Penguins/NHL
The Pittsburgh Penguins scored three power play goals and improved to 2-0 in the preseason, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 on Friday night at the Nationwide Arena.
Pittsburgh got scoring production throughout their lineup getting goals from Arron Asham, Mike Rupp (ppg), Chris Kunitz (ppg), Nick Johnson (ppg) and Mike Comrie.
Pittsburgh dominated play in the first period, outshooting Columbus 14-5 in the period and getting on the board just 34 seconds into the game on a goal from Asham.
Pittsburgh held a 2-1 lead going into the second but were pressed hard as Columbus scored 26 seconds apart to take a 3-2 lead just 3:01 into the second period.
The Penguins who were playing without a number of key players responded with three unanswered goals and Nick Johnson scored the go ahead goal at 8:13 of the third period and Mike Comrie pushed the Penguins lead to 5-3, 3:55 seconds later.
Comrie who spent most of the game on wing, continues his strong play in the preseason and led the Penguins with 8 shots on goal.
Another bright spot for the Penguins once again was Mark Letestu who appears to be a lock to make the team. Letestu had 2 assists in the game and continues to flourish offensively, leading the Penguins with 4 points in the preseason.
Goaltender Brent Johnson started and made 18 saves on 21 shots in 40 minutes of work.
Defenseman Alex Goligoski led the Penguins with 24:12 of ice time and had two assists in the game. Goligoski manned the right point on the 1st power play unit with Paul Martin working left point.
Mark Letestu – Mike Comrie – and Chris Kunitz were the Penguins No. 1 forward unit down low on the power play.
Defenseman Deryk Engelland who is battling for one of the final D-man spots, made some nice defensive plays and was a physical presence throughout the game but had a team high minus-2 in the game.
The Penguins return home tomorrow night against the Blue Jackets.
Box Score
1st Period
Goal: 0:34 PIT Arron Asham
Assists: Goligoski
Goal: 9:31 PIT PPG – Michael Rupp
Assists: Conner & Wagner
Goal: 12:27 CBJ Tomas Kubalik
Assists: Vermette & Huselius
2nd Period
Goal: 2:35 CBJ PPG – Tomas Kubalik
Assists: Vermette & Huselius
Goal: 3:01 CBJ Kyle Wilson
Goal: 16:46 PIT PPG – Chris Kunitz
Assists: Letestu & Goligoski
3rd Period
Goal: 8:13 PIT PPG – Nick Johnson
Assists: Wagner & Jeffrey
Goal: 12:08 PIT Mike Comrie
Assists: Letestu & Kunitz
Goal: 19:16 CBJ Tomas Kubalik
Assists: Klesla & Huselius
