Penguins Record Almost 50 Shots in Fourth Straight Loss
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators are fighting for their playoff lives and the goalies made all the difference.
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins knew they were going to have their work cut out for them to try and pull out of a three-game losing streak, but a battered blue line only made things harder.
With a quick stop at home before heading out on a tough back-to-back situation against two of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Penguins had to deal with an Ottawa Senators team also fighting for their playoff lives.
With both teams in the dog fight for the playoffs, it was set to be a spirited bout, even if both squads are battling injuries.
The Penguins got off to a very good start, putting up 12 shots in the first 10 minutes, but Dylan Ferguson (making his first career start in the NHL) stopped them all.
Despite controlling much of the pace of play, Tristan Jarry and the Penguins surrendered the first goal to the Senators.
Thomas Chabot’s goal was the only tally from either team in the first period; the Senators recorded only eight shots while the Penguins picked up 19.
The Penguins continued to carry much of the momentum in the second frame, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
At one point, the Penguins had the Senators hemmed into their zone for over four minutes, but couldn’t capitalize.
The Penguins finished the second period by adding 13 more shots to their ledger, but no goals; the Senators took their 1-0 lead into the third period.
Rickard Rakell finally broke Ferguson's armor with a game-tying goal on the Penguins' 47th shot of the game.
The tie game didn't last long as the Senators capitalized on a power play to retake the lead with just over two minutes remaining.
With Jarry pulled for the extra attacker, the Penguins were unable to tie the game again in the closing seconds.
The Penguins lose their fourth straight game as Ferguson stopped 48 of 49 total shots in his first career start.
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