Exhibition Opener: Penguins Lose to Tampa Bay in a Shootout, 5-4

Ah, hockey again.

Finally.

Even a 3 month offseason is too long for me. It was great to see the boys back on the ice Saturday night, even if their efforts added up to a 5-4 shootout loss to Tampa Bay.

The good news was that Miroslav Satan looked good on Crosby's flank, and the power play chipped in with 2 goals thanks to Petr Sykora.

The bad news was that Jussi Jokenen and #1 overall draft pick Steven Stamkos smoked Fleury in the shooout, and that the overall team defense and goaltending were shaky, at best. Even though the defensive work may be expected to be shaky in the first preseason game, that doesn't mean I have to like it.

The (potentially) worst news surrounds the injury that defenseman Sergei Gonchar suffered to his left shoulder when Lightning and ex-Penguin wanna-be thug David Koci drove him into the boards. I don't think the hit was illegal, but I also don't think it was necessary. Obviously, Koci was trying to make a name for himself in front of new Tampa coach Barry Melrose, but someone needs to tell him he's already spent a career trying to make a name for himself and it isn't likely to change anytime soon.

Anyway, Gonchar got up relatively quickly and did leave the ice favoring the shoulder somewhat, but he also didn't appear to be in overwhelming pain. He's supposed to get an MRI sometime in the next day or two, and word is that he may be out for a while. If that proves to be the case, it will be very unfortunate for the Penguins, especially with Ryan Whitney already on the shelf. All of their depth on defense may be needed after all.

Tonight the Penguins are back in action to resume their exhibition slate against the Lightning, this time in Tampa. Ruslan Fedotenko will be making his Penguin debut against the guy he will try to replace, Ryan Malone, who should be in the lineup for Tampa Bay.

Let's hope we come out of this one injury free.

Look for a post-game report tomorrow, if possible.