Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Jarkko Ruutu's goal midway through the third period proved to be the game-winner, as the balanced Ottawa attack led the Senators to a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opener of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series at Mellon Arena.
Senators 5, Penguins 4: Ottawa Opens Playoffs With Win Over Pittsburgh
Peter Regin, Chris Kelly, Erik Karlsson and Chris Neil also scored for the fifth-seeded Senators, who returned to the postseason after failing to qualify last year. Ottawa's last playoff appearance prior to Wednesday night was a four-game sweep at the hands of these Penguins in the first round in 2008.
Brian Elliott made 17 saves in the victory.
Evgeni Malkin scored twice for the Penguins, who opened their 2009 Cup title defense as the No. 4 seed and will attempt to even the series here on Friday. Craig Adams and Alex Goligoski also scored in the losing effort.
Marc-Andre Fleury allowed five goals on 26 shots for Pittsburgh.
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