PITTSBURGH — Arguably the most pivotal key to the Penguins storming into playoff position post All-Star break would be a productive power play.

At least for one night, the Penguins got precisely that in their 3-0 victory against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena. Both Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust scored on a five-minute power play midway through the second period, though the goals came at a cost.

Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon clocked Noel Acciari in the head with his shoulder, sending the burly center’s helmet flying and torso to the ice. Dillon was assessed a match penalty, and Acciari did not return to the game after needing some assistance to skate off and walk down the tunnel following the hit.

Both of the Penguins’ power-play units ensured Acciari’s departure was not in vain. Erik Karlsson, who quarterbacked the second power play, flung a shot on net from the point, and Carter pounced on the rebound for his sixth goal of the season.

Not long after, Rust had one of the easiest goals of his career. Sidney Crosby fired a one-timer that caromed toward Jake Guentzel at the goal line extended, and the winger directed the puck back toward the blue paint. Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck was out of position on the awkward play and provided little resistance to Rust getting his 12th goal of the season.

It wasn’t just the Penguins’ power play, which entered the evening ranked 31st in the league, that propelled them to victory. A strong start by the Penguins allowed them to hold a one-goal lead entering the second period, courtesy of Kris Letang.

An errant Jets pass — forced by Rickard Rakell’s forechecking — wound up on Letang’s stick early in the first frame. The blue-liner then flung a backhand off the right post and in for his fourth goal of the season to give the Penguins their early lead.

It didn’t hurt that Tristan Jarry, who wasn’t particularly challenged all night, was solid between the pipes in earning his league-leading sixth shutout of the season. Stringent defense in conjunction with timely offense with a man advantage were more than enough to provide the Penguins with a win in the first game after the All-Star break.

ICE CHIPS

— Jesse Puljujarvi made his Penguins debut, skating in his first NHL game since May 7 of last season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Puljujarvi played 13 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in returning from double hip surgery.

— Reilly Smith drew back into the starting lineup for the first time since Jan. 11. The winger had been sidelined due to a left arm injury. He skated on Evgeni Malkin’s line.

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