By Josh Yohe

Published: Saturday, February 2, 2013, 6:52 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, March 26, 2013

It was a game of firsts at Consol Energy Center.

Center Brandon Sutter scored his first goal with his new team, and defenseman Robert Bortuzzo scored the first goal of his NHL career during the Penguins' 5-1 victory.

Captain Sidney Crosby set up both goals.

“It was obviously a very special moment for me,” Bortuzzo said.

“And to score my first goal against a Hall of Fame goalie, and to have Sidney Crosby, of all people, set up the goal, was pretty amazing.”

Bortuzzo's shot beat New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur cleanly.

Sutter's goal was a little dirtier.

Crosby and Sutter barged toward the net and whacked at a loose puck until it finally beat Brodeur. The goal was originally credited to Crosby.

“It was just bouncing around and we kept working,” Sutter said.,

His first goal with the Penguins looks impressive on the scoresheet: Crosby and Evgeni Malkin picked up the assists.

“It does have a nice ring,” Sutter said. “It's an honor to have those guys get those assists. It worked out well.”

Crosby was delighted to help each player record a milestone.

“It's always special to be a part of those,” Crosby said.

Spending Fleury

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made some new friends Saturday.

Fleury approached the Penguins before the season about reaching out to the fans and decided to purchase four front row seats in Section 118, behind the net that Fleury defends twice.

Four random students who purchase student-rush tickets will be selected to sit in those seats for the rest of the season. The seats are being dubbed “Flower's Front Row Seats.”

Notable

Left winger Chris Kunitz was a game-time decision because of an illness he has been battling all week. He missed Thursday's morning skate in New York and Friday's practice, but there was no sign of fatigue against the Devils. He produced four points and was a plus-4. ... Goalie Tomas Vokoun, who played for the Capitals last season, will start Sunday in Washington.

Josh Yohe is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jyohe@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JoshYohe_Trib.

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