Pens Survive Against Columbus

After an embarrassing performance against one of the East’s worst teams last Sunday, the Penguins were determined to have a better performance against the lowest team in the NHL. In the process, they were able to rest Marc-Andre Fleury as Brad Thiessen stopped 22 of 24 shots to secure the win in his first NHL start.

For the Penguins, Thiessen had to be excellent due to the great play of Curtis Sanford through the first two periods. Sanford stopped 25 of 26 shots through the first two periods, and appeared to be well on his way towards stealing a victory for the last place Columbus Blue Jackets.

Rick Nash, who might have played his last game in Columbus, scored on a breakaway short-handed. Steve Sullivan’s pass was intercepted at center ice by Nikita Nikitin who bounced a pass off the boards to Nash. Nash closed in on Thiessen and beat the 25 year old goaltender stick side to give the Blue Jackets the lead.

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Evgeni Malkin scored his 37th goal of the season with under a minute remaining in the second period. James Neal fed Malkin on a cross-ice pass for his fourth assist of the weekend. Malkin turned to his forehand and beat Sanford on the far-side, tying the game at one.

In the third, the Penguins put the puck in the net five times but only three of those goals counted. James Neal through the puck in front of Sanford and Kunitz appeared to push the puck in with his skate. The referees reviewed the play and waved off the goal.

Pascal Dupuis scored for the second straight game, firing a shot from the near boards which found its way through Curtis Sanford. The Penguins appeared to extend their lead with a power play goal from Kris Letang. However, Chris Kunitz was called for interfering with the goaltender, despite colliding with him outside of the crease. Letang was able to get the goal right back as he fired a slapshot that rang off the far post and in the net.

Joe Vitale and Vinny Prospal traded goals 10 seconds apart and the Penguins were able to stave off a furious comeback from the Blue Jackets thanks to Brad Thiessen.

Signed by the Penguins as an undrafted free agent in 2009, Thiessen enjoyed an excellent 2010-2011 season in the AHL. An injury to Brent Johnson gave Thiessen the opportunity to start in his first NHL game. Not only did he win, Thiessen was named the number 1 star for his efforts.

The Penguins have seen the last of Columbus, this season, but may see Nash again in the near future. With the trade deadline set for 3pm tomorrow, Nash is the biggest name on the market and the New York Rangers have been in serious talks with Columbus to acquire him. Meanwhile, the Penguins have been relatively quiet during what is typically a loud time of year for roster moves.