Pens’ offense strong in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN – The Penguins’ top line accounted for two goals to help them defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 in front of a sold out crowd at Cambria County War Memorial Arena Tuesday night.
Sergei Plotnikov gave Pittsburgh the 1-0 lead just 14 seconds into the game on assists from his linemates, Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist. Malkin, defenseman Ian Cole and defenseman Adam Clendening also scored for the Penguins to back goalie Matthew Murray.
Brian Boyle and Jonathan Drouin had goals for the Lightning.
After Boyle tied it in the first period, Cole gave the Penguins the lead less than two minutes later on a wrist shot from instide the circle. Drouin tied it midway through the second period before Malkin gave Pittsburgh the lead when he shoveled a rebound past Tampa Bay goalie Kevin Poulin and Clendening added a shorthanded goal on a 2-on-1 break. His initial shot missed the net and went off the boards, but he threw the puck in front and bounced it off Poulin’s back for Pittsburgh’s fourth goal.
Johnstown hosted the preseason game after winning the Kraft Hockeyville USA contest in May.