Penguins 2, Panthers 1 (SO)
James Neal had the deciding shootout goal for the third time in a week as the Pittsburgh Penguins edged the Florida Panthers 2-1 Sunday afternoon.
Despite having just one regulation goal in 15 games since coming over in a trade with Dallas, Neal has proven to be a breakaway specialist for the surging Penguins (45-23-8). Following shootout markers against Detroit on Monday and New Jersey on Friday, Neal's goal against Panthers netminder Scott Clemmensen clinched Pittsburgh's fourth consecutive victory, all coming via the shootout.
Alexei Kovalev had the Penguins' other shootout tally while defenseman Ben Lovejoy had the lone goal in regulation as Pittsburgh moved into a second-place tie with Washington atop the Eastern Conference standings, two points back of Philadelphia.
Marc-Andre Fleury was Pittsburgh's other star Sunday, turning aside 37 shots in regulation and overtime as the Pens improved to 9-2-2 in their last 13 outings.
Ryan Carter's second-period goal provided the lone offense for the Panthers (29-37-10), who have dropped five consecutive games. Clemmensen took the loss despite only appearing in overtime and the shootout - Tomas Vokoun left after three periods because he wasn't feeling well. He made 23 saves.