Penguins Blow Lead, Bow to Kings, 2-1

Correct me if I’m wrong. I think you’re supposed to win one for the Gipper, not lose one. Or in this case, for black-and-gold legend Jaromír Jágr on “Celebrate 68” night.

After nursing a 1-0 lead into the late stages of last night’s game, the Penguins succumbed on a pair of late goals by Kings sharpshooter Adrian Kempe, the second a shorthanded tally with 3:10 remaining. Ruining what had been a fairly pristine night of hockey in honor of Jágr.

You can blame it all on me. Throughout the game, I kept noting how exceptionally sharp goaltender Tristan Jarry was. I mean, he was on his game, reading the play and anticipating every shot. His positioning flawless.

The last time I had that thought? Split seconds after Jarry stoned Viktor Arvidsson on wraparound attempt. Milliseconds before Kempe’s long-range slapper bonked off Rickard Rakell and through the wickets of kid defenseman John Ludvig before finding Tristan’s five-hole at 13:49 of the third period to knot the score.

I’d tried to banish the thought from my mind the instant it popped in.

Continue reading Penguins Blow Lead, Bow to Kings, 2-1 at Pittsburgh Penguins - PenguinPoop Blog.