The Pittsburgh Penguins extended their lead to 3-0 against the Minnesota Wild, with Evgeni Malkin scoring after a 2-on-1 play with Valtteri Puustinen. Puustinen's performance and contribution to the team have been praised by the Penguins' coach and players, with Mike Sullivan highlighting Puustinen's smart play and enthusiasm for learning. Malkin also acknowledged Puustinen's rapid growth and increased confidence in his game.
Valtteri Puustinen was the main topic of conversation in the Penguins locker room today. Evgeni Malkin: "He’s growing so fast, I think, and growing every game. We see he has more confidence right now and we try to talk to each other in practice, try to help him in faceoffs."
Valtteri Puustinen has given the @penguins a little boost in his first couple of games. @Rupper17 takes a look at what the 2019 7th round pick is adding in Pittsburgh. @LGRed | @KevinWeekes | #LetsGoPens | #NHLNow https://t.co/I0JodgwUp1
Mike Sullivan, on Valtteri Puustinen: "He's a smart player, he has aptitude for the game. He's an eager, enthusiastic learner. I think that's what really excites us. Because of that, I think he's gonna get better quickly. His energy and overall performance has been really good."
Mike Sullivan on Valtteri Puustinen: "He's a smart player, he has aptitude for the game. He's an eager, enthusiastic learner. I think that's what really excites us. Because of that, I think he's gonna get better quickly. His energy and overall performance has been really good."
Hartman scores and cuts the Penguins' lead to 3-1 with 4:54 left in the 2nd period.
Now Evgeni Malkin gets in on the fun, giving Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead after converting a 2-on-1! What a feed from Valtteri Puustinen, who also made a tremendous play to set up Reilly Smith's first-period goal.
Now a 2-on-1 between Valtteri Puustinen and Evgeni Malkin, and Malkin buries the shot into the open side. 3-0 Penguins just 3:34 into the second period.
Malkin from Puustinen. It's 3-0 Penguins. #MNWild