The Pittsburgh Penguins added two more goals in the second period and took a 4-2 lead over the Boston Bruins into the second intermission at TD Garden. The Pens scored two late and impressive power play goals to re-take control. Boston's Milan Lucic tied it up just 18 seconds into the period, beating Brent Johnson down low for his 25th goal of the year.
In what became a chippy second period, the Pens took total advantage of two Boston penalties in the final three minutes of the second period. The first was a charging call on Daniel Paille, who slammed into Matt Niskanen at full speed as Niskanen went to play a puck in the corner. The Pens defenseman hobbled off and went straight to the locker room an Paille went straight to the box. Just seconds later as the Pens started on the power play, Rich Peverley was whistled for a high-sticking penalty on Kris Letang at the blue line. There was certainly a bit of acting on the part of Letang, as he snapped his head back even though Peverley's stick did not connect above the shoulder. The Bruins were incensed, but Pittsburgh buckled down and went to work with the two-man advantage.
The first goal was James Neal's 40th of the season, as he ripped a shot high past Marty Turco off a feed from Sidney Crosby. The Pens moved the puck perfectly around the ice, and Crosby tried to hit Chris Kuntiz in front but he fanned as the Bruins defensemen swarmed. But the puck went right through to Neal who buried it.
Still holding a man-advantage, the Pens would add to the lead less than a minute later with Peverley still in the box. In the interim, Andrew Ference went right after Neal and both dropped the gloves, landing some big blows. That scuffle interrupted the power play momentarily but the Pens would quickly get the puck moving again. Sidney Crosby scored his second goal of the night, taking a great pass from Letang and quickly slamming it home. Letang picked up a loose puck and coyly skated across the ice and appeared ready to fire a shot. Instead, he faked and sent a pass to Crosby.
It could certainly be a chippy third period, as the Bruins were furious with Letang and they've also been in Neal's face all evening.
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