A Chili-Game Plus Two, Penguins Whup Habs, 9-2
Back in the day, local Wendy’s restaurants gave out a free bowl of chili to patrons who produced a ticket stub from a game in which the Penguins scored at least seven goals.
Well, last night would’ve cost the popular fast-food eatery a few beans and then some as the Pens turned back the clock and clobbered the once-proud Canadiens by a 9-2 margin in La Belle Province.
As our boys proceeded to blow the game open with a six-goal, third-period onslaught, PP colleague Caleb DiNatale texted, “It’s 2016!”
When I responded with a crack that Matt Nieto was never going to be scratched again because we were winning, the journeyman winger promptly scored his first goal of the season (and first in 405 days!).
It was that kind of night for our Pens. Indeed, virtually everyone clad in black and gold got in on the scoring bonanza.
Just as you’d draw it up on the white board, the first line paced the attack. Bryan Rust notched a hat trick and a helper with an incredible, hustling performance. Rickard Rakell likewise popped for four points (2 goals + 2 assists).