MONTREAL — The Pittsburgh Penguins displayed their unpredictable nature during their matchup with the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. On Canadian Thanksgiving, they jumped to a 2-0 lead, fell behind 3-2, and ultimately prevailed with a 6-3 victory.
Evgeni Malkin contributed three points to the win, including his 499th career goal, an empty-netter that sealed the victory. He also assisted on the Penguins’ fifth goal with a perfect pass to Kris Letang for a straightforward score at 11:32 of the third period.
Kevin Hayes netted the game-winner at 7:47 of the third, scoring off a rebound. Penguins center Lars Eller also impressed with his performance.
The Penguins dominated the first period, unlike their previous game against the Toronto Maple Leafs where they struggled. They secured plenty of shots and scoring chances, preventing the Canadiens from getting a shot on goalie Tristan Jarry until 13:31 in the first.
At 6:54 of the first, the Penguins executed a quick transition down the ice, with Jesse Puljujarvi making a strong play to set up Eller for a powerful one-timer past Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault. Later in the period, Evgeni Malkin showcased impressive speed to retrieve a loose puck and passed it to Rickard Rakell, who scored at 16:29.
However, the period ended with a setback for the Penguins when Jarry lost track of the puck, allowing Kaiden Guhle to score with a one-timer from the right circle at 18:16.
The Penguins outshot Montreal 11-6 in the first but struggled in the second period, where Montreal outshot them 13-7 and scored twice. If not for a stunning rush and wrist shot by Eller at 16:23, the Penguins would have been in deeper trouble.
Eller, a former Montreal player, was arguably the standout for the Penguins on Monday. Nonetheless, the Penguins faltered in the second—during a shorthanded situation, Kris Letang failed to regain his position, allowing 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky an easy tap-in at 2:51.
Later, defenseman Erik Karlsson remained deep in the offensive zone and overlooked a loose puck, leading to a two-on-one that Emil Heineman converted with a wrist shot at 14:26.
Penguins Notes:
Sidney Crosby remains one point shy of 1600, having had a rough night with four giveaways in the first two periods.
Lars Eller recorded his first multi-goal game of 2024, following a similar performance last season against the New York Islanders on December 31.
The Penguins were ahead 23-10 in face-offs after two periods, with Crosby winning 11 of 14 in that timeframe.
