Jesper Bratt scored on a late penalty shot to spoil Sidney Crosby’s season debut as the New Jersey Devils defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Saturday night.
With three minutes left in the game, Crosby pulled down Bratt in the slot, leading to the crucial penalty shot. Bratt skated to the right and slipped a backhander past Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, sealing the Devils’ victory.
“It was just nice to see it go in finally,” Bratt said. “I’ve been struggling to find the back of the net.”
Crosby, returning after missing the Penguins’ first seven games due to wrist surgery on Sept. 8, had a challenging night. Jeff Carter also returned for Pittsburgh after missing three games in COVID-19 protocol.
“It’s always a unique dynamic when bringing players back into the lineup,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. “Everyone has to contribute positively, but we didn’t do that as a team tonight.”
Andreas Johnsson scored twice for the Devils, including an empty-netter, while Jimmy Vesey added a short-handed goal. Jonathan Bernier made 33 saves, helping New Jersey improve to four wins in their first six games. Bernier was particularly clutch in the third period, making key stops on Jake Guentzel and Kasperi Kapanen during a Penguins power play.
“We came into this game with a clear focus after a performance we weren’t happy with,” said Johnsson. “Everyone was ready to do their job from the start.”
Danton Heinen and Brock McGinn scored for Pittsburgh, who have now been outscored 13-3 during a three-game losing streak after starting the season on a five-game point streak. Jarry finished with 36 saves.
“I don’t think we played well,” Sullivan said. “We had some moments, but overall, we weren’t good enough, and our attention to detail wasn’t there.”
Heinen opened the scoring for Pittsburgh midway through the first period, assisted by Juuso Riikola, who played his first NHL game in nine months. Riikola recorded his first point since January 2020.
CRITICAL CROSBY
Crosby was self-critical after his first game back from surgery, finishing with a minus-3 rating, two shots on goal, and 19:16 ice time.
“I love being back with the guys, but I didn’t play well, and that’s frustrating,” Crosby admitted. “I have some work to do.”
Crosby’s tripping penalty on Bratt led to the decisive penalty shot, and he also misplayed a pass that resulted in Vesey’s short-handed goal. Crosby struggled in the faceoff circle, winning just 8 of 23 draws.
“We all have high expectations of him,” Sullivan said. “It’s tough to jump into a regular-season game after what he’s been through. He expects much of himself, but he’ll improve with each game.”
WELCOME BACK
Crosby resumed his role as Pittsburgh’s first-line center, playing alongside Evan Rodrigues and Jake Guentzel. In his 17th NHL season, Crosby tied Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux for the most games played with the Penguins.
Carter anchored the second line with Evgeni Malkin still out until at least December after knee surgery. Malkin and forward Bryan Rust are skating independently, while defenseman Kris Letang remains in COVID-19 protocol.
DEVILS INJURY UPDATE
Bernier returned to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is also nearing a return from his own lower-body injury.
Jack Hughes will be sidelined for at least five more weeks with a dislocated left shoulder. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick was injured on Oct. 19 and had two goals in the Devils’ season-opening win.
UP NEXT
- Devils: Host Columbus on Sunday night.
- Penguins: Host Philadelphia on Thursday night.
