench and the Pens have an empty net.

3:08 - Kane scores. Another odd-man rush for the Blackhawks and Kane shoots a one-timer that doesn't miss. Fleury had no chance. 3-1 Blackhawks

4:47 - This game is one of scoring chances at every turn. Fleury with an unreal play to whack the puck out of way.

5:20 - Kessel finds a lane to shoot, but his shot just goes wide.

6:09 - Panik with some great stick work to enter the zone and get space. He slaps one that rings off the goal post.

7:00 - Schultz with a great defensive play on Kane to prevent a two-on-one rush.

7:57 - Hossa tries to bring the puck to the front of the net, but Fleury poke checks the puck off his stick.

10:02 - Chances for both teams as the puck goes up and down the ice. Not many whistles and stoppages.

14:59 - Darling absolutely robbed Cullen in front. Crosby outlets a pass from behind the net to Cullen in front, but Darling grabs up the shot with his glove.

16:27 - The Pens come out and are buzzing around the offensive zone. Darling with some good saves to start.

20:00 - The third period is underway! The Pens need to pressure Darling and limit the Blackhawks space! Lets Go Pens!


2nd Period
0:00 - The horn sounds to end the second period and the Blackhawks hold the 2-1 lead.

0:23 - Panik scores. Panik wins the board battle to get the puck and stick works around Malkin. He uses Cole as a screen and shoots a high shot blocker side on Fleury. 2-1 Blackhawks

0:47 - The Blackhawks get a two-on-one rush as Toews carries the puck. Fleury shuts the door on that chance.

3:00 - WILSON SCORES! Hainsey with a perfect pass to Wilson who is driving to the net! Wilson turns the puck to his backhand and slips a shot right under the crossbar! 1-1 tie game

5:16 - Fleury is keeping the Pens in this one. He denies Toews on a point blank shot then dives sideways to make a stop on Seabrook's rebound shot. Just a showstopping performance.

7:55 - Hornqvist drives the net, but Darling poke checks the puck out of harms way.

11:11 - Kane scores. Guentzel is stripped of the puck at the offensive blue line by Schmaltz who turns and makes a pass up ice to Kane. He has a two-on-one rush into the Pens' zone. Kane holds and snaps one five-hole. 1-0 Blackhawks

13:16 - This makeshift line of Kessel, Crosby, and Cullen are having a great shift. Crosby just directs the puck wide as it goes through the blue paint.

13:28 - Cullen fires a shot that goes wide!

17:31 - Hartman gets around Cole to get a one-on-one chance, but Fleury comes out to challenge and holds for a whistle. He is locked into this game.

19:35 - Panik with two quality chances to start. Fleury with some brilliant saves.

20:00 - Second period time! The Pens have to apply more offensive pressure this period! Lets Go Pens!


1st Period
0:00 - That will be the end of the first period and this one is still scoreless.

3:19 - A successful penalty kill for the Pens. The Blackhawks were only able to register one shot on their power play chance.

3:50 - Kuhnhackl gets some time and space as he brings the puck down the ice. His shot rings off the crossbar!

5:19 - Fleury's poke checking skills are unreal, but Schultz ends up taking a tripping penalty on a Blackhawks' breakaway chance. Pens bring out the penalty killers.

5:52 - Hainsey lays a solid check on Rasmussen that sends him right into the visitor's bench.

8:23 - The Pens miss a chance and that sends the Blackhawks on a rush the other way. Fleury comes out to challenge and makes the first save. The Pens are then able to clear.

11:07 - Keith fires a point shot that is redirected by Schmaltz in front, but Fleury with the quick reflexes is able to make the save and hold the puck.

12:02 - The Pens have started to push back a little, but the Blackhawks have had the majority of chances. 

15:56 - Malkin and Hagelin get the first quality chance of this game, but they are just unable to finish the play off. 

16:46 - Kempny fires a shot from the point that is redirect up and ends up hitting Hainsey up high. He is shook up, but seems to be fine. 

19:00 - The Blackhawks with the early push. Fleury has had to be sharp early on. 

20:00 - The puck has dropped in Chicago! The Pens have to come out with speed and put the Blackhawks on their heels early! Lets Go Pens! 

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