Pens End 6 Game Skid

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally pulled out of their nose dive. They were not able to get Michel Therrien his first win as Head Coach of the team through his first 4 contests. Though the winning didn't come during Coach Therrien's first two weeks, his influence was very obvious! The team had been playing harder, skating with the opposition and looking like a team that took losing personally, just like their coach. Well, they were finally rewarded for their efforts last night.

Marc Andre Fleury stole the show with many unbelievable stops. He really was the difference in the 6-2 win. The Sidney Crosby, Tomas Surovy, Ziggy Palffy line left their finger prints at the scene too, but it isn't very often that a goaltender takes number one star and player of the game honors in that type of game. Fleury was forced to make over 40 saves in the game, many of them tough ones. He is really flashing the ability that made him a first overall draft pick.

Another number 1 overall, Sidney Crosby, had another great game. He finished the night with 2 goals and an assist. He was creating opportunities throughout the night and his line has become the Penguins best. He and Ziggy Palffy have recaptured their magic since being put together with call-up Tomas Surovy. Surovy has picked up 4 goals since being recalled.

Though the defense still needs some work, 40 shots a game isn't going to fly, the team is really beginning to show signs of life. Michel Therrien's passion for the game seems to be contagious and the players are beginning to get on board. Then again, a large part of this roster has played for the man in the past...some earlier this season. All is not perfect, but it is getting there. The playoffs may not be a realistic goal at this point, but if they begin to turn in performances like last night on a regular basis, they will certainly win many games than they lose.

The next test will be Saturday afternoon against the hated New York Rangers. We will see if they get another passing grade.