1/10/15

Crosby, Penguins Down Canadiens in Overtime

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced off against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre tonight. Carey Price got the start in goal for Montreal and Quebec-native Marc-Andre Fleury got the nod for the Penguins. At 9:52 of the first period, Penguins' defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was assessed a two-minute holding penalty. The Canadiens were unable to convert on their first power play opportunity of the game. The game remained scoreless until Canadiens' forward Max Pacioretty fired a shot past Fleury to give the Canadiens a 1-0 at 18:10. With two seconds remaining in the period, Penguins' defenseman Robert Bortuzzo was called for a two-minute interference penalty. After one period of play, the Canadiens held a 1-0 lead and had 1:58 remaining on the power play to start the second period. The Canadiens were unable to capitalize on their second power play opportunity. The Penguins had a golden opportunity to tie the game when Canadiens' defenseman Alexei Emelin was called for a two-minute holding penalty. Unfortunately, the Penguins' power play struggles continued, as they were unable to convert. The Canadiens were given their third power play opportunity of the game when Penguins' defenseman Simon Despres was assessed a two-minute holding penalty. Would third time be a charm for the Canadiens? Nope. They were unable to cash in on the man-advantage. The Penguins tied the game when Malkin scored his 19th goal of the season at 18:28. After two periods of play, the score was tied at 1-1. The Canadiens went back on the power play at 5:53 when the Penguins were guilty of too many men on the ice. The Canadiens failed to capitalize. At 12:16, the Penguins were given a chance to take the lead when Canadiens' defenseman Tom Gilbert was given a two-minute interference penalty. With eight seconds left on the power play, Canadiens' defenseman Alexei Emelin was sent to the box for a two-minute hooking penalty. The Penguins were unable to solve their power play woes. The game remained a 1-1 deadlock at the end of regulation. The Penguins got a chance for redemption when the Canadiens were guilty of too many men on the ice at 3:09 of overtime. This mental lapse proved costly, as Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby buried a shot past Price to give the Penguins a 2-1 victory.