Malkin and Novak Lead Penguins to Victory Over Flames

Malkin and Novak played pivotal roles in leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to a decisive victory against the Calgary Flames. The match unfolded with both teams showcasing their tenacity on the ice, but it was the Penguins who solidified their lead through precise teamwork and strategic plays.

Malkin’s Key Play

The game’s momentum shifted as Malkin made a significant contribution with his playmaking abilities. He maneuvered into the zone on the left side, executing a cross-ice pass to Novak. This clever setup allowed Novak to drop the puck to Chinakhov, who scored a powerful goal at 12:32 of the second period. Pittsburgh coach Dan Muse remarked on Chinakhov’s impressive shooting skills, highlighting the speed at which he releases his shots.

Flames Respond Late in the Second Period

Despite the Penguins gaining a 2-0 advantage, the Flames were not deterred. Sharangovich managed to shorten the deficit to 2-1 just before the end of the second period. His goal came at 19:57, where a point shot from Whitecloud deflected off him and then went in off the shoulder of goaltender Skinner. Flames coach Ryan Huska noted that scoring late in a period often shifts momentum, but the response from his team was not what he hoped.

Third Period Dynamics

The Penguins wasted no time extending their lead in the third period. Just 50 seconds in, Rust scored, bringing the score to 3-1. His backhand wraparound attempt bounced off the goalie’s blocker and into the net. Rust commented on the importance of that early third-period goal, emphasizing how it helped maintain their momentum.

Novak’s Impact

As the game progressed, Novak continued to showcase his skills. He scored again at 9:19 of the third period, pushing the Penguins’ lead to 4-1 with a well-executed backhand shot over the Flames’ goaltender Wolf. Novak attributed his goal to a successful outlet pass from St. Ivany, illustrating the importance of teamwork in achieving such results.

• Penguins Scorers:
• Chinakhov – 1 goal
• Rust – 1 goal
• Novak – 1 goal
• Flames Scorers:
• Sharangovich – 1 goal

Overall, the Penguins displayed a great performance, with Malkin and Novak being instrumental in their victory over the Flames. The strategic plays and timely goals solidified their status in the ongoing season.