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3 powerplay goals and Buntings 3-point night help Penguins distinguish Flames 6-2

The Penguins powerplay went 3-5 and winger Michael Bunting picked up a goal and 2 assists as the Penguins continued their winning streak and took out the Flames on Saturday Night.

By Tyler Miller|
Nov 30, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Michael Bunting (8) celebrates his goal with the Penguins bench against the Calgary Flames during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Michael Bunting (8) celebrates his goal with the Penguins bench against the Calgary Flames during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins jumped out to an early 5-0 lead on Saturday against the Calgary Flames and never looked back as they won their third game in a row 6-2 at PPG Paints Arena. The big story in this one was the powerplay. The powerplay converted 3 out of 5 tries and all 3 goals were scored by the second unit.

The powerplay goals were scored by Michael Bunting, Philip Tomasino, and Kris Letang. The Penguins were just clicking on all cylinders in this one and they quickly took down the Flames and picked up 2 points in all 3 of their games this week.

Bunting is a player that the Penguins need to get going and quickly

When the Penguins acquired Bunting from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Jake Guentzel trade last year, Bunting brought a feisty net-front presence game to the team. That kind of game is something that the Penguins really need and something they have lacked this year.

Bunting has not looked like himself much but tonight was a different example as he was quick to loose pucks, he was screening the goalie and making his presence known, and even picked up a goal. The Penguins powerplay works best with a body right in front of the goalie and Bunting does an excellent job at that.

As seen here on Letang's powerplay goal, right before Letang receives the pass, Bunting goes right to the net to screen the goalie and Flames goalie Dan Vladar never sees it. That is excellent work by the Penguins forward and something that the team needs to see more of from him.

The Penguins need to keep the winning streak going

The Penguins have a tough week coming up with the Panthers at PPG Paints Arena, the Rangers on the road, and the Maple Leafs at PPG Paints Arena. But if the last three games were any indication as to which team the fans might see, the fans should be excited.

In the last three games, the Penguins are outscoring the opposition 13-7 and have gotten secondary scoring, good penalty killing, and some good goaltending. The next three opponents are tough, but the Penguins have some young legs and some experienced players to pick up at least 5/6 points in these three games.

We will have to see how this week plays out but if the Penguins keep playing like they have, expect them to keep the winning streak going.

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