Penguins Grades: Malkin, Craziness, & Would Someone Fix the Power Play? (+)

The Pittsburgh Penguins trailed for more than half of the game despite getting eight power plays, a power play goal, and more than 15 minutes of man-advantage time. The Florida Panthers scored two power-play goals, and that looked like the difference until Evgeni Malkin scored in the final minute with the goalie pulled, and the Penguins earned a point in the 3-2 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers at PPG Paints Arena.

Florida didn’t score an even-strength goal. The Penguins didn’t score a 5v5 goal, either.

Read More: Power Play Scores Then Shortcircuits in 3-2 SO Loss

On the optimistic side, the Penguins’ desert hangover abated. They were again an engaged team that was fully present for the task at hand. A power-play goal in the first two minutes and relatively responsible defensive play kept the shots down and the score even — at least until the penalty madness ensued.

The Penguins had eight power plays. Florida “only” had three.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan moved Evgeni Malkin around the lineup. While it appeared Sullivan moved Malkin to the wing, that wasn’t entirely the case.