The losing continues for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the Edmonton Oilers take an easy 7-2 victory.
PITTSBURGH - When you’re in the midst of a three-game losing streak and attempting to take on the Edmonton Oilers doesn’t sound like an easy task for any team, let alone this iteration of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Things went about as well as expected for the Penguins; they got the first goal in the opening minute, but that was all they could muster for a majority of the night.
Over the next 59 minutes, the Oilers dictated every aspect of the game; from dominating in shots on goal to offensive zone time.
Not only were the Oilers on top of the Penguins all game, but they made it ugly in a hurry.
The Oilers took a 6-1 lead with time left in the second period and the crowd had seen enough and they took their anger out on general manager Ron Hextall.
“Fire Hextall” chants began to ring out from the PPG Paints Arena crowd as time dwindled in the second period.
The chants wouldn’t stop there, however, as they returned twice in the third period along with multiple choruses of boos.
Sure, the Penguins were up against Connor McDavid, who has already surpassed 100 points, and a near historic Oilers power play, but Edmonton’s depth options that were also contributing.
The Oilers were icing 11 forwards, and got goals from Devin Shore and Kailer Yamamoto; it was Shore’s first of the season and Yamamoto’s fifth.
It’s not like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were doing all of the work; they did both contribute and put up multiple points, but they had help.
Just when you think the team hits rock bottom, the rug gets pulled out from under them and there is more room left to sink.
The Penguins had a pair of goals waved off in the third period before McDavid was awarded a penalty shot against Casey DeSmith.
That went exactly as you’d expect; the Penguins look dead in the water and are giving everyone more questions than answers.
Something needs to change; the room might still have confidence and belief that they can do something with the games they have left, but the fans don’t see it that way.
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