NHL analyst pumps the brakes on Penguins hype after lopsided win vs. Blackhawks

The holiday break could not have come at a better time for the Pittsburgh Penguins, as they spent the better part of December searching for momentum.

The Penguins looked rejuvenated and determined as they easily beat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-3 on Sunday night at the United Center. The Penguins dominated the game right from the start and did not let control go all game long.

Justin Brazeau got the first hat trick of his career, while Bryan Rust got two goals, with the rest coming courtesy of Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari in a season-best offensive effort.

Ryan Shea picked up assists in all three goals for the first three-point game of his career, while Arturs Silovs made 21 saves.

Pittsburgh got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first period. Mantha got the first goal, coming at 1:38, followed by Rust and Brazeau before the Blackhawks had a chance to touch the puck.

The addition of Blake Lizotte improved the PK, and his pressure led to the Rust goal, which came shortly after a successful kill, knocking Spencer Knight out of the game.

Chicago pushed the action in the second period with a bit by Nick Foligno, but Brazeau scored two goals in a matter of 57 seconds to dispel any momentum. Acciari followed with a goal later in the period.

The third period remained tranquil, except for a goal by Tyler Bertuzzi in the final seconds, which made it 7-3.

Although this game has ended in a one-sided Penguins win, and they have completely outplayed their opponents, the Blackhawks, NHL analyst Dave Molinari has pointed out that one winning night cannot cancel out December, which has been tough for this team.

All eyes will be on the Penguins' next game, when they play the Hurricanes on Tuesday at 7 PM ET.