Penguins Win 5th Straight, Beat Sabres In Shootout 2-1

I apologize for not getting a game preview up before tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres.

I really wanted to do that, since Buffalo is not a team the Penguins had seen yet so far this year, and since the Sabres have been playing somewhat unexpectedly well this season, sitting at the top of the Northeast Division.

Regardless, the teams played their first game this year mostly as expected in a highly competitive contest. So competitive, in fact, that the game wasn't settled after 65 minutes of high-energy hockey, after which the game was tied 1-1.

What wasn't competitive was the shootout, where the Penguins are now 6-0 this season and added the Sares as the latest casualty to their list of shootout vicitms on the strength of defenseman Kris Letang's outstanding goal -- and 2nd straight shootout winner.

Jason Pomenville and Chris Kunitz scored in regulation during the game and, watching the action -- especially in the third period -- I could have sworn there was going to be another goal in regulation. I thought that because the teams were trading so many power play chances in that frame, and really the entire contest.

But, kudos to the Penguins' PK unit, who wiped out EIGHT Buffalo man-advantages in the game -- including a 4-on-3 chance in overtime.

Pittsburgh's penalty killing has been a real strong suit of the team this year and they really came through last night for certain.

The power play, on the other hand, failed in all 5 attempts it had against the Sabres and backup netminder Patrick Lalime.

Lalime started in place of Buffalo star goalkeeper Ryan Miller, since Miller had started the last 2 contests -- including the night before -- and the Sabres were finishing a 3-games-in-4-nights stretch. While that was a little bit of a break for the Penguins, Lalime certainly played well, even if the Penguins didn't challenge him as much as they typically do opposing goalies.

On the other end, Pens' goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was spectacular. He stopped 30 of 31 shots in regulation and looked strong doing it.

Fleury has been a big reason why the Penguins have won 5 in a row, 6 of their last 7 on the road, and 13 of their last 17 overall. He's playing really well.

The Penguins lost defenseman Mark Eaton to a yet-to-be-disclosed injury in the 2nd period. He left the game and did not return.

I'll post more on his status when I hear something about it.

More Monday.