Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust both contributed two goals each to propel the Pittsburgh Penguins to a commanding 5-2 win over the New York Rangers on Monday evening.
Crosby played a pivotal role in the victory, assisting on Rust’s opening goal in the game’s first shift and adding a goal of his own midway through the first period. This performance helped the Penguins extend their recent strong form to 3 wins, 2 losses, and 2 overtime losses in their last five games.
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With his contributions, Crosby achieved a significant milestone, reaching 80 points for the 13th time in his illustrious 19-year career. Additionally, he came within three assists of reaching the impressive milestone of 1,000 career assists. Crosby capped off his exceptional night by sealing the win with an empty-net goal just 45 seconds before the final buzzer, marking his seventh three-point game of the season.
Bryan Rust secured his fourth two-goal game of the season by capitalizing on an empty net opportunity with 2:39 left on the clock.
Adding to the Penguins’ tally, Emil Bemstrom also found the back of the net as Pittsburgh improved their record to 5-6-3 in their last 12 games.
In goal, Alex Nedeljkovic made 28 saves in his fifth consecutive start, filling in for Tristan Jarry, who was initially announced to start but was later sidelined due to illness, despite participating in pregame warmups.
The Rangers, who entered the game with a five-game winning streak, had their momentum halted, remaining three points ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division standings. They had a goal disallowed by Mika Zibanejad in the second period due to an apparent goaltender interference call against Chris Kreider during a power play.
Kappo Kakko and Jack Roslovic managed to get on the scoresheet for the Rangers. Kakko’s goal was awarded after replay showed the puck crossing the goal line, while Roslovic narrowed the gap to one goal with just over three minutes remaining.
New York goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 15 saves throughout the game.
The scoring started early for Pittsburgh, with Bryan Rust opening the floodgates just 18 seconds into the game, capitalizing on a rebound from Sidney Crosby’s shot. Crosby himself added to the lead later in the first period by redirecting a shot from Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Emil Bemstrom extended the Penguins’ lead midway through the third period with a breakaway goal.
