Back again so soon? Yeah I know I just introduced myself to all of you, but I couldn’t wait to give you my live reaction to the Isles Pens game. So, let’s get right into it:

Shittsburgh started off strong, getting a good chance early on Sorokin less than 20 seconds into the game (no that wasn’t a typo I fucking hate the Pens). Luckily for the Isles they have a brickwall for a goaltender. Shortly after some back and forth, the Boys from Belmont get one past Jarry while on the power-play. Yes you heard me correctly, while on a power-play. They really gotta get their shit together on the man advantage if they want any chance of success during the playoffs. Alright, back to the goal. All I can say is Horvat is a stud. The guy does the right thing almost every time. He gets an opportunity right in front of the net, puts it on goal with no hesitation, get his own rebound, and puts it on again leaving it right there for Lee to finish the job. All that havoc is what gave us our first of the game. Put the puck on net and good things will happen.

After that goal, it was pretty much all Shittsburgh. They got one past Sorokin with a deflection with less than 10 minutes to go in the period. Couldn’t blame him for that one though. I don’t think anyone could’ve stopped that. The rest of the period was even worse. The Pens had us on the back-foot. We were being out shot, out checked, and out played. Put all that together and add a little bit of poor defensive coverage, and you get the Pens second goal of the game. Seeing Sorokin left high and dry by our defense had me feeling a bit queasy. Our first periods haven’t been great this season. So I’m alright with this one. Down 2-1 isn’t terrible, especially with all the chances Shittsburgh had.

The first half of the second period wasn’t much different than the second half of the first period (I know, I had to read that twice myself). The Pens were dominating. The only chance we could’ve had was on the power-play, which of course we wasted. To make things worse, we kept taking penalties. At this point I thought to myself, “Jesus Christ Mayfield has gone to the box three times.” I’d like to say the Isles were able to turn things around to finish the second period strong, but they sure as hell didn’t do that. The second half of the period was even worse than the first half. Another one gets past Sorokin making it three unanswered goals. Brendan Burke kept mentioning the puck going off the open Pen’s bench door before the goal was scored. At that point all I could think was, “We’re in Shittsburgh, and that isn’t much to challenge for. Let’s not waste a timeout.” All in all a period to forget. Down 3-1. Isles need to wake up and take this game back in the 3rd.

Third period starts with Horvat coming out strong. Shooting first and asking questions later. Don’t have enough of that on this team. Shortly after, the Isles get some strong chances on the power play, but we couldn’t even buy a goal. There isn’t much time left in the period now, and I’m starting to think this game is over. Holy shit was I wrong. Our second goal comes out of nowhere with Cizikas dishing it over to Fasching who puts it by Jarry. We quickly get another chance after that goal, and Jarry is starting to look a little shaky. Less than two minutes left in the game, the Isles pull Sorokin giving us an extra skater. Some great puck control in the offensive zone and…GOAL BABY! Oh captain my captain! Tie fucking game! I scared the shit out of my dog with that celly. The period ends and I’m feeling fan-fuckin-tastic. One strong third period makes up for an OK first and a terrible second.

Overtime here we come! Sorokin stops multiple great chances keeping us in the game. If anyone claims their team has a better goalie, they’re dead wrong. Not only is he the best of the Russian goalies in the NHL (yeah that’s right sit down Rags fans). I’m confident to say he’s the best in the NHL period! Alright, enough ranting. Back to overtime. Sorokin’s amazing saves are followed up by an even better pass down the ice sending it to Nelson. I’m on my feet at this point as I watch Nelly bury the game winner! What a fucking comeback! Isles put the Princess to bed, and sweep the season series 4-0 against the Pens. 

To all the people of Shittsburgh: Thank you, and have a good night!