NHL Friday: New York Islanders hand beat down on Anaheim in 4-1 victory

While the Penguins almost had two quick strikes late to bring them back into it, their opponents had two goals in two minutes of the second period that eventually put the game out of reach for Pittsburgh. The Blue Jackets haven’t had the easiest road since new head coach John Tortorella took over behind the bench, but Columbus has rebounded to an even 5-5 record in that time span, and they certainly have been playing better.

Pittsburgh themselves have had a strange year on the offensive side of the puck. Despite all the talent the Penguins have, they’ve only produced 35 goals in 16 games, sitting them near the bottom of the league in goals per game at 2.19. Columbus, despite the threat the Penguins offense has, had no difficulty curbing Pittsburgh’s offense until the final moments. Even then, the Penguins had dug themselves into too much of a hole to climb out, despite the furious last few minutes.

We won’t tell on your telestrator fun, Anaheim.

Immediately after his 2-0 goal that doubled the Blue Jacket lead midway through the second period, Saad was so overcome with emotion after scoring his sixth tally of the year, he hugged the closest person to him. Fleury, however, happened to be Saad’s closest target and took the brunt of the hug, until he could get his glove in between them to push him away.

It’s a great goal by Frolik, but Bennett’s even better moves make the play happen.