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Against the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers, Marc-Andre Fleury pitched his career shutout No. 22.
Looking to rebound from their blowout loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins lead the New York Rangers 2-0 after two periods at Consol Energy Center. The Rangers are currently the best team in the Eastern Conference but the Pens shook off their poor third period from Sunday and dominated the first, controlling the action and out-shooting New York 11-6. But both teams were held scoreless through the first period.
It wouldn't take long, however, for the Pens to strike. The NHL's hottest player and its points leader, Evgeni Malkin, broke the scoreless tie just a minute into the second period. Malkin beat Rangers' All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist on a breakaway backhander to put the Pens ahead 1-0. Kris Letang was credited with the primary assist, setting up a perfect pass off the boards to start the breakaway for Malkin.
Steve Sullivan made it 2-0 Pittsburgh on an unassisted power play slap shot through traffic. The Pens capitalized on a Marc Staal tripping penalty, controlling the puck in the zone in a possession that culminated with Sullivan's blast. New York did not go quietly, and dominated the final five minutes of the period, peppering goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. But the Pens' goalie stood tall and the 2-0 lead held after forty minutes.
For more on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Rangers, there's Blueshirt Banter.
The Penguins hope to climb the Eastern Conference standings by beating the New York Rangers Tuesday night at CONSOL Energy Center (7:00, ROOT Sports).
The Rangers lead the conference with 81 points (38-14-5), while the Pens are sixth with 71 (33-21-5). The Rangers have won seven of their last nine, thanks in part to goalie Henrik Lundqvist and a stingy defense -- the Rangers have allowed three or more goals only twice in that span. The Pens' recent play has been uneven, but when they've won, it has been with lots of offense, with 18 goals in their last three wins. They may have a hard time piling up goals against the Rangers.
Pens defenseman Brooks Orpik will miss the game with an upper-body injury. Also, backup goalie Brent Johnson is sick, so the Pens recalled Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Thiessen will back up Marc-Andre Fleury.
For more on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Rangers, there's Blueshirt Banter.
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Rangers Vs. Penguins Recap: Marc-Andre Fleury Shuts Out New York, Pens Back On Track With 2-0 Win
The Pittsburgh Penguins recovered nicely from their 6-2 blow out loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday afternoon. Hosting the Eastern Conference's best team, the Pens clamped down on the defensive end and were bolstered by a shut out from Marc-Andre Fleury. The Pens netminder stopped all 27 Ranger shots that came his way, and two second period goals were all Pittsburgh needed to get back on the winning track.
Evgeni Malkin broke a scoreless tie just a minute into the second period, firing a beautiful backhander on the breakaway to beat All-Star goalie Henrik Lundqvist. Kris Letang gave Malkin a pretty feed off the boards to initiate the breakaway for the NHL's leading points scorer. Steve Sullivan made it 2-0 on a power play slap shot that went right through traffic and into the back of the net.
Fleury then stood tall in final twenty minutes to keep the Rangers off the board. He tied a franchise record with his 22nd career shutout, pulling him even with Tom Barrasso. The Pens and Fleury now have three days off before hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon.
For more on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Rangers, there's Blueshirt Banter.
Feb 21 9:41p by Brendan Porath