Losing streak continues as Pens lose to Panthers

Pittsburgh can tie the club record Sunday for the longest winless streak.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Roberto Luongo stopped 34 shots for his 20th career shutout and the Florida Panthers ran Pittsburgh's NHL-record home losing streak to 13 games, winning 2-0 Friday night.
Kristian Huselius and Juraj Kolnik scored second-period goals against rookie goalie Andy Chiodo to help Florida win for the first time in four games (1-2-1) on its six-game road trip. The Panthers went 4-0 against the Penguins this season and have won nine straight against them, outscoring them 36-13.
The Penguins lost their 17th straight game, which would have equaled the league record if they hadn't gained a point in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss at St. Louis. Even if they won't make the record book, they could become the first NHL team to lose 18 consecutive games in a single season if they lose Sunday at home to Ottawa.
A loss or tie Sunday would tie the club record for longest winless streak, set when they went 0-17-1 from Jan. 2, 1983, through Feb. 10, 1983.
Strong showing
Luongo, who might be an MVP candidate if he played for a team higher in the standings, won his eighth straight against the Penguins after starting his career 1-6-1 against them.
Luongo, who faces a league-high average of 34.5 shots per game, made key saves during important stretches, such as when Florida killed off two power plays resulting from Mathieu Biron penalties 2 1/2 minutes apart midway through the third period. Luongo has stopped 75 of 76 shots in his last two games, including Wednesday's 1-1 tie with Buffalo.
After allowing 13 power-play goals in their previous five games, the Penguins were beaten on two even-strength goals about 10 minutes apart in the second period.
Huselius made it 1-0 less than two minutes into the period with his eighth goal, a backhander from the edge of the left circle with defenseman Marc Bergevin positioned between him and Chiodo.
Kolnik scored his 10th goal unassisted midway through the period, stealing the puck from defenseman Dan Focht in the neutral zone and beating Chiodo with a wrist shot as Focht tried frantically to catch up.
Chiodo, 20 and the Penguins' third rookie goalie this season, played well in only his second NHL game, making 30 saves. He has stopped 60 of 66 shots since being recalled from the AHL.