And the Streak....Continues. NJD 4 Pit 1

Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury and Injury depleted Penguins fall to the New Jersey Devils, 4-1

The Pittsburgh Penguins continued their losing streak on Thursday when Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils defeated the depleted Pens by a final score of 4-1. However, the Penguins did not get shut out. Going into the game on Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins had not scored a goal in 160 minutes and 41 seconds. But the oddball combination of Chris Bourque, Ruslan Fedotenko and Sidney Crosby scored on Brodeur, ending any talks of him tying the NHL Career Shutout Record which still stands at 103. However, for the first time during the Dan Bylesma era, the Penguins recorded a regulation loss after scoring the first goal of the game. Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pens were not able to keep the pace of the game they had established in the first period. The Pens have not scored on the powerplay in the last 26 chances. The Injury bug that is going around the NHL has made an impact on many teams including the Penguins. The Pens, after starting the season 12-3, have lost 4 straight. Marc Andre Fleury, who started the season 8-0 with a 2.00 Goal Against average, has struggled as of late most likely because of the pressure put on him to try to be perfect in the absence of our Key players. Since the 8-0 start, Fleury is a dreadful 2-6 and a GAA of almost 3.

Up Next: Boston Bruins @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Fortunately, the Penguins have gotten through this mini slump without getting too many other players injured. The return of Evgeni Malkin should spark the Penguins lineup. However, Tim Thomas is coming off of his second straight shutout. In Boston two games ago, Tim Thomas stopped all 27 shots against him. The truth is, Tim Thomas is not Martin Brodeur. So a brightside maybe for Tim Thomas to implode against the Penguins, possibly resulting in the Return of our swagger. Ben Lovejoy showed some signs of being able to one day take the place of an aging Sergei Gonchar, but he still has alot of developing to do. These injuries give the Penguins a glimpse into the future of what they can expect from players who are in the teams long-term plans.

Predictions:
Well, every team has its day. Every team loses. Many coaches state that "In order to win, you must first learn to lose." Dan Bylesma, since coming to the Penguins has had everything fall into place for him. No injuries or rash decisions to make. But every coach eventually figures it out. This includes Dan Bylesma. Look for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to double shift, once on their respective lines and once together to wear down Bruins Defensemen Zdeno Chara. The Pittsburgh Penguins finally get a win. And a big one. Final Score: 5-1.