5-Minute Penguins Postgame Wrap: More Problems Emerge in Loss

No, it’s not Evgeni Malkin’s fault. It wasn’t Malkin who missed assignments that allowed the LA Kings multiple breakaways and odd-man breaks. So says PHN Editor-in-Chief Dan Kingerski in the latest 5-Minute Pittsburgh Penguins Postgame wrap.

The Penguins’ comeback fell short, and the LA Kings extended the Penguins’ winless streak to three, 4-3 at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday.

The Penguins got a power-play goal by Sidney Crosby and some Crosby magic in the offensive zone to help with two more Bryan Rust goals, but the rest of the team was absent in the offensive zone.

“We just need guys to step up and take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of them, and so that that’s part of it. When our team is at its best, we’re getting balanced scoring, we’ve got a balanced attack,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “And lately, that hasn’t been the case, and that that makes it much more challenging to win. So, guys are going to get opportunities to have a positive impact on the game. They’ve got to make the most of it.”

For the third time this week, the Penguins offensive was exclusive to the Sidney Crosby line and the power play. The Crosby line had 11 scoring chances. No other line had more than two. Crosby and Rust scored power-play goals, and Rust scored the only even-strength marker.

The loss snapped the Penguins’ eight-game points streak and extended their winless streak to three games.

The Penguins have one more game before the one-week All-Star break. Tuesday, they host the Washington Capitals.