PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was a familiar face in Ottawa Thursday as the Penguins faced Matt Murray for the first time since he was traded in 2020. Behind Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust they blanked the Senators 2-0.
A scoreless first period was led by the Penguins defense and goaltending from Casey DeSmith to keep Ottawa off the scoreboard as the Senators were held to 11 shots on goal.
“I thought we forced Ottawa to have to work really hard to get the looks and when we defend collectively as a group of five I think we can be a stingy defensive team,” said Mike Sullivan.
Pittsburgh had an opportunity to score on a Bryant Rust back-hand shot that missed. Ottawa had a chance to score late in the first period on a rush to the net but Casey DeSmith stopped Alex Formenton’s shot with 40 seconds to play in the period to keep the game tied 0-0.
Kris Letang found Jeff Carter on a one-timer past Murray to open up the scoring in the second period with his 13th goal of the season with 12:35 to play in the period.
The third period was dominated by the Penguins on offense and defense holding the Senators to just 5 shots on net compared to the Penguins 19 including an empty net goal.
“We can also create our offense off our defense. It’s just another way to generate offense. It’s an important part of winning hockey games in this league. I thought tonight was one of our complete efforts,” Sullivan said
Bryan Rust capped off the third period with an empty net goal with 11 seconds left in the hockey game on a breakaway goal to seal the game 2-0. His 4th straight game with a goal and his 16th goal of the season.
DeSmith vs Murray
Casey DeSmith was excellent in net for the Penguins stopping 26 shots on net and gave up no goals in the shutout win. DeSmith picked up his first win since January 2nd improving his record to 4-3-2.
“I thought in his body language you get the sense behind the bench that he’s on his game and I felt that way tonight early on,” said Mike Sullivan. “I thought he made two or three real good saves at key times in the game to help us win. We’re thrilled for him. He’s played a lot of good hockey for us for the last few years since he’s been a Pittsburgh Penguin. We know what he’s capable of, it’s games like this.”
This was the first game the Penguins faced their former goaltender Matt Murray since they traded him in 2020. Murray made 42 saves on 43 shots on net.
"I thought Matt looked really strong as well," said Sullivan. "Obviously have a long history with him and I know his game well. When he's on his game he makes some difficult saves look easy and I thought that was the case tonight."
Crosby Chase For 500 Continues
Sidney Crobsy had multiple chances to net his 500th career goal but was stopped by Matt Murray on all six of his shots on net. Crosby is looking to become the 46th NHL player to reach this milestone.
Injured Center
Pens were without Evgeni Malkin for the second straight game. He tested out of protocol and there is a possibility he could play Sunday according to Sullivan.
Up Next
Pens are in New Jersey Sunday afternoon at 1:30p. The Devils are coming off a 7-4 win over St. Louis.