Pittsburgh Penguins Beau Bennett Makes NHL Debut
By Drew Shetler
Jan 25, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins forward Craig Adams (27) during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
As the Pittsburgh Penguins took on the Winnipeg Jets Friday night there were two milestones set. It was the 600th NHL career game for Brooks Orpik and the first career game for rookie Beau Bennett. The Penguins were looking to avenge their 4-2 loss against their only other meeting against the Jets.
Like in their first meeting it was the Penguins struck early in the first period hushing the loud Winnipeg crowd. Craig Adams scored the goal, his first of the season, at 3:19 in the first period. The Penguins dominated the action in the first with their great skating and fore check. The Penguins out shot the Jets 12-6 and lead 1-0 at the end of the first period.
The second period was evenly played. Both teams getting chances and gaining momentum. The Jets out shot the Penguins 13-9 including have a stretch where they out shot the Pens 8-0. The Penguins had trouble getting out of their zone and the rookie Bennett came up with a big block shot when the Pens needed it.
Going into the third down 1-0 the Jets knew that they had to do everything they could to try and tie the game and they did just that sending a barrage of shots on goaltender Marc Andre Fleury but Fleury shut the door stopping all shots. With under five minutes to play the Jets took two costly penalties giving the Penguins a 5 on 3 power play. Which the Penguins would score on thanks to a one time shot by James Neal, his 11th of the season, increasing the lead to 2-0.
But the Jets would not go away that easily. Under two minutes left to play they pulled their goalie and Andrew Ladd was able to put one behind Fleury cutting the lead to 2-1. However, it wouldn’t work twice as Adams would score his second of the game insuring the Penguins victory 3-1.
The Penguins will look for another victory on Sunday when they take on the Buffalo Sabres.