The Pittsburgh Penguins, looking to bounce back from a shaky finish in their previous game against the New Jersey Devils, took control early and never let up in a decisive 5-1 victory on Thursday night.
Team captain Sidney Crosby set the tone right from the opening shift, scoring 41 seconds into the game. Crosby and Bryan Rust each tallied their 19th goals of the season as the Penguins secured their 12th win in their last 17 games (12-2-2).
“(Crosby) wanted to make a statement, and he did just that,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “How he and his line dominated that first shift set the tone for the rest of the game. It was a great example of his leadership.”
Kasperi Kapanen returned to the lineup after missing 13 games with a left foot injury, contributing a goal and an assist. Teddy Blueger added a short-handed goal, and Cody Ceci also found the back of the net for Pittsburgh.
In contrast to their previous matchup, where the Penguins nearly blew a six-goal lead, they held firm this time. Goalie Tristan Jarry, who allowed six goals in the third period on Tuesday, redeemed himself with 30 saves.
“We have a core of players who understand how to win,” Sullivan said. “Our veteran leadership guides the team, and everyone else follows.”
Matt Tennyson scored for the Devils, marking his first goal since December 2015 when he was with San Jose. New Jersey’s goaltender Aaron Dell was pulled in the second period after allowing four goals on 15 shots, making way for Scott Wedgewood, who stopped seven shots. The loss extended New Jersey’s skid to eight straight games.
The teams will conclude their three-game series in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
“We’re in a tough spot right now,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “We need key saves at crucial moments, but we’re not getting them. At the same time, we need to reduce the mistakes that put us in this position.”
Pittsburgh broke open the game with three goals on their first four shots of the second period, turning a 1-0 lead into a commanding 5-1 advantage. Rust capped a 2-on-1 rush with a one-timer from Jake Guentzel at 12:03. Just 25 seconds later, Kapanen used his speed to skate around defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler and beat Dell. Blueger then netted his third goal in as many games at 15:59, giving the Penguins a four-goal cushion.
Crosby got Pittsburgh on the board early, picking off a pass near the top of the left circle and lifting a shot over Dell’s shoulder. It marked the 13th time in Crosby’s career that he has scored in the opening minute of a game, tying him with Mark Messier for the most in NHL history.
“We wanted to start strong after what happened last game,” Crosby said. “Getting that early goal set the tone and got us in the right mindset.”
WELCOME BACK, KAPANEN
Kapanen, who started on the fourth line to manage his minutes, quickly made an impact. Despite limited ice time, he showed why he was so effective earlier in the season, scoring four goals and adding seven assists before his injury.
“I felt good out there,” Kapanen said. “Coach did a great job of easing me back in, and it was just exciting to be back on the ice.”
The Devils welcomed Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt, who returned from lower-body injuries. Zacha and Bratt, tied for the team lead with 25 points each, tried to jumpstart the Devils’ offense but could not overcome Pittsburgh’s early surge.
CROSBY CHASING HISTORY
Crosby is on the verge of several milestones. With 54 points in 46 games, he is just one point away from securing his 16th consecutive season averaging at least one point per game, a feat only Wayne Gretzky has achieved. Crosby is also one goal shy of becoming the first player in Penguins history to record 13 seasons with 20 or more goals.
DOMINATING THE DEVILS
Rust has been particularly effective against New Jersey, registering points in 11 of his last 12 games against them, including eight goals and 16 points. Guentzel has also been a thorn in the Devils’ side, extending his point streak to eight games against them.
UP NEXT
- Rangers: Travel to Long Island to face the Islanders on Tuesday.
- Devils: Continue their series against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
