Matt Murray was strong between the pipes tonight and would keep the Pens ahead of Carolina throughout. The Penguins would get big contributions from Guentzel, Sheary, and Scott Wilson. Not to mention that Sidney Crosby missed adding about 3 goals tonight. His entire line missed out on about 5 open nets or perfect opportunities. The final score tonight in Pittsburgh, Pens 3 Canes 2.
After a slow start, both teams would get on the board in the first period. The Pens would take a 1-0 lead after Chad Ruhwedel would slide a pass through the crease to a wide open Jake Guentzel to bury into the open net. The goal came at 11:28 of the first and the Pens were up 1-0. That would not last though as Carolina's star Jeff Skinner would score his 33rd of the season from a pass by Elias Lindholm. The Canes would out shoot the Pens 11-9 in the period, but the Pens had better opportunities early.
In the second period, Scott Wilson would give the Pens a 2-1 lead as he would work one through Eddie Lack's pads. It was his first goal in 14 games. The pens out shot the Canes in that period 12-11. The Canes had focused the bulk of their shots on the glove hand of Matt Murray. The Penguins netminds also continued to struggle giving up some large rebounds.
During the third period, the both teams would exchange goals, but in the end it would not be enough for a Carolina team that is probably run out of time on the playoffs.
The Pens third goal would be yet another power play goal, this time scored by Conner Sheary. From that goal on though, the Canes turned up the pressure out shooting the Pens 13-5 in the period. The Canes would add their goal in a very unconventional fashion. And one that can not be blamed on anyone including the goalie.
Justin Faulk would rip a shot off the glass behind the Net and Murray, the puck would ricochet off the glass straight off the back of Murray's back and into the net. There was absolutely nothing he could have done, nor his teammates. To say it was a fluke goal would be an understatement.
The Pens in the end would hang on for their second win in a row and now look to Tuesday night for their final regular season home game.