Penguins Room: Dejection & Denial, Answering Debacle in Denver (+)

DENVER — Some of the answers were a little surprising, if not bordering on denial. The Pittsburgh Penguins led 4-0 but gave up four goals over the final 24 minutes of regulation before losing in the first minute of overtime to the Colorado Avalanche, 5-4 in OT at Ball Arena.

Coach Mike Sullivan spoke for just under 40 seconds.

Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic shook his head for what seemed that long when asked about the positive start and the awful ending. Penguins forward Drew O’Connor sat in his locker stall, figuratively drenched in despair, as did defenseman P.O Joseph, who scored his first goal of the season as part of the Penguins’ four-goal salvo in the first and second periods.

That offensive explosion included four points from Sidney Crosby, including a great deflection goal.

In the end, it was another, if not the worst, jaw-dropping loss in a season full of horrendous defeats. There were no positives, no silver linings from gaining a point.

No, the Penguins couldn’t even win a game when the opponent spotted them four goals. Nedeljkovic had the strongest language.