Pittsburgh Penguins defeat Detroit 4-3

Jussi Jokinen scored the lone goal in the shootout to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in a preview of a possible first-round playoff matchup.

Jokinen, Pittsburgh's third skater, entered the zone close to the right boards and weaved his way towards the slot. He lost control of the puck just as Detroit netminder Jonas Gustavsson went for a poke check. The puck bounced up into the air and rolled into the net for the game winner.

James Neal scored two power-play goals and Jokinen also scored in regulation for the Penguins, who won the third game in their last four. Matt Niskanen and Paul Martin both supplied two assists and Marc-Andre Fleury turned aside 34 shots in the win.

The Penguins got a boost from several players returning to the lineup. Kris Letang returned after missing 10 weeks due to a stroke he suffered on Jan. 29. The 2013 Norris Trophy finalist contributed an assist and logged 22:30 in his first game back. Sidney Crosby, Chris Kunitz, and Olli Maatta were also re-inserted into the lineup.

Despite the loss, the Red Wings clinched a playoff berth for the 23rd consecutive season. Tomas Jurco, Jakub Kindl, and Riley Sheahan all lit the lamp as Detroit has not missed out on the postseason since 1990. Gustavsson made 21 saves in the fortunate setback.

[SportsNetwork.com]