1/30/15

Despres' Overtime Goal Guides Pens to Victory

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced off against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center tonight. Marc-Andre Fleury got the start in goal for the Penguins and Cory Schneider got the start for the Devils. The Devils were given a golden opportunity to take an early lead at 6:39 of the first period, as Penguins' forwards Steve Downie and Maxim Lapierre were assessed roughing and hooking penalties respectively. The Devils were unable to capitalize. The Penguins got an opportunity to score first when Devils' defenseman Mark Fraser was called for a two-minute interference penalty. The Penguins were unable to cash in on their first power play opportunity of the game. After one period of play, the game was scoreless. The Penguins got another power play opportunity at 8:40 of the second period when Devils' forward Dainius Zubrus was called for a two-minute holding penalty. For the second time in the game, the Penguins were unsuccessful. At 19:56, Penguins' defenseman Kris Letang and Devils' forward Dainius Zubrus were assessed two-minute slashing and cross-checking penalties respectively. After two periods of play, the game was still scoreless. The Devils drew first blood when Steve Bernier tucked a wrap-around past Fleury at 6:08 of the third period. At 16:31, Devils' defenseman Peter Harrold was assessed a two-minute high sticking penalty. The Penguins took advantage at 16:49 when Chris Kunitz shot the puck bar down to tie the game at 1-1. At the end of regulation, the game was tied 1-1. At 2:21 of overtime, Simon Despres fired a shot off the goalpost and in to give the Penguins a 2-1 overtime victory.