GTOG Instant Reaction: The Neal World; Pens Win in Double OT, 3-2

By Artistry

We knew it was coming. And we knew it was coming at a big moment.

Force of Nature

For all of his struggles to put the puck in the net, there hasn't been one minute - not a single instant - that we've regretted the trade that brought James Neal to Pittsburgh.  Tonight in double OT he validated our faith in thoroughbred power forwards and humanity in general. Some quick postgame thoughts:

- The longer that game went on, the more it benefited a Penguin team that rolled four lines all night.  By contrast, 35-year-old Marty St. Louis had already played 25 minutes in regulation.  That guy is great, but  he's no Kris Letang.  Letang was born to play overtime hockey.  He saw 38 minutes of ice, and he was ready for more.

- Impressive showing by the Big Dog Eric Tangradi. Hall of Fame showing by 40-minute monster Brooks Orpik.

- Not to take anything away from Dwayne Roloson, but he sucks.

- Nothing that's happened in this series has been a surprise.  A great team takes at least a 3-0 lead into the first period intermission tonight, and the Lightning never get back in the game.  The Penguins as currently constituted are not a great team.  They'll average about 2.5 goals per game no matter the circumstances, they'll struggle on the power play, and they won't blow anyone out.  Right now they're just a good team blessed with championship role players and an elite goalie, but if they get out of the first round, look out.

Full GTOPG analysis coming Thursday.