Staal Falls

photo credit: www.coedmagazine.com/tag/nhl

Sidney was back in last Friday's game against the Florida Panthers, scoring both Pens goals during regulation and the only successful goal of the final shootout. Gonchar was still out from injury, as expected, and it looked as if the Penguins were having a bit of a tough time adjusting. Also, we at Staal Falls (yes, all two of us) have a soft spot for Marc-Andre Fleury, so it was disappointing to see him absent from his usual spot between the posts. We must admit, however, that backup goalie Brent Johnson did a pretty great job, especially in the second half of the game. Fun fact: Brent is the son of former Pens goalie Bob Johnson, and the two represent the only father-son goalie pair in the NHL. And now our recap:

++Times Jordan Staal fell: 2

++Most people involved in a Staal fall: 4

++Staal falls resulting in a goal: 0

++Malkin's trips to the box: 0

++Fights: 2

++Notable fights: During the early part of the second period, Kunitz and Ballard apparently grew tired of all the shoving in front of the goal, so they decided to take their showdown to center ice. After skating around and posturing a bit, they lost the helmets and started a boxing match. This is as good a representation as any:


The game looked like bad news for the Pens, but they came around in the third period. A 5-on-3 situation finally allowed the Penguins their first goal of the game, helped along by a fantastic dive pass from Malkin which kept the puck in the offensive zone. He also came back to assist Sid for the final goal, less than 5 minutes from the end of regulation time. Best moment of hilarity came from the Panthers' David Booth, who lost his stick and, instead of retreiving it, simply picked up the puck and threw it down-ice. Needless to say, penalties were called...handballs are not allowed in hockey anymore than they're allowed in soccer.

As far as the Jordan Staal Award...I believe the first recipient may have to be Staal himself. His first fall of the game was some sort of spinning faceplant in front of the Pens goal. Though no points were scored (he was on defense) it did make for a spectacular block against a Florida shooter. A fine example of the way Staal employs his falling strategy for the betterment of the team.