Sidney Crosby led his Penguins past the Blue Jackets in their building by the final score of 5-2.
Pittsburgh opened the scoring with Brian Dumoulin’s third goal of the season. Crosby and Kris Letang had the helpers.
Columbus bounced back with their only goals of the game, coming after the first goal in the first period. Gustav Nyquist beat Malkin and DeSmith on the break to the net for his 10th of the season, being his 4th short handed as well. The short handed goal was unassisted. The final Columbus goal came from the captain within the final 75 seconds for Boone Jenner’s team leading 16th maker of the season. His goal was supported by Jake Voracek and Patrik Laine apples.
With 29 seconds left in the first period, Sidney Crosby put up his 8th goal of the season, and first of the game. Bryan Rust and Jake Guentzel had the assists.
With the switch in goaltenders, Columbus failed to score any further goals, while Pittsburgh added 3 in the final 3rd period. Michael Matheson’s slap shot was credited with the game winner for his 6th of the year; Dumoulin and Danton Heinen had the assists. Crosby’s second came off the power play for his 9th in the shortened campaign; Rust and Geno had the helpers. Sid’s hattrick came off the empty net for his 10th; Matheson and Dumoulin had the apples.
Casey DeSmith stopped 10 of 12 for a 0.833 save percentage; Jarry stopped all 15 shots for a 100%. Joonas Korpisalo remained in the net for Columbus besides the empty netter. Korpi stopped 26 of 30 shots for a 0.867 save percentage.
CBJ 3 Stars Of The Game
1. Gustav Nyquist— SHG (10)
2. Boone Jenner— goal (16)
3. Joonas Korpisalo— 26 saves on 30 shots faced; 86.7 save percentage
Thoughts? Was Korpisalo being show-cased to Pittsburgh? More to come…
Fans follow me on the Twitter feed @ZakMacBuzz