Pittsburgh Penguins Come Up Inches Short As Flyers Complete Weekend Sweep
Mar 16, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A shot by Pittsburgh Penguins center
Sidney Crosby(87) hits off the post behind Philadelphia Flyers goalie
Steve Mason(35) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Flyers won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins captainSidney Crosbybarely missed on two terrific late chances to tie the game, allowing the Philadelphia Flyers to escape with a 4-3 win Sunday and a sweep in the weekend home-and-home series.
The Penguins, who trailed 3-0 and 4-2 in the Consol Energy Center matinee, pulled goalieJeff Zatkofffor an extra attacker in the final minute.Jussi Jokinensprung Crosby through the neutral zone with a brilliant lead pass, but Flyers netminderSteve Masongot just enough of Crosby’s left-wing wrister to deflect it wide.
Crosby had an even closer call in the dying moments, as he tippedOlli Maatta‘s feed off the goal post with one second to play. Pittsburgh’s desperate late push was aided by a missed offside call, so Crosby’s poor luck helped the NHL avoided a great deal of postgame controversy.
While the Penguins (44-19-4, 92 points) nearly salvaged at least a point out of the affair, they probably didn’t deserve to. Much likeSaturday’s 4-0 loss in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh was grossly outplayed in the early going.
The Flyers (35-25-7, 77 points) outshot the Pens 15-7 in the first period, whenWayne Simmonds‘ two power-play goals helped them build a three-score advantage. Philadelphia jumped into second place in the Metropolitan Division with the win, one point ahead of Columbus and the Rangers.
A rare goal fromBrooks Orpikhelped the Pens escape the first with some encouragement, and fellow defensemanMatt Niskanenadded his career-high 10th early in the second to make it 3-2.
Penguins goalie Zatkoff, who came on in relief of the besiegedMarc-Andre Fleuryin the first, made a couple of dazzling saves in the middle frame to keep the Flyers within reach, butMatt Readrestored the visitors’ two-goal margin at 12:11 with his second shorthanded strike of the weekend.
Without the injuredJames Neal(concussion) andChris Kunitz(bruised ankle), Pittsburgh’s top-ranked power play looked anything but against the Flyers. The Pens went 0 for 9 against their cross-state rivals, allowing two shorthanded goals in the process.
Nonetheless, recent call-upJayson Megnaensured an interesting third period when he deposited a gorgeous feed fromBrian Gibbonsat 16:19 of the second.
But the Penguins couldn’t get enough tangible production from Crosby orEvgeni Malkin, who were held scoreless despite numerous opportunities in the latter half of the game.
Now 4-4-1 since the Olympic break, the Penguins got some good news after the game when coachDan Bylsmaannounced defensemanKris Letanghas beencleared to participate in practices. Last year’s Norris Trophy finalist suffered a stroke in late January, but his recovery has apparently gone quite well.
Pittsburgh hosts Dallas on Tuesday night.