It was an unforgettable night at PPG Paints Arena as two Penguins achieved major milestones in an overtime win over Buffalo. Paul Steigerwald has the remarkable story.
Six different players scored the six Penguins goals. In addition to Malkin’s 500th and Crosby’s game-winner, goals were scored by Bryan Rust, Drew O’Connor, Jesse Puljujärvi, and Rickard Rakell. O’Connor’s goal was the Pens’ first shorthanded goal of the season, off a steal by Noel Acciari. Rakell’s game-tying score came at 19:14 of the third period with the goaltender pulled.
Coach Mike Sullivan says the Penguins as a team celebrated Malkin’s accomplishment, and it was truly special because of Crosby’s assist.
Sullivan says the Penguins picked up their game when Joel Blomqvist replaced Tristan Jarry in net.
The goals keep coming from the bottom six forwards, something Sullivan says are essential for a team to win consistently.
Crosby says he wanted to help Malkin score his 500th goal, because Malkin assisted when he scored his 500th.
With Bryan Rust now fully returned from injury, the Penguins assigned Rutger McGroarty to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton yesterday in order for him to get regular playing time. He had dressed for three of the Pens’ four games this season and recorded no points in just 11:37 of ice time.
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