Penguins Vs. Jets: Depleted Pittsburgh Falls In Winnipeg, 2-1

With no Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Brooks Orpik, or Tyler Kennedy, the Pittsburgh Penguins fell to the Winnipeg Jets, 2-1. The rash of injuries appeared to catch up with the Pens, as they looked sluggish for much of the night against the previously winless Jets.

Just five minutes into the third period, Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury flashed a great glove save on an Alex Burmistrov shot from center. The Penguins, riding a furious 15-shot second period, looked to transition off the glove save for an equalizing score. But just seconds later, Steve Sullivan would have an open chance after a Jets turnover in their own zone but Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec immediately returned the favor, smothering the Sullivan shot. 

It was the theme of the night as Pavelec was impressive, consistently stonewalling the Penguins’ offensive chances on his way to a 28 save performance. The depleted and tired Pens team has little time to rest and recuperate, as they finish this quick road trip in Minnesota on Tuesday night for their second game in as many nights.

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Penguins Vs. Jets: Pittsburgh Trails 2-1 After Two Periods In Winnipeg

Zbynek Michalek put his mark on the game just seconds into the first period, when he fell trying to handle the puck off the opening faceoff. The Jets’ Kyle Wellwood immediately capitalized, scoring off the turnover just eight seconds into the game.

Nearly forty minutes later, Michalek would make up for the mistake to put the Pens on the board at MTS Centre in Winnipeg. Michalek would bury the Pens first goal at 18:22 in the second, assisted by Kris Letang and Matt Cooke. The goal came off of an offensive-zone faceoff. The Jets won the faceoff but Cooke quickly wrestled the puck away, getting it to Letang, who rotated it to Michalek at the top. The defenseman ripped it through traffic for the goal.

The Pens overcame three penalties and were still able to pepper Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec with 15 shots in the second period. Joe Vitale had a great chance just four minutes into the period but was turned away by Pavelec. The Jets goalie would make one more amazing save when he stuffed Richard Park’s shot off a 2-on-1 chance. One minute later, Michalek would convert. With most of their stars out injured, the Pens will look to continue that pace in the third period and keep Winnipeg winless.

Penguins Vs. Jets: Injury-Depleted Pens Down 2-0 After First Period

The Winnipeg Jets are the only team without a point in the NHL, but they are facing a depleted Pens team playing without Tyler Kennedy, Brooks Orpik, and Evegeni Malkin, who is out due to soreness in his knee.

Winnipeg took advantage early as the Jets got on the board just eight seconds into the game when Zbynek Michalek tripped and fell, coughing up the puck on the opening face off. Kyle Wellwood nabbed the turnover and capitalized on the opportunity, beating Marc-Andre Fleury to bury the puck less than ten seconds into the game. In just their second home game of the season since relocating, the crowd at MTS Place was immediately deafening thanks to the gift from the Pens and Michalek.

The Jets would take the two goal lead when center Alex Burmistrov would get control of the puck in the neutral zone. Battling Kris Letang on the boards, Burmistrov would carry the puck across the ice and hit a trailing Tanner Glass who would bury the one-timer.

Penguins Vs. Jets: Tyler Kennedy Injury Leaves Pittsburgh Without Another Forward

Kennedy has concussion-like symptoms and will miss Monday's game at Winnipeg. Arron Asham will start in his place.