Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust each netted their 20th goal of the season as the Pittsburgh Penguins secured a 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Crosby sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final second, following a tense scramble in front of the Penguins’ net, during which the Devils nearly tied the game.
With that goal, Crosby surpassed franchise legends Evgeni Malkin and Mario Lemieux for the 20-goal seasons in Pittsburgh’s history, becoming the 36th player in NHL history to record 13 or more seasons with 20-plus goals.
“Scoring 20 goals in this league is never easy,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. “The guys who consistently hit that milestone are truly exceptional players.”
Jeff Carter, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Kings, scored his 10th goal of the season and second in three games. Casey DeSmith made 34 saves, and Jared McCann added a power-play goal as the Penguins continued their strong run, with 13 wins and points in 15 of their last 18 games.
Pittsburgh completed a three-game sweep of New Jersey, extending their home point streak to nine games and claiming nine victories in their last 12 encounters with the Devils.
The Devils, struggling with a nine-game losing streak and 13 losses in their last 14 games, saw goals from Miles Wood and Jack Hughes. Returning from an upper-body injury, Mackenzie Blackwood made 36 saves but remains winless in his last nine starts since March 30.
“We need to step up and get a win because I’m tired of losing,” said Wood.
Carter scored at 9:41 of the first period, capitalizing on a loose puck off Jason Zucker’s stick to beat Blackwood from the right faceoff circle. McCann followed up with his team-leading seventh power-play goal, diving to convert a rebound over Blackwood’s pad for his 13th goal of the season.
Rust extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 3-0 early in the second period, deflecting a point shot from Cody Ceci off his shin pad and into the net. Hughes responded for the Devils, making it 3-1 midway through the period by capitalizing on a loose puck off Yegor Sharangovich’s stick.
Wood brought the Devils within one goal in the third period, scoring off a pass from Ryan Murray after DeSmith committed to the initial shot. Damon Severson’s assist on Wood’s goal tied him with Ken Daneyko for seventh in Devils history for points by a defenseman.
“Everyone’s frustrated with losing, but the effort we put in kept the game close and gave us a chance,” said Devils coach Lindy Ruff.
CROSBY MAKES HISTORY
Crosby’s late goal also ensured he averaged at least a point per game for the 16th season, joining Wayne Gretzky as the only player in NHL history to achieve that in their first 16 seasons. Crosby now has 55 points in 47 games.
“Anytime you’re mentioned alongside Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, it’s a huge honor,” said Crosby. “It’s a privilege to be in that company.”
Sullivan praised Crosby as a generational talent, saying, “These milestones are a testament to the legacy Sid is building. He’s making a strong case as one of the greatest players ever.”
INJURY UPDATE
Malkin skated before Saturday’s game, wearing a no-contact jersey as he recovers from a lower-body injury sustained on March 16. Brandon Tanev and Frederick Gaudreau, both out for multiple games, also skated before the game.
Devils center Janne Kuokkanen missed Saturday’s game due to a hand injury, and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler was absent after being added to the COVID-19 protocol list.
RUST HITTING MILESTONES
Rust, scoring 20 goals for the second consecutive season, is now two goals away from reaching 100 in his career. He has been particularly effective against the Devils, with points in 12 of his last 13 games against them, including nine goals and 17 points.
“I can’t think of another player who has developed his game as much as Rust,” Sullivan said. “He’s always been solid, but his offensive growth over the years has been remarkable.”
UP NEXT
- Devils: Travel to Philadelphia on Sunday for a four-game series against the Flyers.
- Penguins: Continue their five-game homestand Sunday against the Boston Bruins.
