Schenn scores twice as Flyers stymie Penguins

Brayden Schenn scored twice and Ray Emery made 30 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers won their third straight game while handing the Penguins their third straight defeat.

Pittsburgh struggled, once again, on the power play (1-4) and at even strength, being shut out in five on five play for the third straight game.

Sidney Crosby’s line came out flying in the opening seconds of the game.  Crosby was stopped on a partial breakaway before Chris Kunitz allegedly scored off his own rebound.  However, video review showed Kunitz kicked the puck into the 4 x 6 with his right skate.

After Robert Bortuzzo and the Penguins had a bad penalty, the Flyers gained momentum midway through the first period.  Philadelphia had a great shift that may have resulted in a goal, if not for a heroic effort by Tanner Glass, blocking three shots.

On the next shift, Brayden Schenn gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead.  Wayne Simmonds won a puck battle behind the net and found Schenn on the left wing circle.  Schenn’s fired a wrist shot that beat Marc-Andre Fleury over his left shoulder.

The Penguins answered with a goal from Crosby 8:29 into the second period on the third power play of the game for Pittsburgh.  Evgeni Malkin wired a pass from the half boards to Crosby who was parked in front of the net for the easy tip in.

Philly regained the lead on Schenn’s second of the game.  The Penguins killed a 5 on 3 power play but couldn’t clear the puck before Pascal Dupuis’s penalty concluded.  Jakub Voracek’s shot from the point was deflected by Steve Downie and hit the right post.  Schenn went around Kris Letang and buried the puck.

In the dying seconds of the second period, Crosby had a backhanded chance in front but Ray Emery stonewalled him with a left pad save as time expired.

Pittsburgh titled the ice with five minutes to go but the Flyers defense held up, preventing the Penguins from getting any strong chances.

• Schenn’s power play goal broke a goal less streak for Pittsburgh opponents with the man advantage of 18 straight opportunities.
• Crosby’s goal was the 30th of his career against the Flyers.
• Evgeni Malkin has gone scoreless for 11 straight games but has a point in five straight.

Photo courtesy of NHL.com