The Pittsburgh Penguins faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday night. The first period proved shaky for the Penguins after a 2-0 Flyers lead with two power-play goals. However, the Penguins came into the second period ready to play hockey, taking the lead with three goals.
Phil Kessel scored the Penguins fourth goal of the night, taking the lead 4-2 in the third period. However, the Flyers came back scoring yet another power-play goal, fighting for the tie. However, the Penguins held their ground, ending their eight-game losing streak with a 4-3 win.
Power Play After Power Play
Both the Penguins and the Flyers took advantage of the night’s power plays, with the Flyers scoring each goal of the night on power plays. Claude Giroux of the Flyers scored the final goal of the night for the Flyers on a power play with less than five minutes left in the third period.
Penguins Sidney Crosby and Kessel worked together at the end of the second to score the third goal of the night after a penalty against the Flyers gave them a one-man advantage.
Carl Hagelin
Penguins forward Carl Hagelin added speed and aggression to the night’s game, assisting Kessel on his third-period goal. Not only is he aggressive, but he is vital when it comes to power plays. As a former New York Rangers player, Hagelin played a vital role in the power plays, landing the team sixth-best in the NHL for penalty kills. Pittsburgh is currently tied for fifth best in the NHL.
Crosby and Fleury
Not only are the Penguin’s recent trades paying off, but current players are picking up the slack. Sidney Crosby ended the night’s game with two points, one goal and one assist. Coming out of a recent and prolonged slump, Crosby is once again starting to make the plays and goals of earlier this season.
Marc-Andre Fleury made some impressive saves throughout the night, saving the Penguins from the possibility of losing the game during the end of the third period.
What’s Next?
The Penguins take on the Vancouver Canucks this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center.
