Penguins Blank Blackhawks, 5-0, in Return Engagement

The Penguins overcame a snoozer of a start (by both teams) to down the Blackhawks, 5-0, in the back-end of a home-and-home set last night at PPG Paints Arena.

Sidney Crosby broke the scoring ice with 16 seconds left in the first period with a nifty power-play goal from the bumper position. Assists went to Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust.

Erik Karlsson widened the lead for the good guys at 4:45 of the second period, thanks to a crisp lateral feed from Ville Koivunen down low. Stationed at the base of the left circle, Karlsson wired a sharp-angle shot past Hawks goalie Spencer Knight for his 200^th career goal.

The Pens proceeded to break the game open in the final period. Working the give-and-go to perfection, Kris Letang struck from close range at 4:28 off a beautiful, no-look pass from Evgeni Malkin.

Veteran Kevin Hayes got into the act as well, beating Knight twice in the final 13 minutes. Both tallies were set up by Danton Heinen.

Puckpourri

Tristan Jarry stopped 26 shots to register his second shutout of the season (and second in his past four starts). Since his return in March, Jarry’s registered a 2.87 goals against average and .902 save percentage to go with a 7-3-2 record.

It was a night of milestones for several black-and-golders. In addition to Karlsson netting his 200^th, Rust tallied a pair of assists to crack the 60-point mark for the first time in his career (he has 61 points to be exact). I neglected to mention that Rusty also scored his 200^th career goal on Saturday in the victory over the Stars.

Letang’s goal, his ninth of the campaign, gives him 30 points. It’s the 11^th straight season Tanger’s reached that mark, dating back to 2013-14 when he suffered his first stroke. The 15^th season of 30 points or better for his career.

I know it hasn’t been the best of seasons for No. 58, but a pretty darn impressive achievement all the same.

Incredibly, Sid needs just three points to reach 90 for the third consecutive season. Geno needs two points for 50, Rakell an assist to equal his career highs in helpers and points.

Heinen recorded his 20^th assist on Hayes’ second goal. Since being acquired from the Canucks, essentially for Drew O’Connor, he’s outscored DOC 10 points to eight. Danton’s a plus-3 as well.

Coach Mike Sullivan flip-flopped Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty to begin the second period, and the move paid immediate dividends. The reconstructed Malkin line with Rutger in tow had an xGF% of 96.04!

Koivunen set up Karlsson’s goal and had a hand in Sid’s power-play tally as well. The kid sees the ice extremely well and passes the puck beautifully. Best of all, he isn’t the least bit awed or intimidated by skating with the big boys.

Looks like Kyle Dubas landed us a couple of keepers. Both kids have impressive advanced stats and both have been productive, with Koivunen registering three assists in five games and McGroarty a goal and two helpers.

Unfortunately, Rutger took a shot off the skate and missed most of the third period. Elsewhere on the injury front, Philip Tomasino has sustained a concussion. Blake Lizotte sat out as well. He was replaced by Matt Nieto.

Up next, our road finale against the Devils on Friday night. With three games remaining, the Pens need to win out to reach hockey .500.

Kudos for Boko

Injured forward Bokondji Imama was named the team’s Masterton Award nominee. I may be squarely in the minority, but I hope we re-sign Boko this offseason. As a team and an organization, we need what the big guy brings.