Penguins Show Fight; Crunch Blue Jackets 5-2

It was a night of firsts on Monday evening at Consol Energy Center. The Penguins won their first game in five tries under new coach Mike Sullivan, beating Columbus for the first time this season. Rookie goalie Matt Murray made 22 saves to notch his first NHL win. Fellow rookie Scott Wilson registered his first NHL point. Defenseman David Warsofsky—his first Penguins goal.

Of all the firsts, Eric Fehr’s may have been the most significant. When he challenged Columbus disturber Brandon Dubinsky thirty seconds into the second period, it was the first documented fight of the Manitoba native’s 11-year NHL career.

“We were playing physical against each other,” Fehr explained. “Emotions got a little high.”

His actions—spur of the moment or otherwise—sent a message. Crystal clear. Crosscheck our captain in the head? You’ll pay. Even if it’s down the road.

The point was reinforced minutes later by Wilson. Boone Jenner thrust out a knee and sent black-and-gold superstar Evgeni Malkin tumbling to the ice in pain. Number 23 didn’t hesitate. He went right after the burly Blue Jacket. In case Jenner misunderstood, Chris Kunitz drilled him into the boards later on.

The Penguins weren’t going to play the patsy. Not on this night.

Fehr and Wilson lost their respective battles. But they helped win the war. The fired-up Pens pumped four second-period goals past Columbus goalie Joonas Korpisalo—including one by Malkin and a pair by Phil Kessel—to wipe out a 1-0 deficit. Geno tacked on an empty-netter in the third period to seal a convincing 5-2 victory.

Along the way the locals gained a measure of respect…from an unlikely source.

“They have a good team over there,” Dubinsky said afterward.