Penguins freefall; energy, chances, but a painful loss

This article originally appeared on PGHHockeyNOW.

Their exasperation was cast aside for energy. The desperation for a win was immediately obvious. Yet the Pittsburgh Penguins’ (14-11-9) effort was counterbalanced by mistakes, and despite good performances throughout the lineup, they were still beaten by the Montreal Canadiens, 4-0 at Bell Centre Saturday.

The Penguins are winless in eight games, going back to their improbable and controversial 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 4. Saturday’s defeat was yet another gutwrenching loss for a team that has lost games in every conceivable way, and some inconceivable ways, during the current streak.