GAME RECAP: Penguins vs. Flames
Five-goal third period boosts the Pittsburgh Penguins past the Calgary Flames.
Alex Nedeljkovic was thrown into the lions' den in his debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 27-year-old netminder was tested early and often by the Calgary Flames as the Penguins worked to get their feet underneath them.
Nedeljkovic held steady and stopped 34 of 36 shots, and the Penguins broke through for five goals in the third period to defeat the Flames 5-2.
Goal Recap
(CGY 1-0) Matt Coronato (1): Elias Lindholm (3) & Rasmus Anderson (1) <PP>
(TIE 1-1) Bryan Rust (2): Kris Letang (2) & Jake Guentzel (4)
(PIT 2-1) Reilly Smith (2): Evgeni Malkin (4)
(PIT 3-1) Jake Guentzel (1): Kris Letang (3) & Sidney Crosby (1)
(PIT 4-1) Evgeni Malkin (2): Reilly Smith (1)
(PIT 4-2) Jonathan Huberdeau (1): Andrew Mangapiane (2) & Noah Hanifin (2)
(PIT 5-2) Bryan Rust (3): Jake Guentzel (5)
Three Stars
3. Reilly Smith
Smith scored a goal for the second-straight game, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 with linemate Evgeni Malkin to give the Penguins their first lead. He tacked on an assist and continued to contribute on the penalty kill. Three games into the season, and Smith looks like a steal for the Penguins.
2. Bryan Rust
Rust is on an 82-goal pace this season, scoring two in this one. Coming off what many considered a "down season," Rust is playing like he has something to prove in the early going. Beyond his scoring success, Rust leads the Penguins' forwards in shorthanded ice time, helping lead that unit as they've killed nine of ten penalties this season.
1. Evgeni Malkin
For the second consecutive game, Evgeni Malkin took over. He was one of few Penguins' to show a pulse in the first period, drawing multiple penalties and getting into it with Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Malkin finished with one goal and one assist but could've had more, hitting the post several times early in the game. The Penguins entered the season ready to rely on their top six for offense, and Malkin has shown that he is up for that task.
Final Thoughts
Everyone knows that Jeff Carter isn't going anywhere, but it's apparent that he isn't reverting to his 2021-22 self. Carter is easily the slowest member of the Penguins' and is continuously behind the play on both ends. The Penguins won't ask Carter to do much this season, placing him on the fourth-line wing, but he can't continue to be a liability when he's on the ice.
They may not have a 13th forward on the roster at the moment, but if he continues this level of performance, the Penguins' may be forced to call one up to put him in the press box.
The Penguins have a three-day break ahead of them. Their next game will be Wednesday as they travel to Detroit to take on the Red Wings.
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