Doug Wilson Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations | Pittsburgh Penguins
Doug Wilson Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations | Pittsburgh Penguins
Bryan Rust discussed the importance of "responding to certain adversities" following the Pittsburgh Penguins' 7-1 loss to Dallas. In their next game against Detroit, Rust played a pivotal role by scoring a crucial goal that helped the Penguins recover from a second-period deficit, although they ultimately lost in overtime, 3-2.
“Obviously, a loss is a loss. But I think the way we responded – we went down two - was a hell of a lot better than the way we responded the other night,” Rust stated. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’re trying get this thing going in the right direction as fast we can. That was a good step.”
Alex Nedeljkovic provided solid goaltending for Pittsburgh early on as Detroit took an initial lead in shots. The Red Wings capitalized on opportunities early in the second period, taking a 2-0 lead within five minutes and fifteen seconds. Rust then scored to shift momentum back towards Pittsburgh.
“I've seen that goal I don't know how many times now," Nedeljkovic said about Rust's effort. "He's got a knack for it, beating guys wide like that and finding the far post.”
Rust has been part of Pittsburgh’s leadership core, contributing to their Stanley Cup victories and is known for his dedication to the team’s success.
“Been around this league for a long time," he said. "Like to put things on my shoulders when things aren’t going well and hopefully try and help get this team out of it as best I can.”
Anthony Beauvillier equalized with his fifth goal of the season during sustained offensive pressure from Pittsburgh.
“I hope he can continue to help us there because certainly, we're going to need it,” coach Sullivan remarked about Beauvillier's contributions.
Despite dominating play in the third period, Pittsburgh couldn't secure another goal before overtime.
“I thought we dominated the third period," Nedeljkovic noted. "Puck just wasn't going in."
“The other night was embarrassing,” added Rust regarding their previous game against Dallas. “Tonight, we adapted...we showed a lot more guts tonight.”
In related news, Sam Poulin made his season debut after Lars Eller was traded back to Washington on Tuesday.
“Obviously, he great on the penalty kill and reliable defensively,” Drew O’Connor commented about Eller’s departure.
Blake Lizotte left Wednesday's game after being hit by an errant shot from O’Connor; he is currently under evaluation according to Sullivan.
The Penguins also honored Evgeni Malkin for reaching his 500th career goal with a pregame ceremony.
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