By the end of the season, most people will not remember this game as a loss. Most people will remember it as the straw that broke the camel's back for Matt Cooke. The Penguins played a strong game for 2 periods, tied 1-1 with the NY Rangers after Jordan Staal scored on a breakaway in the first period.
Less than 5 minutes into the 3rd, it was time for chaos. Cooke blatantly threw his elbow into the face of Ryan McDonagh from a lateral position. Textbook case for a suspension. Cooke was given a 5 minute major and game misconduct. As Pens fans groaned, the NHL sighed, and 29 teams stood up in outrage, Chris Kunitz sent a wrist shot past Henrik Lundqvist to make it 2-1 Pittsburgh while shorthanded.
Things were looking good right? The Penguins have the best penalty kill and just scored on it, who cares if it's a 5 minute major. Who cares you ask? Everyone cares when Matt Niskanen takes a 4 minute double minor for high sticking 2 minutes later after cutting Ryan Calahan's nose. Two 5 on 3 goals later (one by Callahan), the Penguins were down 3-2 and momentum was completely with the Rangers.
All was not lost though, down a goal, the Pens earned a powerplay with about 4 minutes left. Mind you, the Pens powerplay is operating at just under 5% over the past 3 weeks. So of course, the Penguins don't score on the powerplay. To make it worse, as Derek Stepan is leaving the penalty box, he receives a perfect outlet pass from...yes, Ryan McDonagh, to take a breakaway in on Fleury and score the Rangers 4th goal.
The Pens pulled Fleury in the last minute, but to no avail, as Brandon Dubinsky scored an empty netter to finish the game at 5-2.
3 Stars:
#3 - Dubinsky
#2 - Lundqvist
#1 - Callahan
Notes/Thoughts:
- Matt Cooke...really? A week after the GM meetings? How stupid are you?
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