PITTSBURGH — Erik Karlsson delivered a thrilling finish by scoring just 49 seconds into overtime, guiding the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.
With only six seconds left in regulation, Vegas managed to tie the game with a powerful slapshot from Noah Hanifin, sending the matchup into extra time. However, during overtime, the Golden Knights were unable to gain any possession of the puck. Pittsburgh took control right from the outset with the faceoff, maintaining possession until Karlsson fired his ninth goal of the season from above the right circle.
Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ star, found the net twice in the game, raising his season’s goal tally to 23, while also marking his fifth goal in as many games. Tristan Jarry, playing in his first home game in nearly two months, was impressive with 35 saves.
On the other side, Vegas saw Pavel Dorofeyev score a power-packed 25th goal of the season off a one-timer during the second period. Jack Eichel aided Dorofeyev’s goal, achieving 78 points for the season, which ties William Karlsson’s club record set in the 2017-18 season.
Despite dominating play during major portions of the game, the Golden Knights struggled against Jarry’s excellent goaltending and required Hanifin’s late-game efforts, coupled with a screen by Tomas Hertl, to at least secure a point.
Takeaways
Golden Knights: Finding themselves in fierce competition with Edmonton for the Pacific Division title, Vegas might rue the missed opportunity to definitively defeat one of the NHL’s lower-ranked teams once the playoff positions are finalized next month.
Penguins: Although Jarry let in a late goal, he put on a remarkable performance throughout much of the night. This form might either enhance his trade value this summer or play a role in revitalizing his prospects with the Penguins.
Key moment
Jarry’s outstanding form was encapsulated by a sequence of remarkable saves midway through the third period, winning over a crowd that previously jeered him, now vociferously cheering his name.
Key stat
Crosby has now joined an elite group as the seventh player in NHL history to achieve 70 points across 15 seasons.
What’s next
Vegas continues their four-game road trip, facing Columbus on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Penguins are set to host St. Louis on the same day.
