A late comeback bid failed, and the Penguins will end the calendar year with a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
In a penalty-packed first period, Ilya Kovalchuk scored on a penalty shot and David Clarkson had a power-play goal as the Devils left the ice with a 2-0 lead. In the second period, the Penguins had 12 shots to the Devils’ five, but they couldn’t get anything going against Martin Brodeur. (Brodeur finished with 29 saves.)
The Penguins did manage to make some noise in the third period, as Chris Kunitz’s power-play goal cut the lead to 2-1. But Zach Parise scored an empty-netter with less than a minute to play to dash the Pens’ hopes.
Kovalchuk was involved in all three goals, and finished with a goal and two assists.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to bounce back after their loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, but they're not off to a good start, down 2-0 to the New Jersey Devils after the first period. Ilya Kovalchuk hit the scoreboard first, scoring on a penalty shot after Brooks Orpik covered the puck in the crease and the Devils were awarded a penalty shot.
Devils David Clarkson picked up the second goal on a power play after Jordan Staal was called for slashing. The goal was assisted by Patrik Elias and Ilya Kovalchuk. If the Penguins want to get back in the game, they'll need to stop making so many mental mistakes. The Penguins have been served up with eight penalty minutes already, compared to just two by the Devils.
For more on Penguins hockey, be sure to check out SB Nation's Penguins blog PensBurgh. For more on the New Jersey Devils, visit SB Nation's Devils blog In Lou We Trust.
