Just Keep Winning: Penguins Report Card vs. LA Kings

Evgeni Malkin was absent due to illness for the second straight game, and the Pittsburgh Penguins needed more than 60 minutes for the second straight game, too. Just like Thursday night, it was Bryan Rust who sent the 18,000 fans home happy, though this time it was via shootout winner in a 5-4 win over the LA Kings.

Rust also had the first two Penguins goals. But cmon Pittsburgh, you don’t throw hats for a shootout goal. They don’t count! (Someday we’ll have a chat with college football about tallying touchdowns when the drive is only 20 yards, too).

The Penguins were behind the eight ball for most of the game. In the middle of the second period, the Penguins were being outshot 26-12 and justifiably trailed 2-0. After Bryan Rust scored a pair,  Teddy Blueger added his name to the score sheet.

Blueger was again one of the Penguins catalysts.

“He’s a good hard, checking center iceman. He kills penalties. He’s playing a really important role for us,” said head coach Mike Sullivan.  “When he chips in offensively, it’s huge.”

Tactically, LA presented a few challenges for the Penguins.