Post-Game Analysis: Penguins Drop Season Opener to Blackhawks 4-2

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 in the season opener. After the Penguins got out to a 2-0 lead midway through the game, the young Chicago Blackhawks battled hard and eventually found a way to steal two points in Pittsburgh.

In the first period, the Penguins controlled play early until newly signed veteran Lars Eller was called for an interference penalty. Once the Penguins went to the penalty kill, it was the Blackhawks who then took momentum, generating four shots of their own on the man advantage. Despite the high-danger chances, the Chicago Blackhawks just couldn’t convert, sending the momentum right back in the Penguins favor. 

Not too long after the penalty was over, the Penguins scored the first goal of the hockey game, thanks to Bryan Rust. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang sent a shot on net that was redirected in front by Bryan Rust, just lifting the puck over the shoulder of the Blackhawks goaltender. After the Penguins took a 1-0 lead Chicago started playing much better, but Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry kept the Blackhawks off the board. The Penguins led 1-0 heading into the first intermission. 

Once the second period was underway, the Penguins came out strong. A nifty pass in front by Evgeni Malkin to Reilly Smith was turned aside by Petr Mrazek. After trading chances with each other, Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby teamed up for the team’s second goal of the game. A cross-ice feed by Jake Guentzel found Sidney Crosby all alone on the left side of the ice, who made no mistake with the shot.

After the Penguins took a 2-0 lead, the Chicago Blackhawks eventually got one back, making it a one goal game. A shot by Chicago defenseman Alex Vlasic led to a rebound for Ryan Donato, who put the puck into the Penguins net. The Blackhawks opening goal of the season was also assisted by generational prospect Connor Bedard for his first National Hockey League point. Once the Blackhawks got one back, both teams created opportunities, but neither could finish. The score remained 2-1 heading into the third period.

Once the final frame was underway, it was all Chicago to close this one out. Around the mid-way point of the period, Blackhawks forward Cole Guttman was alone in the slot as the 24-year-old fired home a wrist-shot. A few minutes after tying the game, the Blackhawks didn’t stop there. This time, a bounce found the stick of Chicago forward Sam Dickinson in the slot, who buried the one-timer. The Blackhawks took a 3-2 lead late in the third period. Once the Penguins started to put the pressure on for the tying goal, it was too late, as the Blackhawks eventually scored an empty-net goal.

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off the upset, beating the Penguins 4-2 on the road. The Penguins didn’t play badly, but they didn’t execute the whole sixty minutes, which was a repetitive problem for the team last season. The Penguins next game will be on Friday night as Pittsburgh travels to Washington.

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