In the first of two back-to-back games this weekend, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 6-4 to the Ottawa Senators on Friday night at Scotiabank place. A fast and furious eight goal second period was the difference. Brent Johnson, who was given the start to rest Marc-Andre Fleury before tomorrow's game against the Sabres, allowed five goals on just 10 shots in the second period. The disappointing performance from Johnson led Dan Bylsma to make the call for Fleury in the third period with the Pens down 5-3 with about fifteen minutes remaining.
But even with Fleury in net, the Senators would extend their lead to 6-3 when Jason Spezza went five hole on the Pittsburgh netminder. Spezza finished the night with four points for Ottawa, scoring two goals and adding two assists in that wild second period.
With a minute remaining in the game, Chris Kunitz scored his tenth of the season to cut it to 6-4 but it was obviously too little too late for Pittsburgh. While the Pens managed three goals in the second, including two on the power play, they were outpaced by the peppering of Johnson. Without Sidney Crosby, and Jordan Staal, who was scratched due to the continuing lower body injury, the Pens simply could not afford to give up six goals. They have little time to lick their wounds, as they return home to face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.
For more on the Penguins, please visit Pensburgh, SB Nation's Penguins blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit Silver Seven, SB Nation's Senators blog.