Pittsburgh 2, New Jersey 1
When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, January 30, 2015
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Referees:
Justin St. Pierre, Steve Kozari
Linesmen:
Tim Nowak, Ryan Galloway
Attendance:
16592
By SportsDirect Inc.
Penguins 2, Devils 1 (OT): Defenseman Simon Despres scored 2:21 into overtime as visiting Pittsburgh posted just its second win in seven contests.
The Penguins enjoyed a 40-14 advantage in shots through regulation before some brilliant puck movement in overtime set up Despres, who wristed a shot from the point that sailed through traffic and past Cory Schneider. The goal was Despres' second of the season - and first since Nov. 6.
Chris Kunitz scored a power-play goal with 3:11 remaining in the third period and Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 13 saves for the Penguins, who snapped a five-game winless streak versus New Jersey. Defenseman Kris Letang notched a pair of assists and captain Sidney Crosby also set up a goal for his team-leading 52nd point.
Steve Bernier netted his fourth goal in five contests for the Devils, who saw their modest two-game winning streak come to a halt. Tying a career high with his 43rd start of the season, Schneider turned aside 41 shots in falling to 1-4-1 lifetime versus Pittsburgh.
New Jersey snapped a scoreless draw as Bernier regained the puck after it hit linesman Ryan Galloway in the back and gained a step on Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo before beating Fleury to the far post on a wraparound at 6:08 of the third period. The Penguins answered as Crosby's one-timer from the right faceoff circle produced a bouncing puck in the slot that Kunitz deftly batted home.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Penguins recorded just their second win in 10 road contests. ... Pittsburgh C Evgeni Malkin missed his fourth straight contest with a lower-body injury. In addition, Scott Harrington was inserted into the lineup in place of fellow D Christian Ehrhoff, who was sent back to the Steel City to be examined for a concussion. ... New Jersey failed to score during a 5-on-3 power play for two minutes in the first period. The Devils are 0-for-5 when enjoying a two-man advantage this season.
Top Game Performances
Pittsburgh |
|
New Jersey |
Kris Letang 2 |
Points |
Steve Bernier 1 |
Simon Despres 1 |
Goals |
Steve Bernier 1 |
Kris Letang 2 |
Assists |
Steve Bernier 0 |
Chris Kunitz 1 |
Power Play Goals |
N/A |
N/A |
Short Handed Goals |
N/A |
Marc-Andre Fleury .929 |
Save Percentage |
Cory Schneider .953 |
Marc-Andre Fleury 13 |
Saves |
Cory Schneider 41 |
Team Stats Summary
Team |
Shots |
Goals |
Power Play |
Penalty Kill |
Penalty Mins |
Face Offs Won |
Pittsburgh
|
43 |
2 |
1-3 |
2-2 |
6 |
30 |
New Jersey
|
14 |
1 |
0-2 |
2-3 |
8 |
29 |
Upcoming Games
-
New Jersey will play their next game at home against Florida. The Devils have a W/L % of .368 after a win and .367 after a loss.
-
Pittsburgh will play their next game at home against Nashville. The Penguins have a W/L % of .571 after a win and .571 after a loss.