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Ruutu Shines in Crosby's Return to Ice

Jarkko's career-high three points lifts Pens over Isles

By Jamie Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 28, 2008 12:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Sidney Crosby has been gone for two months, but the way his teammates have stepped up, his absence hasn’t hurt them much. Last night marked the golden boy's long-awaited return, but it was Jarkko Ruutu's who stole star of the game honors in the Pens 3-1 win over the Islanders, netting a goal and an assist for a career-high three points, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"He's so complete," Crosby said. "He's drawing penalties. He's playing physical, scoring goals, setting them up." Pittsburgh—which has already clinched a playoff spot—sits one point ahead of Montreal in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are also well on their way to clinching the Atlantic Division, sitting six points ahead of the second-place New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sydney Crosby, center, gets to the puck between New York Islanders' Richard Park, left, of South Korea, and Steve Regier in the first period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Sydney Crosby, center, gets to the puck between New York Islanders' Richard Park, left, of South Korea, and Steve Regier in the first period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Jarkko Ruutu, of Finland, celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the second period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Jarkko Ruutu, of Finland, celebrates scoring a goal against the New York Islanders in the second period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
New Jersy Devils' Paul Martin, bottom, falls over after being checked by Pittsburgh Penguins' Jarkko Ruutu, from Finland, in the first period of their hockey game in Pittsburgh tonight.
New Jersy Devils' Paul Martin, bottom, falls over after being checked by Pittsburgh Penguins' Jarkko Ruutu, from Finland, in the first period of their hockey game in Pittsburgh tonight.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Darryl Sydor, left, and New York Islanders' Tim Jackman fight in the second period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight. Both players were penalized for fighting.
Pittsburgh Penguins' Darryl Sydor, left, and New York Islanders' Tim Jackman fight in the second period of their game in Pittsburgh tonight. Both players were penalized for fighting.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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Box score
ESPN

NHL standings
ESPN

Pens headed to post-season
Washington Post

Crosby set to return
Sports Illustrated

 
NHL • Pittsburgh Penguins • Sidney Crosby • hockey • New York Islanders • Jarkko Ruutu

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