It, by some standards, was a modest streak, one that covered a mere one full game.
But for the Pittsburgh Penguins penalty kill, denying nine consecutive opponent power plays was a sign the unit is rounding into form after a bumpy start to the season.
A late goal after the outcome had all but been decided Thursday against the New York Islanders was the first opposing power-play goal the Penguins had allowed over a span of 10 opportunities.
“We made a couple changes,” defenseman Cody Ceci said. “We are really focusing in on it. Things are starting to click a little better and guys are starting to understand a little more what we’re trying to do. And that always helps.”
Before shutting out the Washington Capitals’ power play during a defeat Tuesday, the Penguins had allowed one power-play goal in each of their previous seven games. But from a first-period tally by the Capitals on Sunday until a third-period goal by New York while trailing 3-0 with less than 5 minutes to play Thursday, the Penguins were stingy on the penalty kill.
After allowing two power-play goals in a season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Penguins have not allowed more than one PPG in any game this season. But for the season, their 75.5% kill rate ranks 25th among the NHL’s 31 teams.
“I think at first we were a little scrambly and trying to change a few things up,” Ceci said. “But now I think we’re getting back to what guys are used to, and it seems to be working. So it was good we picked up on it early in the season.”
