I guess you could call that a game... The penguins came out and scored two quick opening goals and things seemed like they were trending in the right direction. Henrik was literally stunnedqvist in the first period and wasn't in shape at all after the two goals. Pens didn't capitalize and keep attacking unfortunately. The Rangers called a timeout and scored 5 unanswered goals until another goal rang through for the Pens during the 3rd period.
Nick Johnson and Brett Sterling tallied goals in this game which is huge for the WBS pens being called up. Penguins need their young guns to come out firing so it was good to see. Deryk "the King of" Engelland scored the first goal for the Penguins in the first period.
There weren't any antics during this game really, not even a fight that I can remember, just a few regular run of the mill penalties. The real controversy from Sunday was Mario Lemieux's statement regarding the state of the NHL after the debacle on Long Island.
"Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn’t hockey. It was a travesty. It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that.
“The NHL had a chance to send a clear and strong message that those kinds of actions are unacceptable and embarrassing to the sport. It failed.
“We, as a league, must do a better job of protecting the integrity of the game and the safety of our players. We must make it clear that those kinds of actions will not be tolerated and will be met with meaningful disciplinary action.
" If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to re-think whether I want to be a part of it."
This led ESPN and a few other analysts to have a field day over the comments. Saying that Mario is coming on his high horse, and using Matt Cooke as some kind of common denominator for evil in the NHL. First off Matt Cooke is one of the greatest guys in the world, if you don't believe me, check this article out from the Trib:Pen's Cooke gives Unity teen boost in struggle to walk. That is a good heart warming read. Especially after how badly Cooke has been blasted in the media lately.
December it was all smiles and the entire world was backing the Pens nation. Now it's the Penguins vs the World and preferably, I'll take it this way. It's better being under the radar, especially when your team is absolutely racked with injuries. The greatest thing the team can do this year? Overcome the adversity, the controversy, the spotlight, and come out and win their second Cup in three years.
The Penguins next game will be with the Colorado Avalanche and their re-acquired Peter Forsberg. The game is in Colorado at 9pm on Wednesday.
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