The Pittsburgh Penguins out scored the Buffalo Sabres, 4-0 in the second and third period, as the Penguins star power was too much for the lowly Buffalo Sabres to handle in a Penguins 5-1 win on Wednesday night.
After a 1-1 first period after goals from Pittsburgh’s Harry Zolnierczyk (2) and Buffalo’s Drew Stafford, Sidney Crosby (28) put the Penguins ahead 2-1, just 2:08 into the second period on the power play with a highlight reel goal, taking a breakout pass from Matt Niskanen and splitting the Sabres “D” with some of the worst gap control you’ll see from an NHL team and Crosby scored a beautiful goal on Ryan Miller as Miller didn’t seem ready for the puck to come off Crosby’s stick so quick and he roofed one on Miller beating him glove side.
The goal was Crosby’s first goal in six games and from there Pittsburgh took over, getting goals from Evgeni Malkin (17), Brian Gibbons (4) and James Neal (19) to go ahead 5-1. Crosby and Malkin each led the way with a goal and assist in the victory.
Marc Andre Fleury made 24 saves for his league leading 31st win.
Brandon Sutter had a solid game, winning 69% of his draws and won a clean draw in the right circle setting up Brian Gibbons for the Penguins fourth goal of the night at 5:22 of the third period. Gibbons who is showing he can play some at the NHL level, has 3 goals and 4 assists in his last 10 games.
The Penguins hit the 82 point mark on the season with the win and boast the third best record in the NHL.