Associated Press
The NHL roundup …
PITTSBURGH ó Sidney Crosby returned to the Penguins’ lineup Sunday, but Marc-Andre Fleury made sure Pittsburgh didn’t need him.
Fleury stopped 33 shots and Petr Sykora had a goal and an assist to lead the Penguins to a 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers.
Fleury posted his second shutout of the season and 13th of his career, while Chris Minard and Tyler Kennedy each added a goal for Pittsburgh, which altered its style to the more defensive-oriented 1-4 after a recent stretch of losing seven of eight.
“I think this was similar to last game and the (win against Philadelphia on Tuesday),” Fleury said. “The guys did a great job of not giving them too many scoring chances and we got some turnovers, got chances. We got some goals early, so that was a big game for us.”
The Penguins have won three of their last four games and moved back into playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
Crosby was back in the lineup after sitting out Friday’s game with an apparent knee injury. He missed a penalty shot early in the second period and saw his five-game scoring streak end. Crosby was hurt during Wednesday’s loss to Washington.
“The leg felt pretty good,” he said. “Hopefully it’s better, but we’ll see tomorrow.
The Rangers’ three-game winning streak ended as they were shut out for the third time this season. New York hasn’t won in regulation at Mellon Arena in the past 12 games, including playoffs.
Avalanche 6, Flames 2
DENVER ó Ryan Smyth and Milan Hejduk scored their 300th career goals in the Colorado Avalanche’s 6-2 win over the Calgary Flames.