Penguins blank Sharks 3-0 as Jarry posts 31-save shutout

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sidney Crosby’s second-period deflection and Tristan Jarry’s 31-save shutout powered the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at SAP Center, handing the Sharks their fifth straight game without a win and lifting Pittsburgh to 4-2 on the young season.

Crosby opened the scoring 7:35 into the second period by redirecting a Kris Letang point shot that followed a play around the net by Rickard Rakell. Anthony Mantha extended the lead 7:02 into the third after Justin Brazeau’s feed, and Evgeni Malkin capped the scoring with an empty-net goal with 22 seconds remaining. Jarry recorded his 22nd career shutout and lowered his season goals-against average to 2.35. Sharks goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic made 24 saves.

Pittsburgh relied on timely defense and Jarry’s steady netminding more than sustained offensive dominance. San Jose generated quality chances and outshot Pittsburgh for the first time this season, but several solid saves by Jarry and a lack of finishing left the Sharks scoreless. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang factored into the game-opening goal and finished with a point, while Crosby and Malkin each recorded a goal...