In Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon, the Penguins’ Bryan Rust scored the game-winner in overtime to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-4.
The win moved the Pens to within three points of the Metropolitan Division lead.
“They were [two] important points,” Sidney Crosby said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish it off in regulation, but we did some good things, especially in the second and third. We created a lot and found a way to win in overtime.”
Crosby, Patric Hornqvist, Derick Brassard, and Evgeni Malkin scored for the Pens in regulation.
“We marvel at what [Crosby and Evgeni Malkin] do night in and night out,” Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said. “It’s a privilege to be a coach for this group of players. I can say this, we don’t take a day of it for granted because we know how talented this group is and when we play the game the right way, we’re a good hockey team.
“These are some of the best players of their generation. There are nights where I drive home after games and replay the game in my mind, and I marvel at some of the things that these guys do.”
Matt Murray made 41 saves to pick up the win.
“They’re a good team. We’re a good team. It’s a hard playoff-type game and they’re going to get their momentum swings and we just try to manage them the best we can,” Rust said of the Flyers after the game.
Sean Couturier, Travis Sanheim, Brandon Manning, and Jordan Weal scored for the Flyers.
“It’s a big point,” Couturier said. “We played a pretty good game overall. For sure, it’s disappointing not coming out of here with two points, but we can build on this and maybe do a little better in little areas. Overall, I think we can build on this and keep going.”
[WATCH: All Flyers vs. Penguins highlights]
Alex Lyon got the start for the Flyers and was given the hook after yielding three goals on 11 shots.
“[Getting pulled is] not for me to really speculate on,” Lyon said. “It worked and Petr played really well, came in and he did his job. So, can’t look anywhere else but myself.”
Petr Mrazek made 19 saves in relief of Lyon.
“I thought we played a good hockey game. As much as we needed two points, and you don’t want to take anything less, we’ll build on the positives. We got another point. … We just have to keep pushing forward and keep playing well,” Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol said after the game.
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