DALLAS — Sidney Crosby delivered a standout performance with a hat trick and an assist, propelling the Pittsburgh Penguins to a comeback victory over the Dallas Stars, 5-3, on Saturday.
The Penguins saw additional goals from Bryan Rust and Blake Lizotte, marking their second win in the last three matchups. Goalie Tristan Jarry showcased his skills by blocking 21 shots.
Evgenii Dadonov made a striking impact for Dallas, scoring three goals for his second career hat trick, while Casey DeSmith recorded 35 saves. Unfortunately for the Stars, their seven-game winning streak and 10-game point streak (8-0-2) came to an end.
Bryan Rust leveled the score at 3-3 midway through the third period by skillfully maneuvering around a sprawling DeSmith to net his 200th NHL goal. Shortly after, Blake Lizotte clinched the lead for Pittsburgh just before the conclusion, with Crosby sealing his 14th career regular season hat trick with an empty-net goal seconds before the match ended.
Earlier, Crosby tied the game at 2-2 shortly after the start of the third, redirecting a backhanded pass from Rutger McGroarty past DeSmith. However, Dadonov recaptured the lead for the Stars a few minutes later with a deft backhander.
Crosby got the Penguins on the scoreboard first during a power play early in the game, but Dadonov quickly equalized, later putting Dallas ahead 2-1 with another power-play goal.
Key Moments:
The decisive moment arose when Stars defensemen Thomas Harley and Cody Ceci clashed and lost control in their defensive zone, allowing Danton Heinen to slip a pass to Lizotte for the Penguins’ go-ahead goal in the final minute.
Noteworthy Stats:
Crosby’s current form is impressive, maintaining a 12-game point streak featuring 11 goals and nine assists. It’s the longest active streak in the NHL and ties him with legends for the longest streak by a player aged 37 or older.
What’s Next:
The Penguins hit the road to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday as part of a home-and-home series, while the Stars gear up for an away game in Minnesota.