The Pittsburgh Penguins secured their fourth consecutive victory by defeating the New Jersey Devils 7-3 at PPG Paints Arena. Tristan Jarry’s performance was pivotal, making 24 saves since returning from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
“We’ve been playing a team game all over the ice,” Jarry said. “I think it’s been leading to our offense.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan expressed optimism about the team’s chances of climbing back into playoff contention. “I’m happy for the players. I think we’re battling, we’re competing hard,” he stated.
Cody Glass, a former Penguin now with the Devils, scored first against his old team but acknowledged mixed emotions: “It’s always tough going into a place that you’ve played before.”
Connor Dewar and Danton Heinen responded for Pittsburgh, each contributing goals that shifted momentum in favor of the Penguins.
“It’s been great to come in and contribute right away,” Dewar remarked after scoring his second goal late in the game.
Dewars’ teammate Phil Tomasino also found success on ice: “I feel pretty good about my game,” he noted after adding to Pittsburgh’s lead.
Jarry’s solid goaltending was crucial during penalty kills as Kris Letang praised his resilience: “He’s been playing really well since he came back.”
Rickard Rakell extended Pittsburgh’s advantage early in the second period with assistance from Sidney Crosby who reached a milestone of 50 assists for the twelfth time in his career.
Despite penalties allowing two quick goals from Timo Meier and Nico Hischier cutting their lead down briefly—Erik Karlsson struck back securing insurance while maintaining focus throughout challenging moments according to Letang’s observations: “Today we faced adversity on (penalty kill) we had find way win.”
The Penguins capitalized further through Kevin Hayes’ late contribution alongside another tally by Dewar sealing final scoreline at seven-three victory over visiting side ahead upcoming match against New York Islanders Tuesday night where continued success remains priority per Jarry: “We can’t get too far ahead ourselves…I think just have keep focusing task hand…”
