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Holiday Break Win: Penguins down Flyers 7-3 on Monday behind Crosby and Powerplay

Sidney Crosby had a miraculous game and the Penguins powerplay stayed hot in a victory over their cross-town rivals on Monday at PPG Paints Arena.

ByTyler Miller|
Dec 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his empty net goal with teammates including defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (24) and defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates his empty net goal with teammates including defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (24) and defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Looking back at the Penguins last game before everyone gets a break for the holidays, the Penguins got a big contribution from their captain and their powerplay. Sidney Crosby had a goal and 3 assists and the powerplay went 3/3 as Michael Bunting, Phil Tomasino, and Blake Lizotte all got on the scoresheet on the man advantage.

And it is always bittersweet to get a win over your cross-town rivals especially before going into the Christmas break with your family. Crosby's perfomance also earned him first star of the game.

Penguins Top Line the star of the show

The Penguins have been getting major contributions the past two weeks or so from their top line. Rakell, Crosby, and Rust have all been on fire and it showed in the win over the Flyers.

The trio combined for 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points as they were all over the ice, shooting the puck from anywhere, and finding the back of the net.

Rakell had scored a goal early in the game but it was taken away due to an offsides challenge, but he found the net again later and it counted this time.

This line just has all the chemistry and connects at the best times for the team and are on fire and hope it continues after the holiday break.

Michael Bunting is back to his old self

Last season when the Penguins acquired Bunting, he was this workhorse machine that was constantly in front of the net wrecking havoc. This season it has taken him a while to get going, but he is back to his old self.

He scored twice in this matchup, once on the powerplay, and once at 5-on-5 on a sick pass from Evgeni Malkin that led Bunting in all alone.

If the Penguins are gonna continue to be successful this season and fight for a playoff spot, they need more consistency from Bunting and other bottom sixers. The top line can not carry every game.

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