Penguins Show Heart, Fight Off Leafs, 3-2
In my game summary following the Penguins’ crippling 3-2 loss to the Sabres on Friday night, I wrote that they needed to come off the ropes and land a haymaker against the Maple Leafs.
Against steep odds, our guys did just that. Less than 24 hours after arguably the most disheartening loss of the season, the Pens came out swinging. The result? A hard-earned 3-2 victory at PPG Paints Arena last night.
Although the stat-line was virtually dead-even in terms of shot activity, in reality the contest was three games in one. The first period was a saw-off, with both clubs attempting 28 shots as the Leafs grabbed a 2-1 lead. The second period was all Pens, as we piled up a staggering 37-12 edge in shot attempts while rallying to snatch the lead. The third period belonged to the Leafs. Indeed, the visitors sent pucks flying from every direction in a vain attempt to knot the score.
Fortunately for the black-and-gold, Tristan Jarry continued his run of superb play between the pipes. I mean, the Leafs are loaded with high-end offensive talent, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander.