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Pittsburgh Penguins: Top Goals of 2014-15 According to Fans

By Mike Necciai |
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Apr 22, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate a goal by right wing

Patric Hornqvist

(72) against the New York Rangers during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins are almost guaranteed to be one of the highest scoring offenses in the NHL next season. It’s actually quite possible that they’ll top that list considering the potency of this top-six with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Phil Kessel leading the way.

Last season, despite their slow and disappointing second half, they were quite the offensive juggernaut to start the year. So, we started thinking, what were everyone’s favorite goals of 2014-15?

We took to Twitter and Facebook to find out what fans felt were the best goals of last season, and we bring them to you in this post. Over the next few slides you’ll see the responses we got. But, I have to warn you first that watching this will likely make you miss Pittsburgh Penguins hockey even more. Training camp can’t get here soon enough.

Next: Crosby Beats Gibson - Assisted by Kunitz and Maatta

Oct 9, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (left) celebrates a goal by center Sidney Crosby (87) against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Olli Maatta Sets Up a Sidney Crosby Goal From Behind His Own Goal Line

We all know what Maatta brings to the table at this point, and this pass up ice from behind the goal line is a perfect example of his vision. He hits Chris Kunitz on the tape, who simply deflects the puck to a streaking Crosby, and Sid finishes by sneaking one between John Gibson‘s torso and left arm.

I think we can all agree with that.

Next: Rob Scuderi Buries a Rebound (No, seriously)

Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Rob Scuderi Pinches and Buries a Rebound From the Left Faceoff Dot

How can this not be a fan favorite? It isn’t often that we can give Scuderi credit, but in this case he made a great decision in pinching after recognizing that Martin was high in the zone and sending the puck off the boards behind the net (a set play often used in the NHL).

It was a tough one to miss, and he nearly got robbed on the play. However, it dropped behind the goal line, and that’s all that matters, right?

Next: Sid Blows a One-Timer By Price in OT

Jan 10, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) (not pictured) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie

Carey Price

(31) as left wing Chris Kunitz (14) looks on during an overtime period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Sidney Crosby Scores a Power Play Goal on Vezina Trophy Winner Carey Price in OT

Sometimes, it can be quite frustrating to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins fight to find that perfect pass on the power play. Unfortunately, it happens very often and is one of the major reasons that unit has struggled. However, when it works, it’s a thing of beauty to witness. This goal had multiple submissions, so we’ll link the first person that submitted it.

Just imagine, aside from worrying about Crosby and Malkin, teams will now have to account for Phil Kessel on the left side of that unit for the next seven years.

Next: Pouliot Pots His First NHL Goal

Dec 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman

Derrick Pouliot

celebrates after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of an NHL hockey game at Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Pouliot Nets His First Career NHL Goal

Pouliot looks to be a special defenseman, and likely a major part of the Pittsburgh Penguins top-four next season. He has offensive talent to spare, and his ability to quarterback the power play is something the Pens may utilize in 2015-16. What I appreciate, maybe more than others, is his willingness to let the puck fly rather than trying to make the perfect play. And, he has a laser of a shot.

His confidence and poise with the puck on his stick is rather uncommon among defensemen of his age in this league. He read the play on this goal like a veteran and found the soft spot in coverage while most were focused on the puck.

Next: Perron Tallies His First With the Pittsburgh Penguins

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing

David Perron

(39) against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at the Consol Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

David Perron Scores His First Goal With the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. the Montreal Canadiens

The most noticeable part of this play for me is the fact that Perron knew to pivot and find an opening in the slot once Sid was on the puck. When you play with Crosby, life can be pretty simple. His quick decision caught the Montreal defenders flat-footed and left Perron in prime scoring position. You know Crosby isn’t missing a pass in this situation.

Sid’s vision shines in this sequence, along with his awareness of where everyone is on the ice at all times. I’ve projected that Perron, Crosby, and Patric Hornqvist will remain a trio next season with Kessel alongside Malkin. If Perron can find his rhythm again, that’s a dangerous top line.

Next: Eric Fehr Provides a Glimpse of Things to Come

Mar 11, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Eric Fehr (16) handles the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Fehr Scores on a Breakaway vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Winter Classic

Of course, when we asked for everyone’s favorite goal our friends (enemies?) over at StarsandSticks.Com chimed in. However, despite the fact that this wasn’t 2014-15, I’ll still allow it simply because this guy belongs to Pittsburgh now.

Fehr was a Penguin killer, an underrated part of acquiring him is not watching him fill the net against the Pens for the next three years.

Next: Offseason Ramblings - Prospect Rankings, Crosby Training (Video), Free Agency

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