Welcome Back

In a game overshadowed by the fallout of the Olympics and the approaching trade deadline, the Pens managed to pound out a 3-2 win over Buffalo Tuesday night. This was an important two points for the Pens on their first game back since February 14th, as it greatly helps their cause in their division against the New Jersey Devils. Brent Johnson turned in a strong performance and made several of his 28 saves at crucial moments to hold the one goal lead. Sergei Gonchar began the scoring near the end of the first with a slapshot powerplay goal past Lalime. Pascal Dupuis continued it into the second on a wrist shot.(above) Ruslan Fedotanko put the game away in the third beating Lalime on a set play midway through the third. Sabres goals were scored by Lyndman and Roy. While the game was entertaining enough, there were several other stories that "overshadowed" the game. The players from both teams who participated in the Olympics were honored before the game, and Sidney Crosby got a mixed reaction from the fans at mellon arena. The other big story was the acquistion of defenseman Jordan Leopold on Monday and winger Alexi Ponikarovsky during the game. (more to come on trades later) Those stories aside, it was still a very good win for the Pens, who next play Thursday against the New York Rangers.