Penguins Postgame: Crosby, Nedeljkovic, and Arguing the Lineup

The Pittsburgh Penguins played to their better angels Monday with a gritty, disciplined win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

The Penguins held firm in the third period when the Rangers pushed back, trying to erase a 3-0 deficit. The Penguins wobbled for a moment as New York scored a pair of goals, but then Bryan Rust and Sidney Crosby scored empty netters for a 5-2 win.

Alex Nedeljkovic made his fifth straight start as Tristan Jarry was a late scratch due to illness. Nedeljkovic stopped 28 of 30 in a fantastic performance.

It was the fifth straight game in which the Penguins led in the third period. They’re on a five-game point streak.

With three points, Crosby tied Wayne Gretzky’s mark for 19 seasons with at least a point per game. For context, in third place is Gordie Howe with 17. Even Crosby enjoyed the feat as evidenced in the Penguins locker room.

PHN’s Dan Kingerski put out the postgame call for questions and statements on X. Some fans enjoyed the win. Others wanted to revisit the Penguins’ coaching and if assistants are on the hot seat.

The Penguins’ surprising playoff scenario (4:30), should Alex Nedeljkovic be the starting goalie (6:40), more on Jack St. Ivany (12:50), and just how great is Sidney Crosby? Those questions and a thorough accounting of Mike Sullivan’s usage of young players (15:30) in the Penguins lineup and potential coaching changes (20:00).