Detroit — Star players usually shine at the biggest games, and Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby certainly did that Saturday for his team.
Crosby had two goals and an assist leading the Penguins, who are clawing to get into the playoffs this final week, past the Red Wings 5-1 at Little Caesars Arena.
With the three points, Crosby became only the 15th player in NHL history to reach the 1,500-point milestone. Pittsburgh temporarily moved into an Eastern Conference wild-card spot, pending tonight’s results.
Pius Suter scored for the Wings (35-34-10), who couldn’t muster the type of offense they’ve been able to generate recently (five or more goals three consecutive games). Goaltender Ville Husso stopped 23 shots.
Alex Nylander, Danton Heinen and Evgeni Malkin also scored for Pittsburgh (40-30-10), while goalie Tristan Jarry made 20 saves.
BOX SCORE: Penguins 5, Red Wings 1
Crosby’s goal with three seconds left in the first period was a gut-punch.
Jake Guentzel knocked the puck off Jake Walman’s stick deep in the zone and Crosby gathered it, then backhanded a shot past Husso, giving Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead.
After Heinen and Suter traded goals 42 seconds apart midway in the second period, Crosby supplied another crushing goal.
Kris Letang found Crosby near the hashmarks, and Crosby fired his 33rd goal, the 1,500th point of his career.
The Wings close out the regular season with their home finale Monday against Dallas, then finish on the road in Carolina (Tuesday) and Tampa (Thursday).
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan