The Penguins took a bad -and costly – loss to Columbus last night, giving up not only a game but crucial playoff positioning. Here’s Paul Steigerwald.
The loss frustrated coach Mike Sullivan.
In addition to Rakell’s two third period goals, his 19th and 20th of the season, the Pens got a score from forward Michael Bunting, his 13th.
In the shootout, the Blue Jackets’ Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko both beat Jarry. The Pens’ Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust both failed against Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
Sullivan says goaltender Tristan Jarry has to be better.
Evgeni Malkin missed the game with an undisclosed injury, his first absence after playing in 209 straight. Sullivan would not say afterward what the injury was or when it occurred, but Malkin was a full participant in the morning skate and showed no signs of a problem.
The high-powered Edmonton Oilers visit PPG Paints Arena tomorrow night. The two teams have played once before this season, a 4-0 Oilers win in Edmonton on October 25th.
