After four straight losses, three of which were in extra time, the Pittsburgh Penguins were finally able to get back in the win column with a strong offensive effort.
Pittsburgh welcomed the red-hot Oilers to PPG Paints Arena on Thursday night as Edmoton was riding a four-game winning streak heading into the game. Considering how the two teams were trending, it wasn’t looking great for the Penguins but they ultimately found their scoring in this one — being able to outpace the Oilers with a 5-3 victory.
The Penguins had a very busy first period, scoring four goals — including three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. Rickard Rakell continued his impressive season when he opened up the scoring with his 21st goal of the season. Sidney Crosby added the fifth and final goal in the game at the 5:42 mark in the second period on the power play, which proved to be all the Penguins needed to hold off the Oilers.
Crosby and Bryan Rust led the way for the Penguins with a goal and two assists apiece. Between the pipes, Alex Nedeljkovic had one of his best performances of the season. He faced 43 shots on the night, stopping 40 from the Oilers onslaught to help bring Pittsburgh the needed victory.
The Penguins will try to make it two in a row on Saturday when they face the struggling Chicago Blackhawks. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. EST.
Story continues below advertisement
More NHL: Three Steelers Earn AP All-Pro Honors After Standout Seasons
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images