Game 1 Review

This exciting match began with ancient playoff warrior Gary Roberts taking it to the Sen’s early scoring on a nice feed from Georges Laraque at 1:08 in the first period. Scary Gary finished the game with 2 goals, 3 hits, and 16 penalty minutes.

"They embarrassed us last year," left winger Gary Roberts said. "I think we learned our lesson."

The penguins toped the Senators in every category including the penalty kill which withstood seven 5-4 advantages , as well as being shorthanded two men on two different occasions. The scoring continued with goals from Peter Sykora , Evgeni Malkin , and
Gary Roberts ( 2 ).

Not to be understated was Marc-Andre Fleury’s 26 save performance earning his first NHL Post Season shutout.

“For the last 15 games he's been the best goalie in the National Hockey League so I am not surprised," said Pens head coach Michel Therrien.

This game really showed exactly what kind of character has been bestowed upon these young players. After a late game altercation involving Sidney Crosby and Wade Redden, Ryan Whitney of all players took it upon himself to stand up for his captain and pummel Redden after he threw some punches towards the head of Sid the Kid.

"It's about team spirit," said Therrien. "There's good team chemistry with these guys. Whitney stepped in and did the right thing."

Like the Senators demonstrated one year ago , The Penguins set the tone for what will be a hard hitting, high scoring , in your face series. They controlled play from the minute the puck dropped to the final buzzer.

What a difference one year can make.


( tsn.ca , postgazette.com )