As a team with many limitations, the Pittsburgh Penguins need to get offense from just about every component of the roster. On Thursday, seemingly every molecule of their lineup contributed offense as the Penguins erupted offensively, bombarding the Montreal Canadiens, 9-2, at the Bell Centre in Montreal. It was the most goals the Penguins had scored since a 10-2 road win against the San Jose Sharks on Nov.
4, 2023 and allowed the Penguins to sweep their regular season series with the Canadiens (3-0-0). It was also the Penguins’ largest margin of victory ever against the Canadiens. Their previous high-water mark was a 6-0 road win, Nov.
18, 2021 . Forward Bryan Rust led the way with the Penguins’ first hat trick of the season. “Definitely one I’m going to remember,” Rust said to reporters in Montreal via audio provided by the team’s media relations staff.
“Some nights, it feels good. Some nights, pucks just find you and that’s how it goes.” The Canadiens struck on their first shot of the contest when forward Nick Suzuki scored his 11th goal of the season.
From the left point of Montreal’s zone, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang forced a pass attempt to the opposite point intended for defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. Canadiens forward Cole Caufield recognized the telegraphed sequence and jabbed the puck away from Grzelcyk to the neutral zone, creating a two-on-one rush with Suzuki against Letang. As Caufield entered the Penguins’ zone on the left wing, Letang race.
