Will 2nd time be the charm?
PITTSBURGH — John LeClair has been in the NHL for 15 seasons and has played in 916 games. Through that much time, surely, the Pittsburgh Penguins left winger had seen it all, experienced every type of game imaginable.
But when LeClair was asked how to bounce back from a game like the 7-1 defeat to the New York Rangers on Saturday, he interrupted the reporter before the question was even finished.
"I've never been a part of anything like that game," LeClair said.
Pittsburgh not only lost by six goals, it was outshot, 51-14, including 16-2 in the second period. Pittsburgh allowed seven Rangers power plays. The Penguins had only two.
It was the epitome of an NHL domination.
"We're all kind of embarrassed by it," LeClair said. "We know that's not the way we have to perform. But it's over. There's nothing you can do about it now. All it can do is ensure we work harder and do things better this time."
That is the silver lining for the Penguins: They have a "this time" to get things right. In an extremely rare quirk in the NHL schedule, the Penguins will play the second of two consecutive games at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
"It's good we can show we can do better than last game," said goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, who allowed all seven goals and will start again Wednesday.
Penguins coach Michel Therrien said he was eager to see how his team responded. The team had three days off between games, traveled home and practiced twice.
"There's no doubt in my mind we are going to play a better game," Therrien said. "I think the players have some pride. They want to bounce back. It's all about attitude and what kind of attitude the players display. I'm confident they have what it takes."
One attempted lineup change will not happen: The team lost forward Rico Fata when the Atlanta Thrashers claimed him during re-entry waivers after the Penguins recalled the 25-year-old from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
The collective bargaining agreement states that once a player reaches certain thresholds of NHL experience, he must pass through waivers each time he is sent down or called up from the minor leagues.
Therrien saw the AHL Penguins play Saturday and Sunday and was impressed with Fata, who was scoreless in 20 NHL games earlier this season but had eight goals and 10 assists in 25 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
"I liked the way he played; that's why we called him up," Therrien said. "He played with confidence. We wish him the best in Atlanta."
Fata was acquired via a trade with the New York Rangers in February 2003. Pittsburgh had sent down center Maxime Talbot Monday. Therrien said no one will be immediately recalled to replace the roster spot.
