The Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Boston Bruins Monday night, defeating their nemesis 3-2 in overtime.
The Pens started the game off right with a goal from Sidney Crosby with 16:27 left in the first period. Craig Adams recorded his 100th career assist by helping Crosby score, along with help from Kris Letang.
“We tried it a couple games ago, and I really liked them together, I was hesitant earlier in the year, I wanted to get a little bit of balance, but they have some great chemistry when they’re out there 4-on-4 and they’re dangerous on the rush as you saw, it was a great play from Sid to Geno, really what made the play was I saw Letang going for the net, he went right through the middle of the ice and created hesitation by their defense it was nice to have that option on the bench for sure.” said Mike Johnston about the 4- on-4 play.
Paul Martin was sent to the penalty box with 14:53 remaining in the first, but Pittsburgh successfully fought off the penalty and returned once again. After 20 minutes of play, the Pens led 1-0.
After the puck dropped for the second period, the Pens were still in the lead, until Milan Lucic of the Bruins scored with 18:17 left in the period creating a 1-1 tie. The Bruins scored again, which put them temporarily in the lead.
With 11:11 left in the second period, the Pens had a second chance to score a power play goal.
“I think we did a lot of good things Sid hit the crossbar at the end on the last power play, we moved the puck well, and we did a lot of good things.” said Letang on the second chance.
Evgeni Malkin scored a power play goal, with assistance from Letang and Crosby. Once again they were tied, bringing the score to 2-2.
“I did my job you know, I pulled it big when I scored, and everyone played great tonight.” said Malkin.
The Bruins appeared to have scored a goal with 9:02 left in the period, but it was waved off after discussion from the refs, and it was determined no goal. Lucic and Despres were sent to the penalty box after a fight in front of the Pens net.
Martin was sent to the penalty box, leaving a 4- on-3 face off. Martin came back and they continued to play 5-on-5 still tied at 2-2. The second period ended and the game was still tied 2-2. Boston goals were from Morrow and Lucic, and the Pens goals were from Crosby and Malkin.
Beau Bennett returned for the third period, and with too many men on the ice for Boston, the Pens had their second chance at a power play with 2:31 left. The third period ended with a tie and they were sent into overtime.
“Beau got injured in the second period, and we just didn’t feel in the third it was worth pushing him, so we are re-evaluated tonight, they thought that he could go out, but I just didn’t think he was sharp, sometimes when that happens it’s better to put somebody else in.” said Johnston on Bennett’s absence.
Malkin scored in overtime with an ending score of 3-2, and the Pens win once again. Marc Andre Fleury earned his 300th career NHL win.
“It’s hard to realize, but I’m happy and proud and I’m fortunate to have done it with good teams.” said Fleury on his achievement.
The Pens will face Toronto on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: ESPN
