RECAP. BLACKHAWKS DOWN. PENS WIN.

The Pens hosted the top standing Blackhawks Tuesday night, who were coming off a 5 game winning streak going into Pittsburgh.  Consol Energy Center gave a huge welcome back to Jordan Staal, Craig Adams and Ben Lovejoy, who joined Tuesdays line up after being out with injuries.  

1st Period

Fleury made some God like saves, like always. Ten minutes into the period, Geno makes a sick pass through center ice to Kris Kunitz who breaks away and scores the first one of the night.  The Pens continued to take shots on goal, but couldn’t find an opening.  Buzzer sounds and the Pens headed into the locker room with a 1-0 lead.

2nd Period

Less then 3 minutes into the second period, Geno makes another slick pass up the ice to a wide-open James Neal who finishes the play with one sick goal, leaving Blackhawks goaltender Emery in a daze.  Fleury continues to make numerous saves throughout the second period.   With about 3 minutes to go in the 2nd period, Lovejoy finds himself surrounded by Blackhawks and makes a short pass to a very open Tyler Kennedy who makes the best out of the situation with a quick goal.  End of the 2nd period and the Pens lead 3-0.

3rd Period

Within 6 minutes into the 3^rd period, Toews and Stalberg both tallied goals for the Blackhawks.  The Penguins were on their heels the rest of the game, as the Blackhawks were giving it their all in the Penguins 3-2 lead. With less then two minutes left in the game, James Neal was sent to the penalty box for tripping, giving the Blackhawks a full advantage.  Fleury made some tough saves and the Pens defense was a solid wall, securing the 3-2 win.

Malkin assisted on all 3 of the Penguins goals Tuesday night, giving him 39 points on the season, which has him tied for 2^nd place in the league.  Fleury is currently tied 2^nd in the league with 17 wins on the season, trailing Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.  Tuesday night’s goal gave James Neal his 19^th of the season and he is now tied for second place in the league along with Toews, Kessel and Gaborik.

3 STARS

3. Stalberg

2. Fleury

1. Malkin