Apologies for the late article from Sunday, but life happens.  Plus, did you REALLY wanna read about this game, anyways??  On Sunday, the Detroit Red Wings walked into PPGPA and put an end to the Penguins streak of games in which they earned at least one point at nine.

The winged-wheels used three third period goals to pull away after holding a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Petr Mrazek stood on his head several times en route to making 24 saves and picking up his second win in two days over the weekend.  His diving, sprawling save on Nick Bonino epitomized the day for both clubs.

Afternoon games always seem to be a bug-a-boo for the black and gold, and true to form, the team looked slow and lifeless most of the day.  The power-play in particular struggled to find and cohesion.

Tom Kuhnhackl (short-handed goal) and Sidney Crosby scored for the Penguins.  Crosby’s league leading 32nd of the year cam just after the Wings had struck twice in the opening two and a half minutes of the third to put the game out of reach.

Matt Murray took the loss while allowing 4 goals on 19 shots.

The Penguins did not lose any ground in the division as both Washington and Columbus lost on Sunday.  A fortunate occurrence on an unfortunate day in large part.

The other bright spot came before the game when captain Sidney Crosby was honored by the Penguins.  Mario Lemieux presented Sid with a plaque that was made up from the roof of the old Civic/Mellon Arena.  Crosby was also presented with a golden stick by Evgeni Malkin and the rest of his teammates.

Crosby recorded his 1,000 point Tuesday night in an overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets.

CAROLINA PREVIEW

The Pens now travel to Carolina tonight to take on the Hurricanes.  Carolina sits at 24-23-8 and are rapidly exiting the playoff picture with their recent play.  The game continues a stretch where Pittsburgh is facing teams at, or on the outside of the playoff bubble.  If they want to seriously have a chance to catch the Caps, these games will go a long way towards helping or hurting those odds.

Pittsburgh did not practice on Monday and will now under a very busy part of their schedule.  For a team that played over 100+ games last year, including playoffs, the club’s energy level will be monitored closely.

Carolina is 0-3-1 in their last four games and have lost both previous meetings with Pittsburgh.  One at home and one at PPGPA.

The Hurricanes are in the midst of a five-game home-stand.

TWO LINE PASS-TRADE DEADLINE VERSION

Episode 3 of the column by Mike Warren and I will drop early next week.  What we are asking from YOU, our readers is to send in your best options for trades for the club.  They have to make sense though.  Suggestions like Eric Fehr for Connor MacDavid will not be used.

So give it your best shot and hit us up on Twitter @DaddyDerms (that’s me!), @MWarren18 (that’s Mike!) or @pitsportscastle with your proposals!!

Stay tuned for my recap tomorrow morning of Pens/Canes!

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