Penguins Make it 12 in a Row With Win Over Sabres

The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing incredible hockey as of late. There is no other way to state how well they've played. The Penguins put together another great effort Saturday as they took down the Buffalo Sabres 5-2.

For Pittsburgh, its there 12th win in a row. They possess the best overall record in hockey at 21-8-2 and nobody is even close to playing as good as they are right now.

The Penguins started out fast against the Sabres scoring the first 2 goals of the game to go up 2-0 in the first period.

Buffalo responded with a power-play goal by Tyler Ennis late in the first period to draw within a goal.

The game remained tied at 2-1 until midway through the 3rd period when Alex Goligoski scored his 6th of the season to put the Pens up 3-1.

But the Sabres weren't going to quit, at least not right away. Jason Pominville responded 51 seconds later for the Sabres to bring them within one goal again.

But it wasn't meant to be for the Buffalo Sabres on this night.

Mike Rupp scored in front of the net with little time remaining to put the Pens up 4-2. Then, with less than a minute remaining, Matt Cooke put the game out of reach with an empty net goal and Pittsburgh went on to win 5-2.

Sidney Crosby was relatively quiet on the night. Crosby had an assist and was +2 on the game. He had a breakaway in the 2nd period but couldn't score.

With the win, the Penguins have won their 12th game in a row and have increased their lead as the top overall team in the NHL. They next play December 14th in Philadelphia against the Flyers.

On the other side of the ice, the Buffalo Sabres fall into a tie for 9th place in the eastern conference with the loss. They next play December 15th at home against the Boston Bruins.

Attendance: 18,690

Buffalo's Record: 12-14-4 (28 points) Tied 9th in the East

Last 10: 5-4-1

Interesting Note: Sidney Crosby's 4-game goal streak ended Saturday night vs. the Sabres

Key Fact: Alex Goligoski was +4 on the night

Three Stars:

1st- Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh)

2nd- Jason Pominville (Buffalo)

3rd- Dustin Jeffrey (Pittsburgh)