Typically, when a team is struggling to win, they find different ways to lose each game. The Penguins are not one of those teams. After scoring just 1 goal on 37 shots against Henrik Lundqvist Friday night, the Penguins scored 1 goal against Martin Brodeur who made 42 saves in a 3-1 defeat.
For the second straight night the Penguins scored first, taking the lead just minutes into the start of the game. But, once again, they failed to add to their lead and when the final horn had sounded, the Penguins were heading into the locker room with a fourth straight loss.
Evgeni Malkin shook off a two game point-less streak when his slapshot at the blue line blistered past Brodeur to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead 4:48 into the first period. For most of the first period, the Penguins dominated as they out shot the Devils 12-3.
With a 1-0 lead still intact, the Penguins went to the powerplay after a penalty to Eric Boulton for goaltender interference. With Steve Sullivan manning the point, Zach Parise forced a turnover which led to a breakaway for Adam Henrique. Hernrique’s initial shot was stopped by Marc-Andre Fleury who thought he had covered the puck. However, the puck squirted loose and Henrique tapped in the rebound while Fleury sat on the ice looking for the puck under his glove. The shorthanded goal was just the fourth surrendered by the Penguins all season, however it was the second straight night that they had given up a goal while on the powerplay.
The Devils took the lead less than three minutes later on a one timer from Ilya Kovalchuk. The goal marked Kovalchuk’s 15th of the season as well as Parise’s 21st assist. Henrique won the offensive zone faceoff forward and Zach Parise took the puck out of the corner to feed Kovalchuk who was planted just above the faceoff circles. Kovalchuk’s one timer, which has been a trademark to his young, successful career, blew past Fleury’s stick side.
In the third, Danius Zubrus added a powerplay goal 1:28 into the period. For future hall of fame goaltender, Martin Brodeur, it was one more goal than needed. Brodeur shut down a suddenly struggling Pens offense that registered 42 shots, limiting them to one goal. It was Brodeur 637th career win and 44th win against the Penguins who have also been the biggest thorn in Marty’s side over the years. This particular win helped the Devils in the standings as well, placing them 2 points ahead of the Penguins for third in the Atlantic Division.
- The Penguins play next on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators.
- After scoring in 8 straight games, James Neal now has 4 straight games without a point.
- The Penguins are now 7-9-0 since Kris Letang absence due to a concussion.
Photo courtesy of chron.com
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