Game Recap: Rangers 3 - Penguins 2 [Shootout]

It all looked very familiar. The Penguins built up a 2-0 lead last night at Madison Square Garden, only to lose the game 3-2 in a shootout. It was similar to the Penguins October 25th loss to the Rangers at MSG. Mark Eaton and Jordan Staal scored for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby had one assist.

Tyler Kennedy and Mike Zigomanis both left the game during the second period and did not return. Any prolonged absence by either of those players could be a significant loss for the Penguins. Zigomanis has been outstanding in the faceoff circle this year and Tyler Kennedy has provided a jump to the Penguins whenever it's needed. His line with Jordan Staal and Matt Cooke has been a great energy line that can score.

The Penguins - and especially Sidney Crosby - turned it on in the third period but were not able to score. They had several glorious chances but weren't able to put the game away. The best of these chances came with about seven minutes left in the game. Crosby stole the puck and got the puck to Satan who was all alone. He beat Lundqvist, but them missed the open net. Crosby missed the rebound off of the post. That goal was the turning point of the game.

It once again brings up the thought that the Penguins need a stronger winger to play with Sidney Crosby. Satan was scoring early in the season, ironically when Crosby was "slumping." Now that Sid has definitely upped his game, Satan is no where to be found. Perhaps he can't play at the higher level Sid is now at? Can anyone outside of Hossa or Malkin? The Penguins most likely won't be able to sign an elite winger for Sid, but what do they do? It has to be frustrating for everyone - especially Sidney himself - to watch Crosby continuously feed impossible passes to players that can't seal the deal. It's an interesting situation and I'm not sure how it should be solved.

The Pens play again tonight, this time in Carolina.