Crosby paces Pens in win over Canadiens
Something about seeing the Montreal Canadiens sweater seems to inspire Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
Crosby played another terrific game against the team he grew up admiring, leading the Penguins to their third consecutive victory in a 3-1 decision over Montreal tonight.
Barring a playoff meeting, this marked the Canadiens final appearance at Mellon Arena.
Crosbys dominance was evident from the games early moments.
He scored 9:21 into the game by whipping a wrist shot past Montreal goalie Carey Prices glove. Crosby busted through the neutral zone with speed and received a pass from Max Talbot just before entering Montreal territory.
Crosby nearly scored later on the same shift. Talbot feathered a nifty pass to Crosby, who broke in alone on Price before firing his shot over the net.
Later in the period, Crosby made a spectacular defensive play by breaking up a Montreal two-on-one.
Crosby almost added another goal in the opening period when he used his right skate to receive a pass and simultaneously blow past the Montreal defense, only to be stopped by Price.
Earlier this season, Crosby registered the third hat trick of his career at Mellon Arena against the Canadiens.
Crosbys teammates got into the act in the second period.
Moments after the Penguins power generated a considerable amount of chances against Price, Bill Guerin scored his sixth goal of the season. Guerin barged to the net and lost control of the puck.
Price, however, was unable to gather the loose puck, allowing Guerin time to pounce on it and give the Penguins a 2-0 advantage.
Evgeni Malkin and Martin Skoula were awarded the assists.