Post-Game Buzz: Martin’s Late Goal leads Penguins to 4-3 win

1. PIT Pascal Dupuis: 2 Goals, 1 Assist

2. BUF Thomas Vanek: 1 Goal, 1 Assist

3. PIT Paul Martin: 1 Goal

In a back and fourth entertaining game, Paul Martin scored the game-winning goal late in the third period and Pascal Dupuis added two goals and an assist, leading the Penguins to a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday afternoon at the First Niagra Center.

With the win, Pittsburgh extended their winning streak to three games and moved into first place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points in 16 games.

Sidney Crosby continued his strong play with a goal and had two assists, including the primary assist that set up Martin’s goal.

The Penguins opened the game with goals from Dupuis and Crosby 1:27 into the game but were forced to rally from behind after squandering a 2-0 lead. After three Sabres unanswered goals, Dupuis tied the game at 3 by one-timing in Kris Letang’s beautiful cross-ice feed with 5:17 left in the third.

Martin then scored his second of the season with 2:04 left when his 40-footer deflected in off the stick of Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff in front. Ryan Miller who made some sensational saves in the game, including a beautiful glove save on a James Neal one-timer, never saw Martin’s shot from the point.

Crosby set up the goal with great wall play by digging the puck out of the left corner and feeding a pass to Martin. Crosby’s three point game gives him  24 points on the season, which is second in the NHL. Thomas Vanek has an NHL-best 25 points, leading Crosby by one point after a two point game this afternoon.

Crosby’s power play goal at 1:27 of the first period marked the eighth straight game the Penguins have scored a power play goal. The Penguins captain also extended his points streak against Buffalo to 14 games during which he has 23 points.

Marc Andre Fleury made 30 saves, improving to 8-3-0 on the season. Fleury has won six of his last seven starts. The Penguins next play Wednesday night at home vs the Philadelphia Flyers.