The Penguins went to Detroit last night and fielded a regular NHL lineup, coming up with a 5-1 win but losing goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic with a suspected leg injury. He was hurt in a goal-mouth scrum and was replaced by minor league prospect Joel Blomqvist, who stopped 20 of 21 shots the rest of the way.
Noel Acciari scored two goals and Drew O’Connor and Lars Eller each added scores. Rookie Alex Ponomarev scored into the empty net at the 18:11 mark of the third period.
Coach Mike Sullivan was happy to see O’Connor get his first goal. He says O’Connor is coming into his own, and it shows in his body language.
The Penguins killed off five of six power plays and scored once on five power play chances, on O’Connor’s first period goal opening the scoring.
Sullivan says the Penguins’ penalty killers know their business and play off each other.
The Penguins play the Red Wings again tonight at PPG Paints Arena.
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