OMIYA, Saitama Pref. -- Maybe it was the jet lag. Maybe it was the adjustment to new head coach Ivan Hlinka's system. Whatever the reason, it took the Pittsburgh Penguins a game and two-thirds to break out of their Japan doldrums and rally for a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Sunday at Saitama Super Arena.
With the victory, the Penguins earned a split in the two-game series that opened the season for both National Hockey League teams.
After being frustrated by Nashville's tenacious checking in a 3-1 loss Saturday and falling behind early in Sunday's contest, the Penguins looked to be headed for the long trip home with an 0-2 record. Then three Penguin Czech-mates turned the game around.