Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) – Chris Kunitz posted two goals and one
assist to back a 36-save performance from Marc-Andre Fleury as Pittsburgh
silenced Los Angeles, 3-0, at CONSOL Energy Center.
Kris Letang recorded the other tally for the Penguins, who have won three in a
row — two of those by shutout.
Martin Jones made 20 stops in defeat for the Kings, who have dropped back-to-
back contests to kick off a five-game road trip. The defending champions were
blanked for the second time this season.
The Pens had a brief 5-on-3 edge near the midway point of the first period and
cashed in when Kunitz redirected an Evgeni Malkin pass home from the left side
at 9:16.
Only 50 seconds after Los Angeles’ Mike Richards was sent off for a high
stick, Letang pumped his first goal of the season past Jones at 15:14.
Jones and the Kings defense held the hosts at bay in the second period
on just six shots, but failed to back that effort by coming up empty on 10
shots against Fleury.
Kunitz struck again to extend Pittsburgh’s lead to 3-0 at 9:24 of the third,
following up a Sidney Crosby rebound and scoring from a sharp angle to the
left of the Kings’ net near the goal line.
Game Notes
Kunitz recorded his first multi-goal effort since last March 10 against the
Capitals … Malkin’s assist was his 400th career helper … Fleury posted his
second shutout of the season and extended his team record with his 30th career
whitewash … Prior to the contest, the Kings recalled forward David van der
Gulik from Manchester of the American Hockey League, while the Penguins
recalled forward Jayson Megna from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
