Penguins Dismantle Islanders: A Commanding 7-0 Shutout
- Letang Most Points by a Defenseman in a Single Period
- Jarry Climbs to 1st in Shutouts, Totalling Four
- Puustinen Records His First Career Goal
After a scoreless first period, the Pittsburgh Penguins' offense erupted, netting six goals in the second period. History repeats itself, as that was the most goals the New York Islanders had allowed since March 21, 2000, which was also against the Penguins.
Kris Letang was crucial to the Penguins offensive juggernaut as he set an NHL record for most assists in a single period by a defenseman, with five assists in the second period. Those five assists came in seven minutes. However, he ended up finishing the game with six assists.
In the salary cap era, the only players to have six or more assists in a game are Letang and Leon Draisaitl. Letang was also the seventh defenseman to record six points in a single game. The last time someone was able to pull off that accomplishment was 37 years ago.
Letang was not the only player with multiple points in the game. Marcus Pettersson had four assists, Jake Guentzel had two goals and an assist, and Evgeni Malkin had two goals. Valtteri Puustinen and Rickard each had a goal and an assist.
Scoring six goals in one period is already very impressive, especially when five were scored in seven minutes. However, somehow, even more impressive than that, the Penguins were able to score those goals in even strength as they were 0-3 on the powerplay.
Tristan Jarry was phenomenal as he posted a 22 save shutout for his fourth shutout of the season. Although he only faced 22 shots, he made a lot of difficult saves in order to keep the shutout intact.
The seventh goal of the game was Puustinen's first goal of his young career which was Letang's sixth point of the game. In a Metropolitan Division rivalry game, the Penguins stay red hot and pick up two points. The Penguins look to continue their momentum Saturday at home against the St. Louis Blues.
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