Hurricanes 2 - 1 Penguins

Cam Ward had a solid game, although he got to take a good 10 minutes off during the Hurricanes' barrage of counter-attacks following Penguins turn-overs. The attack resulted in a goal for Eric Staal and the eventual game winner thanks to strong play in net by Ward.

Marc-Andre Fleury was fantastic as well in the first period and managed to only allow two goals on 40 shots throughout the 60 minutes (-1 minute after being yanked in favor of a 6-4 PP and then a brief, but unclimatic 6-5).

Anyway, a quick goal by Malkin on the PowerPlay, a deflection off the Phillipe Boucher slapshot and a bounce to the far post which he then stashed away with one-hand on the second effort, all of which was set-up by a pass from behind the net by Crosby to Boucher for the one-timer. Ray Whitney tied it in the 2nd period on the PowerPlay with a wicked slap shot from the left circle just buzzed past a Penguin defender and over Fleury's glove shoulder. Eric Staal later added a goal, getting his stick on a puck thrown to the front of the net about 3 feet outside the crease, deflecting the puck through a surprised Fleury's legs. Justin Williams had got to a loose puck and threw it to Staal. Third period was fun but inefficient as either team was able to score, and the Penguins, despite their best efforts, were shut-down by Cam Ward and the Hurricanes' penalty kill after a 4 minute double-minor was assessed for high-sticking after Malkin took a cross-check to the mouth, drawing blood.

My 3 Stars:

3. Eric Staal » 1 G, 0 A - GWG
2. Marc-Andre Fleury » 2 GA, 38 Saves, .950%sv
1. Cam Ward » 1 GA, 32 Saves, .970%sv - Win

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