The energy inside the Wells Fargo Center was basically what you'd expect for a mid-January showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers—pure, unadulterated chaos. If you missed it, the score of the penguins game ended in a decisive 6-3 victory for Pittsburgh, but the final numbers honestly don’t tell the whole story of how gritty this one got.
Pittsburgh came in desperate. They were riding a three-game skid that had fans starting to whisper about whether the wheels were coming off. Meanwhile, Philly was looking to leapfrog them in the Metropolitan Division standings. By the time the final horn sounded on Thursday night, the Penguins hadn't just secured two points; they’d reminded the league that their veteran core still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
Why the Score of the Penguins Game Matters Right Now
This wasn't just another regular-season win. It was a statement. Heading into the matchup, the Penguins were sitting in a precarious third spot in the Metro, feeling the heat from the Washington Capitals and these very same Flyers.
The 6-3 win gives them a much-needed cushion. Honestly, the Penguins have been a bit of an enigma lately. One night they’re shutting down the Red Wings, and the next they’re losing a 1-0 heartbreaker to the Bruins. But against Philly, the offense finally clicked.
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Breaking Down the Scoring Summary
The first period set the tone. Justin Brazeau, who has been a massive surprise this season, found the back of the net just over two minutes in. It wasn't pretty—just a hard-nosed play assisted by the rookie Ben Kindel and Anthony Mantha.
- First Period: Brazeau (13) at 2:16; Bryan Rust (17) at 12:25.
- Second Period: Egor Chinakhov (6) at 1:16; Blake Lizotte (6) at 18:29.
- Third Period: Sidney Crosby (25) at 3:10; Connor Dewar (9) at 4:27.
Crosby’s goal in the third was the dagger. It was vintage 87—finding a seam, receiving a pass from Malkin, and burying it before the goalie could even blink. That goal also marked a milestone, as Lane Hutson and Crosby both hit significant assist markers earlier in the week, but seeing Sidney still producing at this clip at 38 years old is just wild.
The Stars and the Stats
While the score of the penguins game looks lopsided, Stuart Skinner had to stand on his head for stretches. The Flyers threw everything including the kitchen sink at him in the second period.
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Evgeni Malkin looked refreshed. After dealing with some upper-body lingering issues earlier in the month, "Geno" was everywhere, tallying two primary assists. The chemistry between him and Rickard Rakell is starting to look like the 2022 version of themselves, which is exactly what Dan Muse needs to see as the schedule gets heavier.
Defensive Struggles and the Karlsson Absence
It’s worth noting that the Penguins are doing this without Erik Karlsson. He’s currently on the injured reserve with an undisclosed issue, and his absence on the power play is noticeable. Kris Letang logged massive minutes (over 25 tonight), and you have to wonder how long the 38-year-old can keep that up.
Parker Wotherspoon and Ryan Shea have stepped up, but the blue line still feels a bit thin. They gave up three goals tonight, mostly on defensive zone breakdowns and a shaky penalty kill that allowed Philly back into the game during the second period.
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What’s Next for the Penguins?
If you're tracking the score of the penguins game to see where they land for the playoffs, keep your eyes on the upcoming road trip. They don't get much time to celebrate. The schedule is brutal over the next week:
- Saturday, Jan 17: A flight out West to face the Seattle Kraken.
- Monday, Jan 19: A matchup against the Calgary Flames.
- The Standings: Currently, Pittsburgh holds 54 points, sitting 3rd in the Metro.
The Sabres and Bruins are currently leading the Eastern Conference, but the Penguins are right in that secondary tier. They aren't the favorites for the Cup—the oddsmakers have them at roughly +30000—but they’re a "tough out" team that nobody wants to face in a seven-game series.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're betting or playing fantasy, keep an eye on Ben Kindel. The 18-year-old is playing with a confidence that belies his age, and his vision is setting up a lot of the depth scoring that Pittsburgh has lacked in previous seasons. Also, check the injury report on Karlsson daily; his return will drastically change how this team handles puck transition.
Basically, the Penguins are a team of streaks right now. This win in Philly could be the spark for another run, or just a temporary bandage on a leaky defense. Either way, Crosby and Malkin aren't going down without a fight.