Canadiens @ Penguins Top Six Minutes: A Game 1 thriller

For our new readers and members, the Top Six Minutes is a continuation of the discussion in the game thread. We try to keep it light and entertaining. Full recaps are up the morning after every game.

Pre-game:

• Post-season hockey!! In August.

First period:

• Looks like Charlie won the backup battle and gets to keep the bench warm this evening.
• We got through the first minute without getting scored on. This is already shaping up better than the exhibition game.
• There’s a line you don’t see often — Weal, Weise... and Domi.
• Danault wins the faceoff against Crosby. Kicking yourself about that one aren’t you, Sid?
• Ten minutes in and SOG are 10-2 for Pittsburgh. At least Price came to play.
• But third time’s a charm as Kotkaniemi opens the scoring!
• Off to the first power play of the series. Time to extend the lead...
• Bright side: That wasn’t extremely painful to watch.
• The Habs made it through the final two minutes without getting scored on.
• This series could have promise after all.

Second period:

• Well, if nothing else, the Habs know not to leave Crosby to his own devices.
• Chiarot plays goalie with a stick save. Defence. Goalie. Whatever works.
• Another first-time post-season goal! This time thanks to a sweet, sweet Suzuki shot.
• Crosby sneaks one in from behind the goal line and off Price’s skate. Apparently, they decided to leave him to his own devices now.
• Just to make things interesting, Drouin takes a penalty for hooking.
• And that totally backfires as Rust evens it up.
• Bright side: Kulak is looking pretty good out there tonight.
• Drouin heads to the sin bin again. He’s got to be a mole, right?

Third period:

• Penalty against the Habs right out of the gate. I swear if it’s Drouin again...
• Sure, Chiarot, why not join Danault in the box for hi-sticking Crosby? Because a five-on-three is exactly what we need right now.
• Hey! It’s our turn for the man-advantage. That’s nice for a change.
• Seriously?! Another penalty? You guys do know this is to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, right?
• Bright side: The Habs penalty kill is working for them tonight.
• Price makes two great saves and how are we rewarded? Sheary gets a penalty shot.
• And we’re still tied. Whew.
• Petry’s shot goes off the post with two minutes left.
• It’s Game 1, why not continue the fun a little longer?

Overtime

• The Pens try to put a quick end to this but Danault and Price say no way.
• Danault gets called for hooking because why not?
• This power play feels like it’s lasting forever.
• Drouin gets a penalty shot!
• That was... lame.
• Petry finally puts an end to Game 1 with six minutes left!

EOTP 3 Stars

3) It was over as soon as these ladies showed up

2) The pitfalls of hockey in August

1) The hearts are happy after this one