We are down to only seven games left in the regular season, which means there are only seven games left for the Penguins until October. Yesterday, they managed to pull off what I would consider the most annoying result they could, a 1-0 shutout victory over a playoff team.
Given how the bottom of the standings have been playing out the Penguins were still in the running for a top five pick. There are a cluster of teams in the high 60’s for standings points.
Yesterday’s win despite only scoring one goal wasn’t good for the big picture. A decent draft pick is right there within reach. The only thing making the victory yesterday more palatable is that Sidney Crosby was the one who scored the game winner in overtime and you just can’t get too upset when that happens.
Power play goal for Pittsburgh!
Scored by Sidney Crosby with 03:44 remaining in the OT period.
Assisted by Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell.
Pittsburgh: 1
Ottawa: 0
#OTTvsPIT #LetsGoPens #GoSensGo
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— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 7:47 PM
The point per game record is secure. It doesn’t mean Sid is going to slow down. He has been red hot down the stretch.
Sid tonight extended his scoring streak to 10 games (8-7-15) and has points in 13 straight home GP (8-11-19).
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
This marks the 13th time Sid has put together a points streak of 10+ games. Only 7 have been longer than this.
— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Crosby was honored during the first commercial break for his amazing accomplishment and got his much-deserved standing ovation from the home crowd.
A big ovation from @penguins fans for Sidney Crosby after he became the first player to record 20 point-per-game seasons on Thursday! 👏
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— NHL (Bot) (@notnhl.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Aside from Crosby the most interesting part of the game was seeing Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen in the lineup again. The two players are going to get an extended look after doing what they needed to do in WB/S. For McGroarty he got to play alongside Sidney Crosby on his 21st birthday. Once McGroarty found his footing I thought he was alright in his first NHL action since the fall. He finished with an xGF% of 60.90 while Koivunen was at 51.07. Both players were on the proper side of shot attempts with McGroarty a CF 27 CA 14 and Koivunen CF 24 CA 14. I expect them both to be more comfortable as their sample grows here. It takes a moment to readjust for the speed difference, not only in skating, but decision making at the NHL level.
The Penguins will be well rested for their next game. It is not until Thursday when they go on the road to visit the Blues.
Thanks for reading!
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