Despite missing a few key players due to injury, the Penguins cruised to a 3-1 win on Saturday after holding the New Jersey Devils in check on Power Play opportunities.
The Devils came out scoreless in shorthanded scenarios while only posting one goal on the afternoon. In addition, New Jersey coughed up the puck 22 times while the Pens gave it away on only six occasions.
Zach Aston-Reese knotted up the game at 1-1 within the first five minutes of the second period, and Bryan Rust put the Pens out in front with a Power Play goal shortly afterwards. Jake Guentzel would net an insurance goal – his 13th of the season – to ice the game in the third.
With his second period score, Aston-Reese matched his season high in goals from last year, and it comes despite him missing time at the start of the season due to surgery on his left arm. He said after the game that the surgery influenced him to get better both on and off the ice.
He also said that the Pens played aggressively on the penalty kill.
Coach Mike Sullivan highlighted that limiting the Devils’ zone time was crucial in preventing shorthand goals.
Sullivan also said that Casey DeSmith is fitting in quickly as an NHL goalie after neutralizing New Jersey’s offensive rush.
Both teams return to the ice tomorrow to face-off in the rubber match of this three-game series. Air-time on U92.5 FM and the U92 Sports Channel is at noon.
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