See... I told you not to panic

Okay, so it took until the last few minutes of the game before the Pens managed to take a lead against the Senators in game 2 of their first round series, but a win is a win, folks. And despite the fact that the margin was only one goal, the Pens pretty much dominated last night's game. They haven't played a defensive game like that since... well, since last year's playoffs I think. If the boys in black and gold continue to play with the kind of intensity they did last night, they're going to win this series. Tomorrow's game at Ottawa is pivotal.

The Senators are still feeling pretty good after gaining a split in Pittsburgh, but one goal isn't going to cut it at home. More pressure on Fleury is what they need, but if the Pens keep up the pressure and keep the puck out of their own end, this could end up being a shorter series that any of us expected.

Yes, as I said the other day, one game does not make a series, but the Penguins showed last night just how good they can be when they try. Would I have been happy if they'd scored more than 2 goals? Absolutely, but I'm a one step at a time kinda guy. I expect another solid to spectacular defensive effort tomorrow at Ottawa and a few more goals, hopefully.

And Sid. What else can you say about Sid that hasn't already been said before? Well, not only did he set up the game winning goal last night, he also did this:



When's the last time Ovechkin did something like that?

Lost in the euphoria of the Penguins' victory last night was the Pirates walk-off ninth inning win last night perpetrated by the duo of Cutch and Clutch (Andrew McCutchen and Lastings Milledge). With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Cutch singled, stole second and scampered home on Milledge's single up the middle. Of course, this never would have happened if Octavio Dotel hadn't given up the tying run in the top of the ninth, but when it comes to the Pirates, you take what you can get. Somehow the Pirates are 5-5 after 10 games despite some really below average starting pitching. Maybe there is hope... nah!

Anyway, have a good weekend, kids. Looks like it's gonna be a cool one.

Let's Go Pens!

JD