Penguins Takeaways: ‘Learning the Hard Way,’ Mistakes Gift Win to Bruins (+)

The Pittsburgh Penguins wrestled defeat from the jaws of victory, kicking and screaming. Despite a 5-2 lead and significantly better play than they’ve shown in a couple of weeks, and despite a comfortable command of the game, the Penguins gifted Boston opportunities and mistakes and penalties became goals. The Boston Bruins rallied to beat the Penguins 6-5 in OT at PPG Paints Arena.

Get Dave Molinari’s Penguins recap here.

The Penguins are winless in five and have not won a game this season without scoring six goals. Read into that as much as you will. Flashing neon lights don’t do it justice.

Despite the score, there was a good deal to praise, not that you want to read it.

Because of the score, there is a heaping pile of criticism, too. Sidney Crosby spoke in hushed tones and didn’t have much time for praise. He quickly went to the mistakes: the waning offensive zone pressure and bad penalties, including another minor penalty by Jeff Petry.

“We’re learning the hard way right now,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “If we’re going to be the team we want to become, we can’t beat ourselves. And the easiest way to beat yourself is to not take care of the puck in the critical areas of the game.”

Crosby specifically mentioned his minor penalty and the one by Petry, who has six minor penalties in 10 games.