DEKEthoughts #49
Stars Put Up Six-Spot In First Period, Blow Out Penguins, 7-1
The six goals scored by Dallas in the first period were the most ever allowed by the Penguins in an opening period on home ice
Kelsey Surmacz • Nov 11th, 2024
After playing one of their best games of the season against the Washington Capitals on Friday, the Pittsburgh Penguins put forth their very worst effort of the season on Monday.
The Penguins surrendered six goals in the first period - which, according to Penguins' historian Bob Grove, is the most ever given up by the Penguins in the opening period of a home game - and dropped a lopsided game to the Dallas Stars, 7-1.
Rookie goaltender Joel Blomqvist gave up two goals he'd definitely like to have back early in the first period, and he was pulled after a Mason Marchment breakaway goal on a bad bounce - and a blown defensive assignment - in favor of Alex Nedeljkovic, who surrendered three more goals before the period was over.
All around, it's safe to say that the Penguins' effort tonight was poor. When asked what went wrong, head coach Mike Sullivan was frank.
Three Takeaways From Penguins Embarrassing Loss To Stars
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned home after a three-game road trip only to get blown out by the Dallas Stars 7-1 on Monday night.
Ryan Gagne • Nov 12th, 2024
The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to struggle to avoid the basement of the Metropolitan Division. Last night, they fell to the Dallas Stars 7-1 on Monday night, surrendering six first-period goals.
Although the Penguins were close to tying a franchise record for goals against in a single period last night, it wasn't meant to be. With seven more goals against, Pittsburgh retakes the NHL lead in the category with 68 while watching their goal differential slip to minus-21.
As the Penguins remain two points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets, their upcoming opponents on Friday, let's discuss a few noticeable takeaways from Monday night.
This Loss Isn't Entirely on the Goalies
Joel Blomqvist earned the start on Monday after a brilliant performance against the Washington Capitals on Friday. Despite the confidence-building night against a top team in the Metropolitan Division, the young rookie was not ready for a legit Stanley Cup contender from the Central Division.