The Penguins once again take care of business and cruise to an easy victory over the struggling Carolina Hurricanes.
The Pittsburgh Penguins executed in every phase of the game, and defeated the Hurricanes by a score of 3-0. There were so many great individual performances that it is hard to decide where to begin. With that being said, we will try our best.
If you had yet to believe that Matt Murray is back and better than ever, his performance tonight surely seals the deal. Murray picked up the shutout – his second of the season- and got his third win in a row since returning earlier this week. Murray was decisive in his decision making, and it was easy to see that he is flowing with confidence.
Of course, the penalty kill unit did its job once again, not allowing a Carolina score on their four Power Play opportunities. Mike Sullivan seems to have found something with putting Crosby in for the penalty kill. Multiple times he was deflecting passes today, and was certainly a nuisance for the Hurricanes.
And that brings us to the dynamic duo of Crosby and Guentzel, who put on quite the show in the second period. Two perfectly placed passes by Crosby were all that Guentzel needed to place the puck in the back of the net. All season this line (that includes Bryan Rust) has been leading this team, and they continued to do so tonight. Crosby finished the game with assists on all three of the Penguins goals.
The Penguins have a little bit of time off now, not having to play again until Thursday against the Red Wings. The Pens are currently as hot as can be, and hopefully will be able to continue this momentum even with the upcoming break. All that being said, the Penguins will certainly be happy that they head into this break with a win, and not a loss.