Brandon Dubinsky was absent from the Columbus Blue Jackets’ lineup, but that didn’t stop that team from accomplishing the unofficial goal of getting under the Pittsburgh Penguins’ skin.
They frustrated Pittsburgh often in this one, as could be seen in the rocky night for Sidney Crosby (not to mention Patric Hornqvist’s frustrations late in the game).
Hornqvist channeled some of that energy into a goal and a near-tying-tally that was rightfully waved off, yet the Blue Jackets ultimately scored a 2-1 win on Friday.
Beyond that, um, “exchange” with Fedor Tyutin, Crosby didn’t have a good night. He finished without a point to continue a terrible start - at least by his lofty standards - and also seemed to nearly get injured.
The Penguins have a chance to really soak up some points if they can get things together.
After tomorrow’s road game against the New Jersey Devils, they play four straight in Pittsburgh and five of six at home.
That argues for a positive span, although it could be a curse disguised as a blessing if this offensive funk translates to more defeats.
The Pens have scored 36 goals in 16 games. Yes, Fleury's been great. Yes, the defense has been decent. But 36 in 16 is an awful number.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) November 14, 2015
Meanwhile, Columbus isn’t setting the world on fire with John Tortorella, although they are 5-4-0 in the past nine games ... and they can still be a thorn in the side of the Penguins.
MORE. HUGS. PLEASE. pic.twitter.com/J1Pg5Rs4OD
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 14, 2015