Erik Karlsson has brought his power play struggles from San Jose with him to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Looking to kick a three-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Penguins aimed to wrap up their road trip on a high note, even if their lineup featured quite a few new faces. The Penguins entered their battle against the Florida Panthers with forwards Jonathan Gruden and Valtteri Puutsinen making their season debut and Marc Johnstone skating in his first NHL game. A laundry list of injuries opened the door for these names to get these opportunities, but they looked to make an outstanding first impression. FRIST PERIOD Following a tribute to the recently retired Patric Hornqvist who won the Stanley Cup twice with the Penguins and wrapped his career with the Panthers, the puck was dropped, and the game was on. The Penguins kicked off the opening frame with some solid momentum, but the Panthers had their own chances. Neither team was able to score through the first 20 minutes with Tristan Jarry and Sergei Bobrovsky standing tall. SECOND PERIOD The Penguins saw a couple of power play opportunities fall to no avail, but they managed to break the ice and find the game’s first goal. Nearing the midway point of the game, Evgeni Malkin found Reilly Smith to finally put an end to Smith’s goal drought. Smith’s goal was his first tally since November 4 against the San Jose Sharks and his seventh of the season. The Panthers gained an opportunity on the power play, but the Penguins stepped up to kill it off. Moments after the penalty was killed off, however, the Panthers poked in a loose puck in Jarry’s crease to knot the game at one. Not much offense from either team would follow, sending the game into the second intermission with a 1-1 tie. THIRD PERIOD Considering the state of the team and president and general manager throwing down the gauntlet [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/pittsburgh-penguins-failing-kyle-dubas-test] for his players, this next 20 minutes was lined up to be pivotal for the Penguins. Despite needing the momentum, the Penguins would allow the next goal, giving the Panthers the 2-1 lead. Jarry fumbled a rebound that fell straight to a Panthers' forward who didn't miss his chance. The Panthers continued to push the pace of play in their favor at one point leading in shots 11-1 in the frame. With just over two minutes remaining, the Penguins were handed an opportunity to not only tie the game but end their power play scoreless streak. They pulled Jarry for the extra attacker and gave themselves a 6-on-4 chance. The Panthers killed the penalty off and shortly after notched the empty net goal to put the nail in the coffin. With a 3-1 lead, the Panthers close out their regulation win and handed the Penguins their fourth straight loss. The Penguins enter three days off and big changes could be right around the corner. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Penguins Set for Season and NHL Debuts Against Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-season-nhl-debuts-florida-panthers] Jake Guentzel Taking Over as Penguins Leader [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/jake-guentzel-taking-over-pittsburgh-penguins-leader] Recalled Penguins Forward Took Long Road to Reach NHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/pittsburgh-penguins-marc-johnstone-long-road-nhl] Penguins Announce Multiple Roster Moves and Changes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-announce-multiple-roster-moves-changes] Penguins Make Good Use of AHL Conditioning Stints [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-good-use-ahl-conditioning-stints] * undefined * undefined
