The Pittsburgh Penguins (30-34-11) ended a miserable three-game losing streak with a 1-0 overtime win over the playoff-bound Ottawa Senators on Sunday evening at PPG Paints Arena.
In one of the least expected outcomes in recent memory, the Penguins, led by Tristan Jarry, kept the pesky Senators off the board just 24 hours after their 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Like last week, the Penguins will depart their hometown victorious as they embark on a grueling three-game swing in the Western Conference.
Let's discuss their latest overtime triumph.
Will the Real Tristan Jarry Please Stand Up
Social media collectively sighed when Mike Sullivan announced that Jarry would start his third consecutive game despite giving up eight goals on 19 shots and getting the hook in each contest.
Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesThe Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and on pace to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks of the regular season.
However, Jarry silenced the critics on Sunday with a 31-save shutout, his first of the 2024-25 season and 20th in his career. He is now the third Penguins goalie to earn 20 shutouts behind Marc-Andre Fleury and Tom Barrasso.
Jarry didn't stand on his head or bail Pittsburgh out. He just played solid and made the necessary saves when called upon. It was quite a rebound performance from his previous two outings on the road.
Crosby Does It Again
Captain Sidney Crosby, fresh off securing his 20th season with a point-per-game average, tallied Sunday's only goal, his 24th overtime lamplighter. He remains second in the NHL record book behind Alex Ovechkin, who is still ahead by three overtime winners.
After receiving a standing ovation for his latest achievement, Crosby played a passionate game. With less than five minutes left, he took a late penalty after getting into a tussle with Artem Zub.
BREAKING: Sidney Crosby Breaks Wayne Gretzky's Point-Per-Game Seasons RecordAfter 20 years in the making, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has made NHL history.
Crosby led the Penguins with six shots on goal and was 69.2% in the face-off circle. Meanwhile, he was out skating with rookie Rutger McGroarty and Ville Kouivnen, who are now sitting next to the future Hall of Famer in the dressing room.
Even though the season is winding down, and there's no chance at the playoffs, Crosby continues to dazzle and lead the Penguins.
Rookies Defy the Odds
Head coach Sullivan is famously known for playing his veterans and never letting the young kids get a fair shot. On Sunday, in a scoreless game through regulation, both McGroarty and Koivunen played over 16 minutes, each logging more than 25 shifts.
Koivunen made his NHL debut and had two shots, while McGroarty suited up for his fourth NHL contest and had three shots with a blocked shot and four hits.
Penguins Call Up Star Prospects Koivunen & McGroartyAfter a disastrous road trip, the Pittsburgh Penguins are calling up some reinforcements from the AHL. On Friday morning, they announced that prospects Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty are bound for Pittsburgh.
At the AHL level, Koivunen is the league's second-best scorer and didn't get to find the back of the night in Pittsburgh. But he should be up for the remainder of the season and could become the 30th Penguins player to score this season on the upcoming road trip.
Meanwhile, McGroarty is also looking for his first NHL point, and departed Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has one of the team's hottest players with 18 points in 19 games.
It will be fun to watch the duo down the stretch and the impact they can have given top-six minutes and a chance to utilize the skills that have earned them a call-up in the first place.