October 20, 2009
Jeff Ponder
The Penguins Offense Clinic is now open for business.
Evgeni Malkin led the way with 12 shots on goal as the Penguins blasted 43 shots toward St. Louis goaltending. Both Blues goalies Chris Mason and Ty Conklin faced a grueling 5-1 route at the hands of the red-hot Penguins.
The defending Stanley Cup Champions improve to 8-1-0 on the season, placing them first in the Atlantic Division with a 2-point lead over the New York Rangers.
“When our four lines are going and everybody’s clicking and playing well together, we can be a tough team to beat,” Penguins defenseman Jay McKee said after his first game against his former club. “I think most teams, probably for good reasons, focus on Sidney and Geno (Malkin), and I think that’s playing to our advantage. We’re not just getting production from them; it’s everybody.”
Tyler Kennedy notched the first goal of the game at the 11:19 mark of the first period. It was a perfectly placed slap shot that found its way over goaltender Chris Mason's shoulder for his team-leading fifth goal of the season. Not too shabby for a player projected to be on the third line all season.
The Penguins were clicking on all cylinders, as Evgeni Malkin, Ruslan Fedotenko, Matt Cooke and Alex Goligoski all had goals of their own. Paul Kariya had the lone goal for the Blues, which came after the Penguins already had a 4-0 lead.
“Unfortunately it took four (goals against) before we started playing real hockey,” Blues forward David Backes said after the game.
The Penguins' strong play seemed to be a surprise to the Blues lineup. The team skated all over the Anaheim Ducks in their last game, blanking the California team 5-0 Saturday night.
“For us not to be ready to play the defending Stanley Cup champions is unacceptable,” starter Chris Mason said, who saw 35 shots come his way in the first 2 periods before sitting the third. “We come off a good second and third period in Anaheim against a very good team. I don’t know if we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves and getting a little cocky and thinking that it should be easier than it really is. … To come out like we did against these guys, this is what’s going to happen.”
Even with the loss, Backes graciously gave credit to the Penguins' dominating play but still had some harsh words for his team.
“You give up 20 shots in the first period and 45 in the game with a team that has as much talent, skill and drive that the Penguins have, it’s going to be tough road to hoe,” Backes said.
The Blues will return home Friday night to take on the Minnesota Wild at 7:00 CDT. Tickets are still available for the Western Conference match-up.
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