Silver Linings Amid Disappointment: Pens Deserve More

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced a tough loss against the New Jersey Devils, going down 2-1 in a shootout at the Prudential Center. Despite their strong performance, a late-game mistake and continued struggles in shootouts marked the match as disappointing.

Penguins’ Defensive Mistake Costs Them a Win

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang made a critical turnover in the final minute of the first period. This mistake led directly to the only goal scored by New Jersey, as Arseny Gritsyuk capitalized on Letang’s blind drop pass. The blunder overshadowed a game where the Penguins significantly outperformed the Devils.

Game Overview

The Penguins dominated possession and shots throughout the match. They outshot New Jersey 34-24 and created 26 scoring chances compared to the Devils’ 18. Additionally, the Penguins had double the high-danger chances, creating eight opportunities against New Jersey’s four.

Frustrations with Refereeing

Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse expressed disappointment over the officiating as well. The Penguins’ power play, which leads the league, only received one opportunity during the game. Several calls, or lack thereof, frustrated both players and coaches.

• Close proximity to referee Garret Rank incidents, including a missed high stick penalty.
• Fans and players felt the team was unfairly treated regarding penalty calls.

Players Shine Amidst Disappointment

Despite the loss, several Penguins players showcased remarkable skills. Goalie Arturs Silovs performed admirably, making critical saves and handling rebounds effectively. The young rookie, Ben Kindel, also stood out, contributing both defensively and offensively.

Individual Performances

• Ryan Graves: A+, excelled in defensive assignments and contributed to offensive plays.
• Ben Kindel: A, influential in puck battles and maintaining offensive pressure.
• Erik Karlsson: A+, controlled play and demonstrated solid defensive skills.
• Kris Letang: D, marred by a costly turnover and inconsistent play.
• Arturs Silovs: B+, impressive performance but needs to improve in shootouts.

Looking Ahead

The Penguins remain just one point behind New Jersey in the Metropolitan Division. They must address their shooting struggles, particularly in shootouts, to secure victories moving forward. With coach Dan Muse’s effective adjustments, the Penguins are poised to rebound and find silver linings amid this disappointment.