The Penguins exploded for four first-period goals – with three scored on the power play – en route to their most lopsided victory of the season, a 7-2 decision over the Blue Jackets in Columbus.



Paul Martin and Sidney Crosby each tallied two goals a piece and 11 Penguins got on the scoresheet as Pittsburgh won for the ninth straight game. The Penguins are also unbeaten in their 12 contests (11-0-1).



The Penguins exposed goaltender Steve Mason’s five-hole, scoring three of four goals against the netminder through his legs. Mason was pulled after Pittsburgh’s four goal of the first period.



The Penguins haven’t lost in regulation since a 7-4 setback to Boston on Nov. 10. The 11-0-1 span has propelled the Penguins to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with an 18-8-2 mark for 38 points (tied with Washington). Paul Martin

Paul Martin tied a career high with his second-ever two goal performance. Martin scored both goals on the power play, and more incredibly, both were unassisted.



On both goals Martin found a loose puck, skated deeper into the zone and had the puck sneak through the five-hole of netminder Steve Mason. His first goal of the night was a fluke play as his centering pass deflected off of a Blue Jacket and into the net. His second score, shot from the high slot, came from a nice read on the play.



Martin finished the night with two goals, three shots, four blocked shots and 20:11 minutes of ice time.

Pittsburgh jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on Columbus and appeared to be in total control. But it was the Penguins’ third goal that really sealed the win for the Penguins.



Paul Martin picked up a loose puck and beat goalie Steve Mason five-hole to give the Penguins a 3-0 lead with 7:05 left in the first period. That goal completely deflated the Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh was off and running in the lopsided tilt. (AP) - Sidney Crosby had two goals to extend his point streak to 15 games, and the Pittsburgh Penguins won their ninth straight by routing the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-2 on Saturday night. Even without top forward Evgeni Malkin, who was sidelined by a knee injury, the Penguins didn't miss a beat. Crosby has five goals in two games, following his hat trick against Atlanta on Thursday. Paul Martin set the tone with two first-period goals, and Michael Rupp, Tyler Kennedy and Deryk Engelland also scored for the Penguins, who have points in 12 consecutive games (11-0-1). Pittsburgh also got two assists each from Kris Letang and Mark Letestu and won on the road for the sixth straight time.