Pens' power play clicking
--What a difference a year makes. The Penguins' power play has been outstanding all season and was again in their 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday night at Consol Energy Center. Needing a power-play goal after they fell behind 2-0 early against Tampa Bay, the Penguins received one from center Evgeni Malkin. One of the worst in hockey last season, the Penguins' power play is currently ranked sixth in the NHL with a conversion rate of 19.6 percent. The Penguins have already scored 41 power-play goals this season. They managed only 49 last season.
Malkin is clearly the biggest reason for the power-play surge, but he isn't the only one. With a healthy Kris Letang back on the blue line, and the rise of right wing James Neal as a dominant goal scorer, the steady presence of veteran Chris Kunitz in front of the net and Steve Sullivan's terrific decision making, the Penguins' power play is clicking with precision and has been a big reason for the team's success.
--Center Sidney Crosby continues to skate every morning, sometimes by himself. But he wasn't by himself during the game. Following the second period, Crosby walked through the press box with a pretzel on a plate. When asked, he smiled and said the pretzel was for "Bugsey." This is the nickname of former Penguins and current Tampa Bay left wing Ryan Malone, who remains close friends with Crosby. In proof that Crosby has maintained his sense of humor during what must be the most frustrating time of his life, Crosby said, "The pretzel isn't for me. It's for Bugsey. Maybe it will slow him down a little bit." Crosby and Malone sat beside each other while watching the game from the press box. Malone is set to return to the lineup soon following the latest in a long string of injuries. Crosby's return remains unknown.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's to the point where I find myself laughing about two times a game because of the things he's doing on the ice. So spectacular, so dominant." -- D Matt Niskanen, on the play of C Evgeni Malkin.
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