Real talk – I’ve got mixed feelings about overtime games. Sure, the extra thrill is something, but when you’re scrapping for every point in the standings, it’s the wins in regulation that really count.
Over in the Metropolitan Division, it’s a tough crowd, and right now, our Penguins are in the thick of it at 5th place with a 6-6-0 tally. They’re in a tight spot where snagging two points before OT could make all the difference. But hey, a 4-3 OT victory against the Kings? That caps off a 3-0 streak on their Western road trip, and that’s no small feat. I’m just saying, a team this good? We should be clinching those points earlier on.
The Penguins Top Line Shows Up Big
Let’s jump into the highlights, and there were plenty, especially from the Penguins’ top line. Our captain, Sidney Crosby, alongside Jake Guentzel, really brought their A-game. Crosby was first to light the lamp, notching his 7th goal of the season and dishing out an assist too. Now, I might be a bit tough on Sid, expecting a few more goals at this stage, but that’s only because he’s set the bar sky-high. No gripes here, though. With a +1 rating, 3 shots, and 2 hits during his 19:47 on the ice, he played a stout game. It’s clear he’s still the heartbeat of this team.
Before we dive deeper, take a moment for Lars Eller’s late-second-period goal that knotted the score. Trust me, you’ll want to catch this gem – just scroll down for the highlight video below. It might just be me, but it’s a contender for the slickest goal I’ve seen from the Penguins this season. Eller, seizing a turnover, barrels down the ice shorthanded, squeezes past two defenders, and slaps the puck straight into the net. Don’t be surprised if this beauty lands a spot in our ‘Top 3 Goals of the Month‘ come November’s end.
The Pens’ top line struck gold again in the 3rd, with Jake Guentzel netting his 5th of the season, on assists from Erik Karlsson and Sidney Crosby. The goal was a work of art, starting with Karlsson, whose lightning speed was key as he sliced through the middle. A slick pass to Crosby, and then Karlsson, smooth as silk, screens the puck’s path, setting up Guentzel for a blistering one-timer. This beauty put the Penguins up 3-2 early in the 3rd, showing once more the sheer finesse of our leading trio.
Unfortunately, that lead didn’t hold up, as the Kings clawed back with a goal from Kevin Fiala later in the 3rd. The game spilled into OT, where, you guessed it, the Pens’ top line snatched the spotlight. Bryan Rust, with an assist from the ever-crucial Erik Karlsson, fired a shot that missed but followed up with a rebound that clinched the game. A quick side note—Karlsson’s influence on the offense is becoming glaringly obvious; at this point, no one should be surprised.
The Penguins Sweep Their Western Road Trip 3-0
And so, the Pens wrap up their western road swing with a victory, despite the nail-biting realm of overtime. They’re riding high on a spotless 3-0 streak, a solid foundation to build on. It’s a promising uptick from their October performance, setting a new tone for the month ahead. Here’s to hoping they carry this momentum back East.
What’s Next for the Pens?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to take on the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, with the action kicking off at 7:30 PM ET tomorrow.
Fresh off a hard-fought OT win against the Kings, the Pens aim to keep the streak alive. Boasting a 6-6-0 record, they’re eyeing to capitalize on their home ice, despite a shaky 2-4-0 start there. The Sabres are rolling in with a balanced 6-6-1 record, and they’re slightly ahead on the road with a 3-2-1 tally. It’s an even match that promises to shake up the standings. So, buckle up, Pens fans – it’s game time!
All stats courtesy of The Score.
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