The Penguins finally were able to get a break against Kari Lehtonen. He had played some amazing hockey through two periods and looked like he would keep the Thrashers in it until they could penetrate Jocelyn Thibault. That was not to be. Thibault stood on his head and Lehtonen ended up letting in a softy to Jordan Staal.

Staal was fighting for position in the corner and somehow threw the puck along the goal line. It deflected past Lehtonen giving the Penguins a 2-1 advantage. I am trying to figure out what Lehtonen was doing down while the puck was in the corner, had he been on his feet hugging the post he would have made the stop. It happens, but it was a shame to see his superb effort wasted.

The Thrashers, who were really putting on some pressure until the Staal goal, seemed to lose a step after that. The Penguins played very well defensively and were able to almost bottle the Thrash up from that point on. They did an especially good job while Lehtonen was off in favor of the extra attacker, never letting Atlanta set up in the offensive zone.

This was a very big win for the team. They had just come off of two very tough losses in New York and needed to bounce back. They are learning how to win the close games, something that eluded them in the past. They are not going to have many blowouts in the playoffs where the games will look just like this afternoon's tilt.

"These are tight games, we are learning to how to play in these tight games," Michel Therrien said. "It was good that we are finally capable of winning a tight game like this...this is what we are going to see in about three weeks."

Though both Penguin goaltenders have been playing well lately, there is no controversy about who will start in the playoffs. At least I think there won't be a controversy. Coach Therrien sent a sort of mixed signal today when asked if Thibault's strong play will make it tough to decide on a playoff goaltender.

"Still a long way," Therrien said. "I like Marc Andre, he's been our number one guy and he has our confidence...he is playing well.

We are not in position to make those decisions right now."

The new lines seemed to work put pretty well, but they didn't generate a ton of offense. Some of that can be attributed to Lehtonen's strong afternoon, but the rest may be just getting comfortable with new line mates...at least according to Sidney Crosby.

"It's not too bad...we are all playing the same system and we are familiar with that...it's just more or less get used to, for instance Army on the right wing, he is a right shot. Till you get used to playing with a righty where as Rex playing there is a left shot..things like passing the puck in certain areas. You just have to do your best and adjust as the game goes on."

All in all the team has to pleased with their effort today, but they have to come right back and face the Bruins at Mellon Arena tomorrow afternoon. The Atlantic division title is still in sight and the team needs every point. I am starting to feel like some Playoff hockey!! How about all of you???

More later...


*****

The second period star definitely has to go to Kari Lehtonen. He has made several dazzling stops including two separate pad saves on Evgeni Malkin and Erik Christensen. Without him the Thrashers could be in a much worse situation than 1-0.

Jocelyn Thibault has also been up to the task in keeping Hossa, Kovalchuk and Kozlov off the board.

Georges Laraque did everything in his power to get something started with Eric Boulton, but was only able to get him to take a minor penalty. The two have battled throughout the period and may still mix it up before all is said and done.

The Penguin power play hasn't gotten them on the board, but it isn't going without chances. They had a late opportunity in which they moved the puck very well and had several great chances.

Look for the entire team to continue their effective cycling and to bottle up the great Atlanta offense.

More after the game...

*****

One period in the books and the Penguins find themselves up 1-0. It could have been more, actually this could be a higher scoring affair for both sides. Each goaltender has made his share of quality saves.

The Penguins goal was generated with grit and toughness. Gary Roberts stole a clearing attempt and passed low to Michel Ouellet. Ouellet dropped a pass back to Roberts who threw a shot on net that resulted in a rebound. Evgeni Malkin, Roberts and Ouellet crashed the net and fought to free the puck. It eventually came loose to Ouellet who slammed it home for his 17th of the year.

That was nice to see. There were far too many instances during the passed couple games where pucks were bouncing or looses around the net and they were cleared. Today the Penguins pounced on it and the situation produced a goal.

There was a scary moment during the period. Colby Armstrong had to leave the ice after getting hit with a shot in front of the Penguin net. He was limping as he went to the room. Armstrong was able to return to the game with 7:00 minutes remaining in the period.

The Penguins played a decent period of hockey. Let's hope that they can keep the early momentum going.

The game is starting to get physical. Max Talbot got into a scrum with Keith Tkachuk took them both off the ice with 2:20 remaining. Gary Roberts and Mark Recchi each took exception with different Thrashers after the period. Look for those situations to escalate in the second.

See you all in 20...



*****

A quick note on playoff tickets. They will go on sale to the general public starting Monday March 26, 2007 at 10:00am. There will be approximately 2,000 tickets available for each game. Unfortunately, there are no more full playoff packages available.

*****

The Penguins come into their game against Atlanta having lost two in a row for the first time in nearly a month. The Thrashers have given the Penguins fits lately and have taken 2 of 3 meetings so far this season.

The Penguins will go with some new look lines today in hopes of sparking some offense. Erik Christensen will finally get his chance with Sidney Crosby, the duo will be joined by Colby Armstrong. Jordan Staal will anchor the second line and will be flanked by Ryan Malone and Mark Recchi. Evgeni Malkin skates with Gary Roberts and Michel Ouellet. Max Talbot, Jarkko Ruutu and Georges Laraque will make up the fourth unit.

I don't know if I am thrilled with the combos, but it will be interesting to see how the Crusher responds to the promotion.

Jocelyn Thibault will man the cage for the Penguins.

More after the first...