siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh
First Period
Credit where it’s due for the Blue Jackets: they played hard in the first period. The Penguins got more shot attempts, shots, expected goals, etc., but the Blue Jackets got some good looks. The game remained scoreless after 20 minutes.
Second Period
The second period started with a big hit by Carson Meyer, after which Zach Werenski drew a tripping penalty on Sam Poulin. The power play failed, because of course it did, though there were a few chances. Shortly after the power play ended, the fourth line came on and Mathieu Olivier opened the scoring, with assists from Damon Severson and Cole Sillinger (who had remained on the ice from the second power play unit).
The goal was reviewed for a long time because Olivier’s stick was raised to deflect the puck, but the goal stood. We probably got away with one, but the video evidence wasn’t conclusive enough to overturn the call on the ice.
The Blue Jackets had momentum after this, until Damon Severson slashed Sidney Crosby. The Penguins struck quickly on the power play with a goal from Evgeni Malkin.
From there, Pittsburgh took over, and Daniil Tarasov had to stand tall to stop a flurry of shots. That led to a Jackets response, however. They got out of the ice with numbers, and Cole Sillinger centered the puck to Alexandre Texier in the slot. Tex had Kirill Marchenko as an option on the left, so the defender couldn’t commit to either pass. That left Sillinger open on the ice for a go-ahead goal. Great play.
The Penguins kept up the pressure until Boone Jenner took a penalty for tripping. The Sillinger/Texier unit earned a turnover, and Texier did well to play keep-away with the puck for at least 30 seconds.
On the next PK shift, however, Bryan Rust managed to get behind both Erik Gudbranson and Daniil Tarasov, which created some room around the net. That gave Malkin room for his second PPG of the game.
Third Period
Pittsburgh took the lead for good just 35 seconds into the final period. Sidney Crosby skated by Damon Severson, while Drew O’Connor beat Zach Werenski to get a shot off against Tarasov.
The Penguins continued to dominate possession for most of the period. After Tarasov was pulled, they had a great opportunity for an empty-net goal, but the Jackets did well to keep that from happening, though it wasted precious time before they got the puck back.
Johnny Gaudreau drew a holding penalty on Sidney Crosby with just 28.1 seconds left, but the Jackets couldn’t capitalize on that brief 6-on-4.
Final Thoughts
Another solid effort from Daniil Tarasov saving 33 of 36 shots faced (.917 SV%) and allowing 3 goals on 4.4 expected goals against.
Credit to Jake Bean for a solid effort in just 13:46 of 5v5 ice time. He was on ice for a 62.50 CF%.
It was good to see Dmitri Voronkov get a chance on the top line, even if it’s on the wing. He had some good looks, though didn’t seem quite in sync with Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau. Hopefully they stick together for a bit so that can develop over a few games or practices. He obviously has the skill for it.
The numbers don’t quite reflect it, but Sillinger and Texier were both noticeable tonight in a good way.
I hate the Penguins so much.
Up Next
These two teams have a rematch on Saturday night in Columbus.