Penguins over Kings
Fluery in top form against Kings
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
March 8th, 2015 in Los Angeles the Penguins took on the the Kings at the Staples Center.
After the Penguins took on the Ducks in Anaheim the night before they must have known playing back to back games was going to be difficult. The Ducks played physically Friday night and when Sidney Crosby and the Penguins arrived at the Staples Center they knew they were going to face another physical team in the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings. The Penguins beat the Kings in Overtime 1-0 with Patric Hornqvist scoring the game winner. Hornqvist said the Penguins proved to the league they could step up and play a physical game in order to win games.
Last night was one of the most physical games the Penguins have encountered this season. The Kings had 37 hits and the Penguins had 36. The Penguins seem to be most effective when they can utilize their speed and cross ice passing but when they get into physical match-ups they get thrown off of their game.
Last night at the Staples Center was a good example of the Penguins inability to gain momentum but to their credit they were faced with two physical opponents back to back. There was a six minute stretch where there was no stoppage of play and it was evident the Penguins could barely keep up the pace. It seemed the saving grace for them in that game was the impressive play by Marc-Andre Fleury.
The Penguins expected a hard fought battle against the defending Champions and managed to play tough playoff style hockey. In the past few years the Penguins have dominated the regular season but have struggled during the playoffs. Last night was a good playoff type of scenario for them to experience. I think last night's game allowed them to see what they are capable of in a difficult game on the road and Penguins fans should be looking forward to an exciting post season.
