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Did Pittsburgh Penguins' Power Surge Overwhelm New Jersey Devils?

The Pittsburgh Penguins secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena, improving their record to 21-12-9. The Devils, now standing at 22-20-2, struggled to find their rhythm against the Pens' relentless attack.


Jan 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec (17) moves the puck against pressure from Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

First Period


The game began with both teams testing each other's defenses. The Penguins took an early lead with a goal in the first period, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance. Evgeni Malkin was instrumental in this period, showcasing his offensive prowess and contributing significantly to the team's momentum.


Second Period


In the second period, Pittsburgh continued to apply pressure on New Jersey's defense. Erik Karlsson shone brightly by scoring one of two goals for the Pens during this segment. His contribution was crucial as it extended their lead and put additional strain on the Devils' defensive strategies.


Jan 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  New Jersey Devils center Luke Glendening (14) waits for the puck drop on a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Third Period


As the third period unfolded, Connor Dewar added another goal for Pittsburgh, further solidifying their advantage. Despite a late push from New Jersey that resulted in a powerplay goal by them, it wasn't enough to close the gap created by Pittsburgh's earlier efforts.


Stuart Skinner's performance between the pipes was noteworthy; he made 28 saves out of 29 shots faced, ensuring that any attempts by New Jersey were effectively neutralized.


Jan 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar (19) celebrates his goal with the Penguins bench against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Penguins displayed remarkable teamwork throughout all periods of play which left fans wondering what went wrong for Pittsburgh Penguins during previous games where they couldn't capitalize similarly on opportunities presented.


Looking ahead, fans can catch more action when Pittsburgh hosts Calgary Flames at PPG Paints Arena on January 10th at 3:30 PM EDT. The game will be available for viewing via ESPN+ and SportsNet PT networks. Share this article with fellow fans who want insights into how these matchups unfold!

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