While Sunday’s game between the Penguins and Bruins wasn’t an offensive showcase, the atmosphere around it had that similar to a playoff game. The Penguins were the lone scorers in the game, edging the Bruins, 1-0.
Jake Guentzel snuck the puck past Jeremy Swayman in the third period to break the scoreless tie. He would be assisted by Brian Dumoulin and Sidney Crosby. Guentzel also forced Boston into a shorthanded scenario in the final two minutes of the game after drawing a slashing penalty. With the situation, the Bruins were forced to either keep a 5-on-4 disadvantage or pull their goalie to even the draw.
Guentzel said after the game that he was just trying to help his team lock in two crucial points.
Tristan Jarry earned the shutout from the net after saving all 30 shots he faced. His last stop came with 22 seconds left in the game as he deflected a shot-on-goal by Boston’s Craig Smith.
Coach Mike Sullivan said that this was a game the Penguins needed in order to secure a comfort zone in a tight game.
Sullivan also pointed out the resemblance this game had to playoff hockey.
The Penguins are in first place in the East Division, just one point ahead of Washington, which has 66. The Penguins captured first place temporarily on Saturday afternoon before the Capitals took it back on Saturday night.
The Penguins return to face Boston on Tuesday then they will face Washington in a two-game set beginning on Thursday.
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