This Loss Fits Right In

The Igloo's run is starting to wind down. (enter misty eyes) Photosource: Yardbarker.com

Consistently inconsistent. This paradoxical phrase describes the Penguins recent performances. The post-Olympic month of March started very well with four wins. Following that stretch: L-L-W-L-W-L. The most recent “L” came in this afternoon’s overtime matinee in which the visiting Carolina Hurricanes blew thru town for a 3-2 victory.

Pittsburgh’s longest win streak of the season is seven games, joyously occurring way back in games 4-10 of this topsy-turvy season. The Pens longest losing streak is five games, blasphemously occurring around the New Year.

Following goals from Evgeni Malkin, making his return from the foot injury, and Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh – playing at home for the first time after the five-game road streak – led 2-1 entering the final 20 minutes. However, Carolina scored with four minutes to go to force overtime and Jamie McBain scored his first NHL goal with 0.9 seconds remaining in the extra stanza. That is tough to handle.

Despite an assist on Staal’s power play goal, Sidney Crosby posted a -2 in 22:30 of ice time. Also from the stat sheet, Malkin must have felt good in his return, firing seven shots.

Of note, courtesy of penguins.com, Pittsburgh has killed 20 straight disadvantages and 29 of the last 31 for an astounding 93.6 percent success rate. Hopefully that type of tenacity will carry into the playoffs.

Speaking of the second-season, by earning a point today, the Pens now have a two point lead over the New Jersey Devils in the Atlantic Division. However, New Jersey has two games in hand and the commanding 6-0 advantage in head-to-head action with the Pens this season. That is also tough to handle.