Game 2 Roundup: Pens 5, Sens 3

Recap - The Pittsburgh Penguins managed to take game two of their first round series against the Ottawa Senators 5-2. And it was actually much closer than the final score indicates. The Pens jumped out to a 3-0 lead by outshooting the Senators 31-13 at the midway point of the game. But by the end of the second period Ottawa had been able to put two garbage goals past March Andre Fleury to bring the score to 3-2. Ottawa tied up the game at 8:51 of the third but home town hero, Ryan Malone, put the game out of reach for Ottawa at 18:58 and added an empty netter with 7 seconds remaining.

Pens goals by Sykora(2), Gonchar and Malone(2).

Ottawa goalie, Martin Gerber, was outstanding in goal for the Sens. He stopped 49 of 54 shots that the Pens threw at him, including 40 in the first 40 minutes. His stellar play was the only reason it wasn't 8 or 9 to 2 after the first two. The 54 shots the Pens posted was a playoff record high for the franchise.

Analysis - Pittsburgh has the momentum and the confidence to win this series in the next couple of games. They became a little lackadaisical during the second half of Friday night's game but were able to pull together and take back a game that they nearly gave away.
What remains to be seen is whether they will retain the confidence and momentum with a two day break and traveling to Ottawa.

The Pens have been very strong on special teams. They've only given up one power play goal to the Sens in the first two games and have scored on 4 of the 11 odd man advantages they have had.

Marc Andre Fluery has been very strong, posting a 1.50 GAA and a .946 SV% along with his first career playoff shutout in game 1.

Evgeni Malkin's 6 points leads all NHL shooters in the playoffs. He has one goal in 5 assists.

Next Game - Monday 4/14 in Ottawa. 7pm FSN, WXDX or listen here.