The Pittsburgh Penguins took another step toward history Saturday in Jarome Iginla’s debut with the team despite an injury to National Hockey League scoring leader Sidney Crosby.
Crosby was hit the face with the puck and reportedly taken to hospital for repairs in the first period but his teammates stepped up to beat the New York Islanders 2-0 and extend their win streak to 15 games.
Pittsburgh’s 15-game streak matched the Islanders’ run from January 21- February 20, 1982 as the second-longest in league history.
The Penguins set the NHL record with 17 consecutive wins during the 1992-93 season.
Goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped all 35 shots he faced for the third straight shutout by a Pittsburgh netminder.
Czech Vokoun combined with Marc-Andre Fleury for 37 saves in a 1-0 decision over Montreal on Tuesday, then stopped 20 shots during Thursday’s 4-0 win over Winnipeg.
Iginla, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames on Thursday, played his first game as a Penguin.
He played on a line with Crosby during the Olympic hockey tournament at the Vancouver Games in 2010 but Iginla never got a chance to reunite with his Canadian pal on Saturday.
Penguins’ captain Crosby was hit in the face by a shot from teammate Brooks Orpik just 1:28 into the game.
Crosby was able to leave the ice under his own power. He reportedly was taken to a local hospital for emergency dental repairs.
Iginla debuts, Crosby exits as Pens win again
