Fleury stops 29 shots as Penguins blank Islanders

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Without superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins are learning to win games by focusing on defense.

The latest evidence came in a 29-save shutout by Marc-Andre Fleury in a 1-0 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night.

It was Pittsburgh’s fifth win in its past six games — all without Crosby — and second in three games with both Crosby and Malkin out due to injury.

Long known for their offense, the Penguins have allowed only nine goals in this six-game hot stretch as they head into the All-Star break, having not allowed more than two in any one of those games.

Pittsburgh insists it isn’t approaching these tight, low-scoring games any differently than it had even when its offense was stocked with all-world talent.

“I don’t think we’ve really changed much, to be honest,” defenseman Brooks Orpik said. “Some guys are maybe getting more ice time and playing different roles like power play and whatnot, but we’re playing the exact same way.

“We’re not playing any more defensive, but I think guys are just maybe buckled down a little more and their focus is a little better.”

Fourth-liner Craig Adams ended the scoreless drought with his third goal of the season at 8:35 of the third period off a rebound of an Arron Asham shot for the Penguins, who have won 10 consecutive home games against New York.

Fleury’s 18th career shutout was the second this season in which Pittsburgh scored only once. The Penguins have played nine straight games without Crosby, who finally just lost his grip on the NHL scoring lead. They are 5-3-1 since he began feeling the effects of a concussion.