Memorable Moments: James Neal Hat Trick

After having won their first game after the Christmas break against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night, the Penguins took a tied 2-2 game into the third period, where the Penguins exploded for 3 goals.

Columbus goals: Brandon Dubinsky, Corey Tropp, Nikita Nikitin

Pittsburgh goals: James Neal x3, Sidney Crosby, Chris Kunitz

Return Moment: Not a GIF, but the Penguins welcomed Rob Scuderi back to the lineup for the first time since he was injured with a broken leg in Toronto early in the season.

Wicked Wrister Moment: James Neal has a ridiculous wrist shot.

Arguable that it his amongst the best in the NHL.

Shorthanded Saves Moment: Jeff Zatkoff came up big when the Blue Jackets generated a chance while shorthanded.

Brandon Dubinsky got two good shots on goal and Zatkoff recovered quickly from the first to be in position for the second.

Sidney Crosby Passing Moment: Just have to appreciate both the vision to see the open space and the ability to make the pass.

Other:

Olli Maatta got smoked and turned inside out on the Corey Tropp goal. Ups and downs of a rookie season.

Stretches of play during the 2nd period were dominant by Columbus.

Pens gave up a lot of chances shorthanded for the Blue Jackets. A lot of credit due to Zatkoff for bailing them out. Great

Hat trick for James Neal. Needs to stay away from the dirty stuff and just play and continue to score goals. 5 point game tonight.

The Penguins will head to New Jersey to take on the Devils at the Prudential Center for a 1:00 afternoon game on Tuesday, New Years Eve.