The Pittsburgh Penguins snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche last night. Jeff Carter scored twice for the Penguins, who never trailed in the game. Sidney Crosby opened the scoring, and Jake Guentzel scored three minutes later on a power play, as the Pens built a 2-0 lead in the second period.
It was Carter’s first multi-goal game since January 11th of LAST season. Crosby now has 30-plus goals in 11 seasons, and has tied Mario Lemieux for the most in team history. Only 20 players have ever accomplished the feat. But Crosby is the only one to score 30 goals at age 18 and again after turning 35.
The win also moved the Penguins back into a Wild Card playoff spot. They are one point in front of the Florida Panthers. Both teams have 11 games remaining in the regular season.
The Pens visit the Dallas Stars tonight for an 9pm face-off. Pre-game on WISR begins at 8:30pm. Dallas and Minnesota are tied for first place in the Central Division of the Western Conference.