The Penguins came into this road game at the Canadiens leading the season series two games to none. The Penguins had the Canadiens number. It was a back-and-forth game through the first two periods. The Penguins led 3-2 going to the third and then kicked it into another gear and scored 6 times to provide enough cushion for the win and the big two points.
Rust had 3 goals and an assist, Rakell had 2 goals and 2 assists, and Crosby had 3 assists, as the Penguins first line stole the show in this one. As the third period went on, the Penguins depth scoring showed up as Beauvillier, Acciari, and Nieto scored late goals. That was all they wrote in this one at the Bell Centre as the Penguins left with 2 points.
A big win and a bunch of goals in Montreal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SYzNFusYER
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 13, 2024
The Penguins got needed depth scoring
Yes it was the Rust and Rakell show in Montreal, but it cannot be forgotten that the Penguins got goals from their bottom six when the top line scored 5 times as well.
The Penguins need players like Beauvillier and Bunting to score goals to help the stars out. The Penguins can't rely on players like Crosby and Malkin all the time to provide all the goals. The Penguins getting depth scoring is the key to them finding wins.
Let it Beau, let it Beau, let it Beau ❄️ Anthony Beauvillier makes it 6-2. pic.twitter.com/fEsS0W0rFa
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 13, 2024
The Penguins need to keep it going
The Penguins have been on a roll and have won 6 of their past 8 games. Yes they had blunders to the Avalanche and the Rangers, but they need to keep the foot on the gas.
The Penguins next opponent is on the road at the Ottawa Senators. That is another very winnable game. They just need to play like they did in Montreal, and they will be just fine. They need to keep stacking wins and get back in this playoff race.