The Pittsburgh Penguins traveled 4,141 miles to Stockholm, Sweden, but it didn’t change recent trends for the team. They dropped a 2-1 decision in overtime to the Nashville Predators which now makes it five losses in the last six games. Recent results are what many thought were in store for the Penguins before the season started.
It wasn’t a good loss. The Predators are the 29th ranked team in the NHL right now, even after today’s victory.
Not finishing games
Needless to say the recent stretch of games has seen a former problem rear its ugly head again. The Penguins are blowing third goal leads. They were pretty fortunate to be up in this one. Evgeni Malkin’s goal came from below the goal line and on a fluky bounce.
However, a lead is a lead and when you have them you need to keep them. They lost their lead to the Kings. They lost in a shootout to the Devils, Flyers, and Blue Jackets. The Toronto game was a blown 3-0 lead.
Today, was a deserved result. The Penguins were out-attempted 59-34 at 5v5 during the game and during the second period put up a 22.31 xGF% while being out-attempted 26-11.
Even with the poor play the Penguins were only a minute away from victory. Until, a late faceoff where Sidney Crosby inadvertently gave the puck right to Filip Forsberg who made no mistake about it
A really unfortunate play for Crosby. He obviously wasn’t trying to give it right to a Predator and certainly not one of their best offensive players. These are the kinds of bounces that can undo things when you aren’t playing great and trying to hang on to close games.
Not long after Steven Stamkos won it for the Predators in overtime
This is the fourth time the Penguins have failed to pick up the extra point in either overtime or the shootout.
A great atmosphere
Even though the Penguins lost the atmosphere for the game was great. The Swedish fans were loving the NHL playing in their country. They also had Swedish legends Erik Karlsson and Filip Forsberg to root on.
It doesn’t matter if Sidney Crosby isn’t Swedish. He is adored around the world and he obliged a young fan by tossing a puck his way.
The Penguins faithful were loud and proud even if the team wasn’t up to the task today.
Away from the rink Erik Karlsson brought some joy to his fellow Swedes
The Penguins will have a day to think about this one before they are back at it Sunday afternoon in Sweden time, 9AM in Pittsburgh. They have to find a way to take two points. Their great start is getting closer and closer to being wasted.
Home › Forums › Penguins Problems Follow Them To Sweden
Tagged: nhl, Pittsburgh Penguins