Senators Crush Penguins, 5-0, in Wild One
In a game rife with playoff implications and rough stuff, the Penguins started on the wrong foot yesterday against the Senators at PPG Paints Arena and it cost ‘em.
Just who the wrong foot belonged to was a matter of debate. Sens forward Tim Stützle appeared to make contact with Alex Nedeljkovic’s left skate as Tyler Kleven’s drive from center point sailed past after redirecting off Noel Acciari’s skate. Pens skipper Mike Sullivan issued a challenge, claiming goaltender interference.
No dice said the replay officials.
Shane Pinto struck with just seconds to go on the ensuing power play to make it 2-0 for the bad guys, barely five minutes into the contest.
Tempers flared. Michael Bunting and Pierre-Olivier Joseph engaged the Sens’ Nick Cousins and Zach Ostapchuk in a rough-fest, and vice versa, resulting in six minor penalties. Drake Batherson went off for high-sticking at 8:55, following in relatively short order by Matt Nieto for slashing.
The lid blew off at 15:19. Kris Letang attempted to body an onrushing Cole Reinhardt off the puck and got blasted into the net instead.