Crosby carries Pens, Ned goes 25-26, and more: 3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins won 3-1 against Montreal Canadiens

The Pittsburgh Penguins extended their winning streak to two games with a 3-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens at the PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby led the way with a two-goal performance. Blake Lizotte added the other goal, an empty-netter for the Penguins. Meanwhile, Christian Dvorak got the Habs on the board with his first of the season.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

3 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins beat Montreal Canadiens

#3. The Penguins power play made the most of its chances

The Pens went 1-for-2 with the man advantage, getting a crucial goal from Sidney Crosby late in the second period. Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson assisted on the tally.

The goal was a beauty as Letang skated through the Habs’ zone, avoiding various defenders, dropping the puck back to Crosby who rifled a wrist shot past Montreal netminder Sam Montembeault. The goal came with six seconds left on the power play and gave the Penguins a 2-0 lead.

The power play tally bodes well as it seems the Pens are regaining their effectiveness with the man advantage.

#2. Nedeljkovic was sharp

Penguins netminder Alex Nedeljkovic had a terrific night, stopping 25 of 26 shots. Nedeljkovic was solid on the penalty kill, stymying the Canadiens in their two opportunities.

It’s worth pointing out that Nedeljkovic’s emergence as the number-one goaltender has been crucial amid Tristan Jarry’s struggles this season.

#1. Crosby’s carries Pens

Sidney Crosby rose to the occasion once again, carrying the Pens on his back. Thus far this season, the Penguins have struggled to score. But for the second straight game, Crosby shouldered the burden, giving the Pens the offensive boost the team has needed.

Crosby’s two goals put him three shy of 600 for his career. As it stands, Crosby is 21st on the all-time list behind Jarri Kurri with 601. At the rate Crosby is playing, he could easily top the 600-goal mark within the next few games.

The Pens will be back in action on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Both teams will be looking to continue building momentum amid scoring challenges.