Erik Karlsson delivered the game-winner just 49 seconds into overtime, lifting the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.
Vegas forced overtime with a last-second equalizer when Noah Hanifin blasted a slapshot past Tristan Jarry with just six seconds remaining in regulation.
However, in overtime, Vegas never gained possession as Pittsburgh won the faceoff and maintained control. Karlsson sealed the victory with a powerful shot from the right circle, securing his ninth goal of the season.
Sidney Crosby scored twice for Pittsburgh, bringing his season total to 23 goals, including five in his last five games. Jarry made 35 saves in his first home start in nearly two months.
Pavel Dorofeyev notched his 25th goal of the season on a one-timer in the second period for the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel’s assist on the goal brought his season total to 78 points, tying William Karlsson’s single-season team record from 2017-18.
Takeaways
Golden Knights: Vegas remains locked in a tight race with Edmonton for the Pacific Division title. Dropping points against a struggling Penguins team could prove costly when the playoff standings are finalized next month.
Penguins: Jarry’s strong performance—despite conceding a late goal—could either boost his trade value or revitalize his career in Pittsburgh as the team evaluates its future goaltending situation.
Key Moment
Jarry kept Pittsburgh in the game with a series of clutch saves in the third period, turning jeers into cheers from a crowd that had previously booed him this season.
Key Stat
Crosby became just the seventh player in NHL history to record 70 points in 15 seasons.
Up Next
Vegas continues its four-game road trip with a stop in Columbus on Thursday. The Penguins host St. Louis the same night.
