It was a happy New year indeed, when the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 on Wednesday night and ended their season high four-game winless stretch (0-3-1). It was the Penguins first home game on New Year’s Eve in ten years.
Brandon Sutter scored the game winning goal with 1:42 left in the 3rd period, the 14th game-winning goal of his career. Sutter used to play for the Hurricanes, and this was his first goal scored against them.
Beau Bennett was back in the Penguins lineup after being out for 16 games due to a knee injury and the mumps. He came back strong by assisting on both of the Penguins goals.
“The first period we didn’t really get as many shots as we wanted to, and we started to tilt the ice in the second, and in the third we really wanted to get that win in regulation.” said Bennett.
“I took a couple big hits and felt fine, I was pretty lucky out there not to get injured, it was a good game.”
“I liked the line, I really did,” said Penguins head coach Mike Johnston. “Sutter and Bennett show good chemistry.”
“Its always fun playing against your old team,” said Sutter “I’ve got some pretty good friends over there, and it’s always some fun competition, especially when we beat them.”
Chris Kunitz scored his 11th goal of the season, placing him in fourth place on the team in points. Andrew Ebbett recorded an assist, his third of the season.
Marc-Andre Fleury had his season-high eighth consecutive start and made 21 saves while earning his 20th win of the season.
“It seems forever since we got a win,” said Fleury. “[It’s a] good feeling we’re all home, it was a tough battle and a close game at the end”
