Staal Falls

photo credit

And the return of Malkin didn't hurt either. Tuesday's game against the NY Islanders saw Brent Johnson return to the nets after recoving from an "undisclosed lower body injury" (why don't they just say broken groin...that's circumspect enough). The Pens desperately needed Johnson to be on point, since they sent Little Malkin back to Wilkes-Barre and Curry was the backup. And for once, they got what they needed. Johnson gave a fantastic performance and, except for some shaky moments early in the third, the rest of the Pens stepped up too.

Times Jordan Staal fell: 0

Times Malkin landed in the box: also 0

Fights: 2

The biggest drama stemmed from a major penalty against Pascal Dupuis late in the game, where he was shoved into the boards and left the ice with a towel over his face. And a puddle of blood behind. The perpetrator, Andy Sutton, has since been suspended without pay for two games for his vicious boarding. Well-deserved, I would say.

This game also marked a great comeback for Crosby and Malkin. With very few goals in the last dozen or so games, and miserable power play stats, both players were slipping fast from past season performances. Between the two, they scored not one, not two, but three power play goals. Malkin also scored the final point of the game against the Islanders' empty net, landing him his fifth career hat trick :D And Crosby's two goals now leave him tied for #1 in goal scoring for the season.

Tomorrow marks this season's first matchup between our Pens and the Washington Capitals, or as they're commonly known, Team Ovechkin. Of course, such a fantastic game must be broadcast exclusively on NHL Net and not available to Riz and me. Totally unacceptable, so we may have to bounce a boy from his room for his internet connection. Can't wait!