Penguins Room: Balancing Comeback with Mistakes, Sullivan Explains Loss (+)

DETROIT — In the collision of satisfaction from dominating the third period and disappointment from losing, no one seemed too sure how to feel about the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 6-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena. A cloud of disappointment figuratively hung in the Penguins locker room, even as some marveled at Erik Karlsson’s eye-popping third period.

Despite a three-goal deficit, Karlsson had three points, including a goal, and was a plus-2.

Evgeni Malkin and Reilly Smith continued their run of success. Each had a point, and linemate Rickard Rakell had seven shots.

Sidney Crosby and linemates dominated Detroit’s middle six. When Crosby was on the ice, the Penguins had 16 scoring chances, yielding an insignificant two.

Yet … the Penguins lost. The game felt like eating an entire Detroit pizza. It looked good, smelled good, tasted good, but left a bad feeling in your stomach.

In addition to the media scrums, PHN had the chance to speak with Bryan Rust and P.O Joseph, who appropriately did not like his game.

Penguins Locker Room:

Coach Mike Sullivan detailed the shortcomings in the postgame talk with reporters. He, too, couldn’t help but have some good things to say but probably had the best explanation for the loss.