Pens-Canes: Crosby Shotless in Victory

Despite the fact that Sidney Crosby didn’t even register a shot on goal, the Pittsburgh Penguins eked a 3-2 win with the help of the most unlikely hero.

Phillipe Boucher not only scored the winner but added an assist.

Boucher, who was a last minute addition to the Pens defence crew, certainly took advantage of his good fortunes. 

This game most certainly could have gone into overtime as Eric Staal's point blank shot at an empty net slid underneath a sprawling Fleury with minutes to go and remained out of the net. 

Think about a game when the leading scorer of the playoffs doesn’t get a shot on goal and a last minute decision player, Boucher—who played only eight minutes—single handedly beat the Canes.  It was his first playoff goal since 2004.

If Erik Cole had not pushed Hal Gill into Marc-Andre Fleury—nullifying a Hurricane goal—the outcome might have been much different. Both goalies played outstanding games. Fleury stoned Jokinen at 8:39 of the second and Cam Ward did everything but stand on his head throughout the game. 

This was a very interesting game, that really didn’t suggest any portent as to which team will go ahead to play for the Stanley Cup. Few of the stars shone, but one can be sure that the key players have yet to show their brilliance.

I still think the Penguins in five, Momma Gouche.