Ride Crosby

It was a better game, and the Penguins could accept the overtime loss because they dominated the third period but had some bad luck before their 3v3 overtime struggles reemerged in a 3-2 OT loss to the Detroit Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday. The final score was indicative of the relatively even game and a fair result, considering the Penguins spotted Detroit a 2-0 lead in the first six minutes of the second period.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pittsburgh Penguins have an aversion to multi-goal leads and discipline. Like anxiously trying to score goals, struggling to defend is in their team DNA stretching back decades. The second period conformed to the script that you and they had seen far too often. A 2-0 lead against the Washington Capitals had become a tied game by the end of 40 minutes, and the Penguins were mired in the quicksand. Then, something changed. Or, maybe something finally … FINALLY … clicked.

vicRALEIGH, NC — Coach Mike Sullivan praised much of his team. They outshot the Carolina Hurricanes 36-18 and had more scoring chances, too. Yet they were shellshocked in the locker room following their 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Penguins have just two wins in their 10 games (2-6-2) but it was how they got to their result Thursday that chapped Sullivan. He didn’t name names, but he had praise for many of the players and scorn for one who rightfully drew his ire.