DeSmith stops 52 in shut out over Bruins

In Pittsburgh, Casey DeSmith made 52 saves on Thursday night, and the Penguins defeated the Boston Bruins, 4-0.“I felt like I’m up to the task,” DeSmith said. “Obviously, a 52-save shutout always builds the confidence a little bit. Coming into this game, I felt like I was prepared. I’ve been working for this moment for a long time.”

The Pens improved to 44-23-11, but are nine points back of the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes who both won on Thursday night.

Jake Guentzel hit for a hat trick in the win.

“I just think he’s a great player,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “I think he’s quietly emerged as one of the superstars of the League. I think he’s one of the best goal-scorers in the League. He shows it year in and year out.”

The Bruins dropped to 47-25-5.

“We knew they’d be good in the first. They were,” Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said. “The start of the second was excellent. We needed a nice play.”

Both teams have 99 points and are working to stay clear of the Washington Capitals who hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Guentzel scored in the first period for a 1-0 lead to the Pens.

“You put a lot of time and effort into this game,” Guentzel said. “Just to score goals in this league is pretty special. I’m fortunate to play alongside really good players. Just have a good surrounding crew with coaches and teammates and staff, so it’s just a cool milestone.”

Jason Zucker has Pittsburgh’s first shot of the middle frame and scored for a 2-0 lad.

Guentzel pushed the lead to 3-0 in the second period, and added a late empty-net goal to finish his hat trick.

“Yes, he (DeSmith) made some good saves. You can’t take that credit away from him,” Boston’s Patrice Bergeron said. “But at the same time, I think we can be better at bearing down when we do have those good looks.”

Jeremy Swayman made 28 saves in the Boston loss.

“They made some plays. Unfortunately, I couldn’t come up with the stop,” Swayman said. “I just want to make sure I’m doing whatever I can to help this team win. Learned some good things today.”