Last-place Devils jump on Penguins early in 6-1 win

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A week ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins were in first place in arguably the NHL's toughest division.

Not so much anymore.

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Sidney Crosby and company are sliding, the latest setback a 6-1 loss at home Thursday night to last-place New Jersey, which pounced on the Penguins for three goals in the first seven minutes and cruised.

"We’ve just got to be better," Crosby said after the Penguins dropped their third straight to slip into third in the Metropolitan Division behind Carolina and the New York Rangers. "We’re not playing the way we’re capable right now."

New Jersey Devils' Yegor Sharangovich, right, celebrates beside teammate Dawson Mercer (18) after scoring against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh.  (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Pittsburgh has been outscored 14-5 during its current skid, one in which the Penguins have not led at any point. They've also given up five goals in each of their last five contests at PPG Paints Arena. That's not the kind of hockey that tends to lead to extended playoff runs.

"I think we’ve got to play the game smarter," Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. "We can’t beat ourselves in certain instances and I think that’s been the case the last few games."

The Penguins are still in excellent shape to reach the postseason for a 16th straight season. The injury-ravaged Devils, meanwhile, have been in a three-month tailspin. For a night at least, New Jersey flashed a hint of what might have been as Jesper Bratt scored twice in the first six minutes and rookie Nico Daws made 37 saves.

"Obviously,