Penguins an Easy Mark(strom), No Match for the Devils
In keeping with last night’s low-event Metro clash with the Devils at the Prudential Center, this will be a low-event recap.
The Penguins held their own during the first period of what ultimately became a 3-0 loss, dictating play with an aggressive forecheck while limiting the Devils to only four shots on goal. We nearly snagged the lead on the second shift when Evgeni Malkin steamed in on a breakaway, only to have the puck roll off his stick blade on the choppy ice.
As they say, hockey is a game of inches…and bounces.
Following the scoreless opening frame, the Devils shifted into gear while for the most part we remained stuck in neutral. They proceeded to pile up a whopping 24-7 edge in shots on goal over the final 40 minutes.
Still, Sidney Crosby had Jacob Markstrom at his mercy during the second period, but the big goalie got enough of Sid’s ensuing shot to direct it harmlessly off the post.
Ex-Pen Stefan Noesen broke the scoreless tie at 17:32 of the frame, banging home a net-front feed from Nico Hischier.