Penguins bounce back in Jersey
Jordin Tootoo of the Devils sucker punched Tom Sestito of the Penguins in the first period.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
The Penguins are holding onto the last Wild Card spot for the 2016 playoffs with the 6-1 win against the New Jersey Devils Sunday. The Penguins suffered a 4-2 loss to the Calgary Flames Saturday but they were able to bounce back against the Devils.
The Devils went to their backup goaltender Keith Kincaid because their starter, Corey Schneider, was injured earlier last week. Contests between the Penguins and Devils are always gritty and Sunday proved no different. As soon as the Penguins called up their rugged forward from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Tom Sestito, who had to fill in for the injured Carl Hagelin and Kevin Porter the Penguins were ready to play a physical game. Sestito got into a tussle with Jordin Tootoo of the Devils toward the end of the first period. Sestito is 248 pounds and 6'5", while Tootoo is 5'9". This physical matchup should be a no brainer but Tootoo sucker punched Tom Sestito in the first period. Tootoo got the jump on Sesitio off a faceoff and Sestito told Josh Yohe of DKonPittsburghSports.com, “I think Tootoo took exception to a hit I had just made,” he said. “So he switches sides before the face-off, comes over to my side. I asked him if he wanted to go. He basically turned me down, then he shoots a puck at me. Next thing I know, I think I’m at Tri Delta Sorority, getting hit by pillows. The guy’s a joke.” Sestito was called up to provide a physical presence and ensure star players' safety. Even though Sestito was thrown to the ice it turned out to be a positive for the Penguins them a glorious powerplay opportunity on which Evgeni Malkin delivered the first blow against the Devils of Jersey.
The Penguins usually struggle in New Jersey and they suffered an embarrasing loss in November. Malkin said after that game the team was, " mad at eachother." It looked like the Penguins would struggle again after underestimating a Calgary team who was on a losing streak. However, the Penguins gathered themselves and brought their best to the Prudential Center on Sunday. The Penguins refused to be bullied and played just as physical in spite of Jordin Tootoo's antics.The big names for the Penguins pulled their weight with Malkin scoring twice, Crosby providing two assists, Bryan Rust scoring three points, and Nick Bonino finally ended his scoring drought. The Devils' netminder had a bad day and when Scott WIlson scored a beautiful open net goal from a slick Crosby pass, Kinkaid just laid on the ice as if he had been shot. The Penguins kept the Devils out of the game but the officiating tried to keep the home team alive.
The second period was filled with some fluky calls by the officials but none were so egregious as the high sticking call against Oli Maata. Maata was caught down low in the defensive end with Devils forwards Smith-Pelly and Henrique when a stick came up and caught Henrique in the face. The penalty was called against Maata but upon further review it was clear it was Smith-Pelly's stick which caught Henrique up high. This error caused the Penguins to play two men down for 1:21. Despite the disadvantage the Penguins penalty kill stood up against the Devils persistent pressure in the zone. The officiating is again playing against the Penguins this season, just like last year. Unfortunately poor officiating is seen every day in the ECHL and the NHL officials are barely any better.
The Penguins have a hard schedule in front of them with a Metropolitan opponent in 7 of their next 9 games. With the end of the regular season fast approaching each game is a must win to ensure a playoff spot for the Penguins. There have been flourishes of brilliance and embarrasing moments this season for the Penguins. When the Penguins show up and beat tought teams by 5 goals there is hope for a successful post season, but when they drop a game they should win, like the Flames on Saturday, the thought of an early exit from the Playoffs creeps to mind. If the Penguins can stay healthy, play tough, and get the pucks to the net they will make the playoffs. Pittsburgh fans hope the team which makes it is hungry and ready to make a run for the Cup.
