The Penguins have achieved a first in the salary cap era

The Pittsburgh Penguins entered a new category Sunday night as they defeated the Detroit Red Wings 11-2 on Sunday, becoming the first team in the salary cap era to score at least 11 goals in a game. The last team to accomplish this feat was the Washington Capitals in 2003 when they beat the Florida Panthers 12-2.

The NHL record for most goals in a game by a single team is 16, set by the Montreal Canadiens in 1920.

Pittsburgh's 11 goals are one shy of the club record. The franchise has scored 12 twice, in 1975 against the Capitals and again in 1991 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.



Evgeni Malkin led the way offensively for the Pens, recording a hat trick and adding an assist. Sidney Crosby, Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, Teddy Blueger and Kris Letang had three points each. Only two of Pittsburgh's 18 skaters dressed for the game failed to register a point, defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Marcus Pettersson.


The Red Wings have now allowed at least 10 goals in a game twice this season. They were defeated 10-7 by the Maple Leafs in February.