Despite missing players due to illness and facing a hot goaltender, the Pittsburgh Penguins played a strong game and came through with yet another home win as they were able to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 1-0 in overtime for their fourth consecutive win on Consol Energy Center ice.
Blake Comeau scored the game-winning overtime goal at 2:24 of the extra period. It was the tenth game-winning goal of his career, and his third this season. Evgeni Malkin assisted Comeau’s goal, which increased his point streak to six consecutive games. It’s the third time this season Malkin has had a point streak of six or more games. Rob Scuderi also assisted on the goal.
“I feel like I got a lot of confidence back this year,” said Comeau. “Obviously, there’s going to be mistakes made, but I don’t feel like if I make one mistake, that opportunity will be taken away. Obviously, if I keep making mistakes, then things are going to change, but as of right now I want to keep going the way I am.”
Marc-Andre Fleury established a new career high of six shutouts on the season by stopping all of Colorado’s 29 shots. In his last 12 games, Fleury has only one regulation loss and a 1.87 goals-against average.
The team’s injury news was a mixed bag. Captain Sidney Crosby made his return from the mumps but was held scoreless in 20:19 of ice time, including a breakaway chance early in the third that was denied by Colorado goaltender Calvin Pickard.
Pickard was exceptional for the Avalanche, making 47 saves, including 23 in the third period and overtime. The Penguins outshot the Avalanche 48-29 and their record is 13-1-3 when taking at least 30 shots this season.
Defensemen Olli Maatta and Robert Bortuzzo and goaltender Thomas Greiss remained quarantined from the team while awaiting tests for the mumps. Chris Kunitz, who is recovering from a broken foot, has been practicing with the team, but is not yet cleared for contact, and did not play. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff left the game after the first period but is still being evaluated.
“Our players have responded well, they’ve adapted to the players in our lineup, and new people coming up, and we still collected points, and its really important heading into three more games to the Christmas break that we continue in that mind set and we’ve got to get more points, and we’ve got to push as hard as we can for those three games.” said head coach Mike Johnston on the adversity his team has faced.
Penguins defenseman Scott Harrington played in his first NHL game. The 21-year old Kingston, Ontario native had a shot and two blocks in 13:33 minutes of ice time. He is the eighth blueliner to dress for the Pens this season.
“It was great,” said Harrington. “It was exciting; a lot of emotions and a little bit of nerves to start the game. I felt more comfortable every shift as the game went on. The guys did a great job of helping me out on the bench and on the ice. We talked a lot and they were really patient with me and made the game a lot easier for myself.”
Jeff Zatkoff was also dressed for the first time this season as Fleury’s backup, but did not see any action.
Photo credit: NHL
