Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby’s overtime goal nets win over Flyers

Sidney Crosby chipped in a dramatic OT goal last night as the Pittsburgh Penguins took down the Philadelphia Flyers at home.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has had his rough patches this year. While much of the attention has focused his heir apparent, Connor McDavid, The Best Player in Hockey™ has struggled to find the scoresheet. Entering tonight, Crosby had 22 points in 25 games played; last year he had 21 goals in his first 25 games.

Crosby put up two assists in regulation on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers. But it was his overtime game winner that earned the Penguins two points and a win over their in-state rival.

The goal was classic Crosby. Perched in front of the net in a 4-on-3 power play, Sid The Kid redirected Phil Kessel’s point shot into the net. It was set up by Kris Letting’s pass from the goal line up to Kessel on the point.

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In spite of Crosby’s struggles – and Letang’s, as the star defenseman wrestles with an odious -13 on the year – Kessel has excelled of late. The helper gave Kessel eight points in his last four games. The 30-year old winger continues to put up points while linemate Evgeni Malkin nurses an injury.

Another injury for Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have dutifully worked through Malkin’s injury issues. It’s been a relatively healthy year for a franchise marred by bizarre health issues over the last decade.

Unfortunately, starting goalie Matt Murray’s injury leaves the team in uncharted territory.

Murray left tonight’s game late in the second period. Philadelphia’s Jacub Voracek fell at the end of his breakaway chance, bowling over Murray and apparently injuring his right leg. That left Pittsburgh Penguins backup Tristan Jarry to finish the game.

Flyers woes continue

The net minder would not have made much of a difference, as the Flyers were manhandled in the third period. A crucial error all but domed them in overtime.

Pittsburgh posted an overall Corsi of 32-9 in the third, with a 24-6 advantage at even strength.  Philadelphia contributed to that first total, taking three penalties in the third. Voracek shot the puck over the glass in his own end with just fifteen seconds remaining, setting up the Penguins  power play into OT.

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It was the eighth loss in a row for Flyers. They drop further out of playoff contention in a tight Metropolitan Division race.