In Pittsburgh, by the time the visiting New York Islanders got their offense on track it was too late.
The Penguins roared out to a 5-0 lead on Saturday and the held of the Isles for 6-3 win.
Bryan Rust picked up a hat trick in the win.
“Obviously, it’s a little bit of confidence,” Rust said. “Every time you feel confident, it’s easier to feel plays. Trying to keep it rolling.”
Tristan Jarry made 29 saves in the win.
“The team is winning right now and everyone is chipping in,” the Pens’ Sam Lafferty said. “It feels good, and [we’re] just trying to get it rolling.”
Martin Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier and Jordan Eberle scored for the Isles to get as close as 5-3.
“We weren’t good enough. We had too many passengers,” New York head coach Barry Trotz said. “I didn’t see enough from anybody, Ilya included. Ilya and the rest of the team. It just wasn’t enough.”
Frederick Gaudreau, Evan Rodrigues and Sidney Crosby scored to give the Pens a 3-0 lead.
“The power play, I think, has really gained a lot of traction here over the last little while,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan said. “They’re scoring goals for us. They’ve been a difference in a lot of games here. I think their confidence has certainly improved because of that, but they’re working hard as a group and they’re taking what the game gives them.”
Rust finished his hat trick on an empty-net strike.
“They (Rust, Crosby and Jake Guentzel) lead the charge,” Sullivan said. “I think they set the tone for the attitude of the team when we’re going out to play every night. No one is looking for excuses. They all have the expectation that we are going to go out and win hockey games.”
Ilya Sorokin surrendered four goals to the Pens before getting the hook, he made five saves.
“It’s nice to score, but it wasn’t a game-winner or a game breaker-goal,” Barzal said. “It was nice to maybe get a little energy on the bench and pull [Pittsburgh’s lead] to four. As much as I’m trying to score, I’m trying to play the right way.”
Semyon Varlamov made 10 saves in relief and yielded one goal.
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