New-Look Penguins Clip Senators, 1-0, on Sid’s OT Winner
It’s been a strange (strange) season for our Penguins to say the least.
Following back-to-back blowout losses during which we barely displayed a pulse, the last thing I expected was a shutout victory over the playoff-bound Senators last night with rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen filling top-six roles and Tristan Jarry stationed between the pipes.
Especially since the latter yielded eight goals on 19 shots during his last two starts (a .579 save percentage).
However, aided by a surprisingly stout defense, Jarry rose like Job from the ash pile to stop 31 shots for his first shutout of the season.
As for the kids?
By all accounts, both acquitted themselves well, statistically and otherwise.
“I thought they both had great games,” opined coach Mike Sullivan.
Slotted on Sidney Crosby’s portside, McGroarty overcame a busted skate to fire off five shots, including three that found the net, along with four hits and a blocked shot in 16:57 of ice time.
His Corsi and Expected Goals for Percentage (xGF%)? A healthy 65.85 and 60.90, respectively.