Sullivan sets Penguins coaching wins record against Blackhawks

PITTSBURGH -- Mike Sullivan became the winningest coach in Pittsburgh Penguins history with a 5-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks in the home opener at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday.

The win was No. 253 for Sullivan, passing Dan Bylsma. Sullivan is 253-131-44 in seven seasons with Pittsburgh, which includes two Stanley Cup championships (2016, 2017).
"I just give our guys credit," Sullivan said. "They're playing hard. I think they're playing, collectively, as a group. They're trusting one another out there. The players, they're playing the game hard. They're executing."
Drew O'Connor scored his first NHL goal and had an assist, Danton Heinen scored in a third straight game and Tristan Jarry made 18 saves for the Penguins, who began an eight-game homestand. They started their season winning at the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 on Tuesday and losing 5-4 in overtime at the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled after allowing four goals on 10 shots in the first 11:25 of the first period for the Blackhawks (0-2-1). Kevin Lankinen made 15 saves in relief.
Fleury had not faced the Penguins, his first NHL team, since Jan. 7, 2020, with the Vegas Golden Knights.
"Obviously, feel bad tonight leaving [Fleury] out to dry," Chicago forward Patrick Kane said. "Especially him coming back to Pittsburgh, to perform like that in front of him in the first period is unacceptable. But we'll find a way to turn it around. I have a lot of confidence in the team we have."
Teddy Blueger scored on the first shot of the game, putting the Penguins ahead 1-0. He attempted a backhand pass to Zach Aston-Reese that went through Fleury's five-hole 15 seconds into the first.
O'Connor made it 2-0 at 5:33 of the first. Fleury went behind the net before Dominik Simon forced an errant pass O'Connor intercepted and wrapped around the left post.
"I haven't checked my phone yet," O'Connor said. "I'll probably hear from some people. Talk to my parents and family, girlfriend and friends. I'm sure I'll be hearing from a lot of people."

Brock McGinn scored his first goal with Pittsburgh on a one-timer from the right face-off circle, extending it to 3-0 at 10:59, and Heinen shot through traffic from the slot to make it 4-0 at 11:25 of the first.
"I think we came out really strong in the first period. It showed in the scoreboard," McGinn said. "So it's tough in those games, I think, when you get a big lead like that, I think you can come out flat maybe and get away from your game. … All four lines have the ability to go out and score goals, so I think right now, every line is working."
Kane scored his first goal of the season, cutting it to 4-1. He sent a one-timer off Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel on a power play at 5:00 of the second period.
Jason Zucker sent a backhand off Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy's skate and in, pushing it to 5-1 at 17:55 of the second.

Kirby Dach cut it to 5-2 on a wrist shot blocker side at 15:57 of the third period.
"It's certainly not the start we wanted," Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. "Ultimately, we were under fire for most of the first period. I think they scored on their chances. We got some better stretches in the second and third. But ultimately, and again, can't dig yourself a hole that deep and expect that you're going to be able to come back."
NOTES: Fleury last allowed four goals in the first period on March 29, 2017, against the Blackhawks while with the Penguins. … Fifteen of Chicago's 20 shots on goal came in the second period. It was held to three in the first and two in the third. … Penguins forward Bryan Rust did not play because of an undisclosed injury sustained in the third period against the Panthers on Thursday. The first-line right wing is continuing to be evaluated, Sullivan said. … Pittsburgh center Sidney Crosby missed a third straight game to start the season after having wrist surgery Sept. 8. He has participated in recent practices. … Pittsburgh's four goals in the opening 11:25 were the seventh fastest in a home opener in NHL history. The Golden Knights last scored four goals faster in a home opener, doing so in 10:42 against the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 10, 2017.