Pittsburgh Penguins First Week Recap

Pittsburgh Penguins First Week Recap

To start the first week of the NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins on opening night lost at home to the Chicago Blackhawks. In a game where the Penguins looked sloppy and had the opportunities but could not score, lost 4-2.

However, the Penguins looked like a completely different team as they shutout the Washington Capitals 4-0. The Penguins were able to get more contributions from their bottom-six and Tristan Jarry looked spectacular.

The Penguins also looked solid offensively in a 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames. Alex Nedeljkovic looked solid in his first start as a Penguin as he had 34 saves. The Penguins are now tied for first place in the Metropolitan Division with four points.

Penguins Certainly Most Did Improve

In my last article, there were three ways the Penguins improve and defeat the Capitals. Mike Sullivan and the Penguins looked way more motivated, Jarry and the defense looked solid as he had a 19 save shutout, and the bottom-six had more of an impact on the game. More specifically, Noel Acciari and Lars Eller looked solid.

Great Duo Building Chemistry

One of the impressive duos on this new look Penguins team is on the second line between Reilly Smith and Evgeni Malkin. Malkin has two goals and four assists which is tied for first in the league in points with teammate Jake Guentzel and a few other players throughout the league. Smith is feeling comfortable on the second line with Malkin and Rickard Rakell as he has two goals and an assist.

Next Contest

After playing a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday, the Penguins get a much needed two days of rest before traveling to Detroit to take on the Detroit Red Wings. Later this week, the Penguins get another two days of rest before taking on the St. Louis Blues on Saturday in St. Louis.