The Pittsburgh Penguins faced a challenging game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center, ultimately losing 2-1. The Penguins, attempting to end a two-game losing streak, fired 16 shots in the third period at Sharks’ rookie goaltender Yaroslav Askarov. Sidney Crosby managed to score 24 seconds into the final period.
Crosby commented on the game: “They had some blocked shots. We still had some good looks. We hit a couple posts and I thought we had some great opportunities. It hasn’t been going in for us, and one or two go in, it’s a different game.”
San Jose capitalized on turnovers with goals from Mikael Granlund and Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini’s goal came shortly after Crosby’s equalizer.
Drew O’Connor forced a shorthanded breakaway leading to a penalty shot but failed to convert. O’Connor explained: “Just kind of bobbled it at the blue line, he was able to kind of get a jump on it. He got me in the hands a little bit when I was trying to go to my backhand. When you have the opportunity for a penalty shot, you have to find a way to put it in.”
Michael Bunting appeared to tie the game late, but San Jose challenged successfully due to interference by Anthony Beauvillier.
Crosby noted: “We pushed. In that situation, it’s something that you got to find a way to push.”
Penguins’ goalie Alex Nedeljkovic made 26 saves on 28 shots and was particularly effective during the second period despite Granlund’s goal.
Pittsburgh started strong but could not capitalize early despite six of the first eight shots on goal.
O’Connor reflected on recent games: “It’s hard because we’ve had a lot of looks the last few games and haven’t necessarily been scoring.”
The Penguins will conclude their road trip with their first-ever game against Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City.
During Monday’s intermission, NHL.com revealed its Quarter-Century Teams for all clubs. Current Penguin Erik Karlsson was named to San Jose’s Second-Team defense for his past performance with them.
Patrick Marleau joined Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski on San Jose’s First-Team.
