Pens 4, Hurricanes 3 SHOOTOUT

Well I predicted a 3-2 Carolina OT win in my weekend game preview that posted yesterday (http://penshome.blogspot.com/2007/10/weekend-preview.html). I was close except I picked the wrong team to win and was off by a goal each. But who's complaining, the Pens picked up a W and 2 points while handing the Hurricanes their first OTL of the season. Not so bad being wrong in this case.

Pens goal scorers were Sykora (his 250th of his career, (congrats!), Hall (1st of the season) and Hall added his second of the season and game. Shootout goals were made by Christensen, Sykora, and Crosby notched the shootout winner when Sabourin stoned Carolina's Ray Whitney to secure the win.

All in all I would have to say this was the best, most complete game the Pens have played all season. Sabourin look good. He was confident and stood up to the shots. He let in one soft goal in the second period but that did not seem to hurt his confidence. The Pens were aggressive, finishing checks all over the ice, and didn't let Carolina's forwards stand in front of the net as they are apt to do on many occasions.

I saw no major defensive breakdowns, though there were some mistakes that could have cost the Pens, and were able to get the puck out of the defensive zone and onto the sticks of the forwards without much effort.

On a side note. All four games so far this year at Mellon Arena have been standing room only sellouts. I'd like to keep a count on this throughout the season and even from last season to put in the right side frame. Does anyone out there know when the last time a game was not sold out at the Igloo? If so, please email me at jimjar@gmail.com.