Hall, Devs surprise Penguins

PITTSBURGH — Taylor Hall just wants to contribute to the Devils’ playoff run.

The Devils are happy that he’s contributing at a historic pace.

Hall equaled the Devils’ franchise record with points in 15 straight games, Stefan Noesen scored the only goal of the third period and the Devils beat the Penguins, 3-2, on Tuesday night.

“The points feel more important and that’s a really good feeling as a player,” Hall said. “We’re in the middle of a playoff run and games are important, so I’m happy that I’m able to do my part.”

Noesen, playing in his 100th NHL game, broke a 2-2 tie with his ninth goal of the season five minutes into the third. He tipped Andy Greene’s attempt from the side boards behind Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith.

Hall equaled a career high with his 27th goal and had an assist. Hall, who missed three games with a hand injury, has points in the last 22 games in which he’s played, scoring 15 goals and 32 points during that span. He’s the fifth player in the last 25 years with at least one point in 22 consecutive appearances.

“The first period, I probably touched the puck five or six times and I get an assist in the neutral zone,” Hall said. “That’s the way it’s going. You score points in 22 straight games, there’s got to be some luck involved, and things are going your way, but you want to create those chances.”

Sidney Crosby scored his 21st goal and Matt Hunwick tallied his fourth for the Penguins, whose 11-game home win streak ended.

The Penguins, who have won 11 of 15 overall, lost at home for the first time since Jan. 4. It was their longest home winning streak since a franchise-record 13-game run during the 2013-14 season.

“I don’t think you can exhale and take it easy,” Crosby said. “You have to find a way to keep that hunger. It’s going to be a fight until the end and we have to have a consistent effort.”

Kyle Palmieri scored his 17th goal for the Devils, who are fighting for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot. The Devils have won six of eight after losing eight of their previous 11.

Patrick Maroon, acquired Monday from the Oilers, did not play for the Devils.