The Pittsburgh Penguins returned from the Olympic break with a 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday. The team was without captain Sidney Crosby, who is expected to be sidelined for at least four weeks due to injury.
Goaltender Arturs Silovs made 28 saves and earned his fourth win in five games. “You want to play your best. You believe in this group,” Silovs said. “For sure, he’s a big part of the team, but there’s guys who can step up. If we can do it for the time [until] he comes back, we’re going to be in a great spot.”
Connor Clifton scored the game-winning goal, while Egor Chinakhov and Blake Lizotte also contributed goals. Tommy Novak opened scoring for Pittsburgh.
“It’s an exciting time of year,” Head Coach Dan Muse said. “Every night, every point matters. You want to get off to a good start. I thought a lot of things factored in, in terms of guys were working and sacrificed in that second period, on the penalty kill, big saves to set up the third.”
Novak tipped Kris Letang’s shot during a power play for an early lead, though Clifton acknowledged slow progress initially: “I don’t think we were very good in the first,” Clifton said. “We weren’t very sharp, but we had a long training camp for the past couple of weeks here. It feels like a long time. I thought in the second and third we were good, and we didn’t miss a beat.”
During the second period, Dougie Hamilton’s shot redirected off Paul Cotter into Pittsburgh’s net after review confirmed no goaltender interference despite Muse’s challenge attempt. Muse explained his reasoning: “We were going to be killing a penalty no matter what. So, that maybe factors in a little bit,” he said. “I also think that he’s in the blue paint. You got a goalie who, you know what, I felt like he didn’t get a full opportunity to do his job because of that. Did I think that was going to be a no brainer, that we’re definitely going to get this? I didn’t. But I’m not always thinking that way. So, there’s a lot of factors that are in play in the situation.”
Pittsburgh killed all four penalties faced during the middle frame with key saves by Silovs and shorthanded efforts from Connor Dewar.
“Guys have been outstanding every single time, blocking shots, getting a couple of breakaways today,” Silovs said. “Next time, they’re gonna capitalize. Just creating opportunities for ourselves. It’s a good job by our guys.”
In the third period, Ryan Shea hit the crossbar before Clifton scored from across the rink as Markstrom failed to cover.
“I mean, we got a bunch of chances right away,” Clifton said.“[Shea] went off the bar,and it came right to my stick for a one-timer,s o I just shot it.Not too much more than that,but we were getting some chances.Fortunate to get that goal.”
Clifton also contributed seven hits and spent over four minutes shorthanded.
“When he brings that physicality,I think it can be something that can kind of help turn the momentum our way,” Muse commented.
Evgeni Malkin assisted Chinakhov on another goal less than one minute later; since joining Pittsburgh on January 1st,no player has more goals than Chinakhov’s nine.“Unbelievable.I like to play with him,and see where he is in open ice and skate,” Chinakhov said about playing alongside Malkin.
Lizotte sealed victory with an empty-net goal following another successful penalty kill.
Muse noted areas needing improvement as they prepare for their next game:“I think there’s stuff that we can continue to clean up for sure.You got to move from one to the next.Take those good things quickly,address things you want improve on,and you quickly ,quickly ,move on.That next game.They’re all coming quick,and that’s what makes it fun.”
The Penguins’ home venue is PPG Paints Arena,a multipurpose facility located downtown.They are owned by Fenway Sports Group.The franchise has seen many Hall-of-Fame players ,coaches ,and executives contribute over its history.The club has achieved consistent playoff appearances and division titles while maintaining strong ties within Pittsburgh’s sports community.More information about their history,fans,and achievements is available through their official website.
