Penguins Crushed In Shutout Loss Vs. Rangers In Season Opener

The Pittsburgh Penguins kicked off their 2024-25 NHL season with a crushing 6-0 loss to the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday night. It was the first time the club was blanked at home on Opening Night since 2003 when they fell to the Los Angeles Kings.

The Penguins failed to convert on a few early scoring chances, and the Rangers made them pay when Sam Carrick lit the lamp by perfectly deflecting defenseman Jacob Trouba’s wrist shot over Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry’s extended pad just 2:24 into the contest.

“I thought we came out pretty strong, just got a little loose at times. A lot of odd-man rushes.” Jarry told reporters, per Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network. “I think if I made a save on that second (goal), I think it would have at least helped the guys stay in it.”

Pittsburgh was not only outshot 41-29 in the blowout, but the Penguins failed to capitalize on three power-play opportunities. They generated just three shots on the man advantage and surrendered a shorthanded goal in the third period. Igor Shesterkin was perfect in net for the Rangers.

“We fought back, but nothing worked tonight,” Evgeni Malkin told reporters, per the team. “… This whole team lost and we need to focus on tomorrow. Back-to-back games, tough loss, but we need to talk a little bit tomorrow and play better.”

Malkin managed just one shot on net across 17:20 minutes of ice time, including 3:45 of power-play time. Sidney Crosby entered the game with the chance to become the third active player with 20-plus career points in season-opening games. The Penguins captain registered two shots in the contest but was held scoreless in 20:59 minutes of ice time.

Rookie Rutger McGroarty failed to make an impact in his NHL debut. The 20-year-old forward was a minus-one in the game and had one shot on goal across 18 shifts and 12:20 minutes of ice time. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan didn’t use McGroarty in any special teams action.

The Penguins will travel to Detroit to take on the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. You can watch the game and an hour of pregame coverage on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

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