Penguins Powerplay Finally Finds Resurgence

Penguins Powerplay Finds Resurgence

After an abysmal 13-game stretch of not scoring a Powerplay goal, the Pittsburgh Penguins finally scored two. The two Penguins powerplay goals led to a 4-2 win. Head coach Mike Sullivan and powerplay coach Todd Reirden finally fixed the issues and got the powerplay working, as they were able to score twice.

There were two notable changes the Penguins made on the man advantage: having someone in front of the net to screen Connor Ingram. The second change was smoother and faster tic-tac-toe passing, which led to each powerplay scoring opportunity.

Penguins Snap The Streak & Finally Score On The Powerplay

Just over a minute into the first period, the Penguins got to start on the powerplay. Valterri Puustinen was standing solidly in front of Ingram and blocking him from seeing the puck.

Puustinen made a solid pass to Sidney Crosby, who then quickly passed it to Jake Guentzel for the one-timer. That crisp tic-tac-toe passing, as well as a strong net presence of a screener, gave the Penguins an early 1-0 lead and their first powerplay goal in a month.

Two Is Always Nicer Than One

Later on in the third period, this time 2-2, the Penguins once again saw themselves on the powerplay, looking to convert and take the lead. Once again, with crisp passing, the Penguins were able to convert.

Reilly Smith made a pass to Kris Letang at the point, and Jeff Carter, who was screening Ingram, deflected Letang’s shot that went in the back of the net for a 3-2 Penguins lead and the second powerplay of the goal of the night.

Like Guentzel, Carter finished the night with two goals. However, Carter’s were both on special teams, one on the penalty kill and one on the powerplay.

Sullivan’s Thoughts

Sullivan was ecstatic with his team that the powerplay finally got working again, and rightfully so. Sullivan mentioned the powerplay looked good, and he was happy to see the guys get rewarded for their hard work. He also mentions they will look to build ahead on this and continue this momentum.

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