Jake Guentzel’s 100th career goal was the game-winner for the Penguins last night as they came from behind yet again to beat the New York Rangers, 3-2. The Pens have won four straight, all after falling behind.
Down 1-0 in the second period, forward Bryan Rust, playing on the first line because Evan Rodrigues had left the game injured, took a long lead pass from Sidney Crosby and slipped the puck through the legs of goaltender Igor Shesterkin to tie the game. But the Rangers went back in front late in the period, before Jared McCann’s fluttering shot from the wall somehow got by Shesterkin to tie it again at 2;26 of the third period.
Then at the 18:29 mark, Guentzel took a pass from Kris Letang in the Rangers’ zone and blasted a wrister that eluded Shesterkin the game-winner.
Coach Mike Sullivan was impressed by the versatility of Bryan Rust, who switched lines after Rodrigues’ injury and was immediately in sync with Crosby and Guentzel.
Guentzel was happy that his 100th career goal was a game-winner.
Defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, who helped set up McCann’s goal, says it’s important that the Penguins have strung together four straight wins.
Evgeni Malkin continues to struggle. His ice time was cut to just 14:23, the lowest of his career, and he had no shots on goal as he skated listlessly yet again. The Penguins were outshot, 26-19.
The Penguins open a two-game series against the Bruins in Boston tomorrow night. Airtime on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel is 6:00.
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