* It was another tough pill for the Pens to swallow. They carried the play for two of the three periods. But a lackluster second period was all it took for another loss. A mere 20 minutes of poor play cost them two important points in the standings. It is another lesson that as talented as the Pens are, they can't let up against anyone.
* The loss was all the more a shame because Pittsburgh had an incredible start. They scored two goals in the opening 20 minutes - including one on the power play - and held a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. But that's where things turned.
* As good as the start was for the Pens in the first period, that was how bad things went in the second period. Pittsburgh surrendered three goals in the middle frame, flipping a 2-0 lead into a 3-2 deficit.
The Pens were on their heels the entire period and had no push back or answer for Anaheim's aggressive play. The Ducks racked up 18 total shots in the period and tallied twice in a 3:26-minute span early to tie the game at 2-2. Ondrej Kase's goal off of an offensive zone faceoff win gave Anaheim a lead with just 1:13 remaining.
The Pens were hoping to get out of the second period tied, but they couldn't hold serve. Regardless of their efforts in the third period, it wasn't enough to overcome their rough second period.
* The Pens had an incredible opportunity to get the game even early in the third period, but couldn't convert. Anaheim committed two infractions - leading to an extended power play and a 17-second two-man advantage.
The Pens were able to generate a few chances, but never managed to calm the puck and set up their power play. The Ducks were pressuring hard and forcing the Pens to move the puck and make quick decisions. Pittsburgh couldn't out pass Anaheim's pursuit game, and never gave itself a chance to set the stage.
* Forward Bryan Rust has been playing out of his mind as of late. Since snapping his 21-game goal-less drought, Rust has picked up five goals and six points in the past four games, including his second-career hat trick.
Rust picked up one of those goals in the opening period. He collected a rebound at the side of the cage and alertly realized that goaltender John Gibson was slightly off of his post. Rust lifted the puck through the tiny opening to record his sixth goal of the season.
Rust also got it done at the other side of the ice. Jakob Silfverberg found a rebounded puck on his stick and a vacant net at which to shoot. Rust did a two-pad stack slide to kick away his scoring chance.
* Winger Daniel Sprong drew blood against his former team. Sprong picked up an assist in the third period to record a point against his pervious employer. Sprong was certainly motivated in the game, notching four shots on goal. But more importantly, he leaves Pittsburgh with a win.
