Crosby Lifts Penguins Over Flyers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Sidney Crosby scored two power-play goals 90 seconds apart in the third period, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-1 on Saturday night.
In 17 regular-season games in Philadelphia, Crosby has 13 goals and 28 points. Overall against the Flyers, the Penguins captain has posted 26 goals and 59 points in 33 games.
Mark Letestu, Chris Kunitz and Matt Cooke also had goals for Pittsburgh, which won its second straight to improve to 3-3 this season. The Penguins beat the New York Islanders in overtime on Friday night for their first victory in their new home arena.
The Penguins, who avenged an opening-night loss to the Flyers last Thursday at Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center, fired 30 shots at Philadelphia rookie goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
Brent Johnson stopped 29 shots for Pittsburgh.
Danny Briere gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal at 6:43 of the first period. Jeff Carter bounced a pass off the boards behind the net to Briere, who flicked a shot over Johnson's right shoulder. The Flyers have struggled this season on the power play, going 2 for 22 with the advantage after finishing third in the NHL last season.
Briere has scored both of those goals and has four overall this season.
Philadelphia's lead lasted less than five minutes as Kunitz took a feed from Crosby and fired a shot between Bobrovsky's legs.
Letestu put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1 with an opportunistic goal in the closing minute of the second period. Kris Letang's shot bounced in front of the net, and a clearing attempt by Philadelphia's James van Riemsdyk went off Pittsburgh defenseman Matt Carle. Letestu then found room between Bobrovsky's legs for the goal.
After Crosby's two goals in the third, Cooke scored a short-handed, empty-netter in the closing minutes to seal the win.
NOTES: Letestu has five points in his first five games, including three goals. ... Flyers D Matt Walker has yet to play due to a hip-groin injury that has bothered him since the preseason. Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren said Walker may need surgery. ... Penguins center Jordan Staal (foot) is skating, but isn't game ready. ... while he recovers from a foot injury. D Zbynek Michalek (shoulder) also sat out. Flyers forward Arron Asham (shoulder) also missed the game.
