Much Better

The Pens overcame deficits twice to beat the Senators 4-3. Both Sidney Crosby and Gary Roberts had a goal and an assist, playing extremely well. Roberts did exactly what he was brought to the Pens to do" lead by example. He hit everything he could and created scoring chances.

Malkin also added two assists despite not playing that great, with Gonchar, Recchi and Ouellet also adding helpers. I have got to give credit to Ouellet for the third goal. His semi-hit on Redden behind the net stunned the defenseman long enough for Gary Roberts to crush him. Ouellet then grabbed the puck and threw it in front to Staal who made an easy goal. While Ouellet struggled most the game to keep up with pretty much everyone, that goal was all him.

Fleury also had a very good game, making key save after key save within the last ten minutes of the game. He really did save them in the third, despite Melichar and Scuderi's best attempts to let the Sens score. Those two were by far the worst players on the Pens and I seriously have to question Therrien not only for his decision to continue to play Melichar, but to pair him with the second worse defenseman on the team. Play Nazzy already because at some point Melichar will cost the Pens a game single handily.

I was very pleased with the effort the Pens put forth. They used their two days off well, and my hope of them now knowing what to expect and rebounding happened. Despite having two or three heart attacks in the third period (think Sanford and Son) the Pens showed they wouldn't be pushovers in the series and held on to the lead. The third period was exactly the kind of game NBC was hoping for as it was nothing but scoring chances.

Three Stars:
1) Gary Roberts
2) Daniel Alfredsson
3) Sidney Crosby