PENGUINS HOLD OFF CANUCKS FOR MUCH NEEDED VICTORY

The Penguins took on one of the NHL’s toughest Western Conference teams last night, but they came out strong and held off a big third-period push to beat the Vancouver Canucks. Paul Steigerwald reports. (5-4 win.)

In addition to Bryan Rust’s two goals, the Penguins got goals from Blake Lizotte, who returned to the lineup after his concussion and scored the opener, and Rickard Rakell (his team-leading 8th).^Th of the season) and Kevin Hayes.

Coach Mike Sullivan says Rust and his linemates Sidney Crosby and Rakell paved the way for the Pens.

Sullivan says the Penguins need to rebuild their confidence after recent struggles, and games like last night will help with that.

Bryan Rust said the Pens’ mindset is to relax and have fun.

Rust says the Penguins have to fight off adversity.

Defenseman Owen Pickering missed the game due to illness. Philip Thomasino played his first game as a Penguins and skated 21 shifts with 18:05 of ice time. He had one shot on goal.

Forward Valterri Puustinen cleared waivers yesterday and was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

After playing the Bruins in Boston tomorrow night, the Pens come home to play Calgary on Saturday.