The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-3 last night at PPG Paints Arena. The victory was the Pens ninth in a row on their home ice. Jake Guentzel and rookie Zach Aston-Reese scored two goals each, with Aston-Reese netting his first career NHL goal in the second period. Evgeni Malkin scored his 31st goal of the season, and Kris Letang added his fourth. The Pens managed only 11 shots on goal in the first two periods, but put 17 shots on goal in third period.The Pens host the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow night. They moved to within three points of first-place Washington after the Capitals lost to Winnipeg in overtime last night. The Pens have 24 regular season games remaining.
Ottawa defenseman Dion Phaneuf was removed from last night’s game with the Penguins and traded to the Los Angeles Kings with forward Nate Thompson, for veteran winger Marian Gaborik and center Nick Shore.