* This was about as entertaining a game as it gets for such a low-scoring affair. The flow was fantastic as both teams played with pace, got up and down the ice with speed and created a lot of quality scoring chances. It was a fairly even game on both sides, and a night where the Pens deserved better than what they got.
* The goaltenders were the stars of the show, as they spent the night trading quality saves. Rookie netminder Casey DeSmith looked terrific in his second-straight start. He's not a big goalie at just 6-feet, but he's incredibly quick and that athleticism stood out. What also stood out is how controlled that athleticism was. He was never frantic and played a calm, composed game without many wasted movements. At the other end, Aaron Dell shut it down after allowing a goal early in the first, coming up with some unbelievable saves on scrambles.
* The difference in the game was the power play. The Pens weren't able to score on any of their three opportunities, while the Sharks converted one early in the third for the game-winner. It's a shame, especially considering how good the Pens PK had been all night. But the Sharks were finally able to get one by DeSmith on their third try of the evening.
* Conor Sheary scored the Pens' only goal just 3:18 into the game off a quick transition by his line, making this the fifth straight game the Pens have gotten on the board first. Sidney Crosby got it over to Dominik Simon, who put a shot on net. The rebound popped right to Sheary, who buried it and broke a 7-game goalless streak. He left in the second period after blocking a shot, but was able to return for the third. He's had some extra jump since being reunited with Crosby last game.
* Crosby's helper on Sheary's goal extended his assist/point streak to seven games. The captain has three goals, 12 assists and 15 points over that span. He currently owns the NHL's longest active assist streak.
