The Pittsburgh Penguins had issues protecting leads on their trip to western Canada, but we’re finally able to do so Saturday night in Calgary.
In Vancouver, the Penguins lost a 2-0 lead and were down 4-2 before coming back to win in overtime. On Friday, the Edmonton Oilers completed a two goal deficit to win in overtime with a power play goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Chris Kunitz and Matt Niskanen scored as the Penguins narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory over the struggling Flames.
Kunitz scored his 24th of the season late in the first period. He gathered the puck along the right wing circle and beat goaltender Reto Berra with a sneaky shot that went short-side into the net from a sharp angle.
Matt Niskanen scored 6:42 into the second period to give Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead, something they had in all three games on their western swing.
Marc-Andre Fleury protected the lead through the first two periods with a few excellent saves including a diving save that was stopped by the back of his helmet.
The Flames eventually scored 11:29 into the third period. Mikael Backlund scored just his sixth of the season while both teams were skating 4 on 4. But Calgary failed to take advantage of a five minute power play when Robert Bortuzzo was called for a major penalty after a vicious hit on Mark Giordano.
Calgary pulled the goalie late in the game but the Penguins were able to hold on for their fourth and fifth points of the trip.
- Backlund’s goal broke a scoreless streak for the Flames that lasted over 174 minutes.
- Calgary has scored just 12 goals in his last 11 starts.
- Crosby was held without a point for just the second time in the last 23 games.
Three Stars
- Marc-Andre Fleury
- Mikael Backlund
- Matt Niskanen
Photo courtesy of NHL.com
