Pens hold off Devils

In Pittsburgh, two goals from Jeff Carter and Jared McCann gave the Penguins a 2-0 lead over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday afternoon.

Casey DeSmith got the win on 34 saves for the Pittsburgh Penguins

Casey DeSmith made 34 saves and the Pens won, 4-2.

Bryan Rust pushed the lead to 3-0 at 7:30 in the middle frame.

Jack Hughes got that one back 75 seconds later with his 11th of the season to make it 3-1.

Midway through the third period, Mike Woods got the Devils within one with 13th of the campaign to make it a 3-2 games.

“I really think it’s an opportunity for all our young players to make an impression,” New Jersey head c0000000000000000000000000000oach Lindy Ruff said. “I think every player wants that opportunity. They say, ‘Well, I don’t get enough ice time. I don’t get enough time to play.’ … So it’s an opportunity for those players to make a statement that they can be a difference maker for us.”

That goal came in the 10:57 of the frame.

“We need to step up here and get a win,” Wood said. “Because, quite frankly, I’m sick and tired of losing hockey games.”

Sidney Crosby bagged an empty-netter (20th of the year) with one second left on the game clock.

“I don’t think [reaching 20 goals] is ever routine,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said. “It’s hard to score 20 goals in this League. There’s a lot of good players. There’s a lot of good teams. It’s hard to score 20 goals. I think guys that reach that milestone consistently are really good players.”

Crosby will average a point a game, at least, for the 16th straight season to start a career. Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky are the only players with more seasons.

“Anytime you’re mentioned with Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky, that’s pretty neat,” Crosby said. “It’s also a reminder of how long I played, too. So I think, like I said, it’s a compliment to be in that company.”

Mackenzie Blackwood made 33 saves in the loss.

“We’re trying to play our best all the time,” Blackwood said. “It’s a learning experience for our team right now. Trying to find ways to win. Trying to find ways to play the right way.”