In the end it came down to the slimmest of margins, but the Pittsburgh Penguins were able to clamp down and neutralize the advancing New York Rangers today, winning on an overtime goal by late acquisition Marian Hossa.
After two goals in the second period by Hossa and Malkin, it looked like Pittsburgh would run away with game five and finish the series in convincing fashion.
But New York, playing in a life-or-death contest for survival, responded in shocking manner with two quick goals early in the third, tying the game at two apiece.
NBC commentator Mike Millbury observed a Penguins bench in shock after seeing their lead so suddenly whittled down to nothing.
- B/R Ticket Guide
But despite New York's newfound fire, Pittsburgh's stifling defense was able to stop further damage.
Late in the third, New York's Chris Drury drew a double minor after high-sticking Pittsburgh forward Ryan Malone. With the game still tied, Pittsburgh took 2:41 of power play into overtime.
Although not converting on the power play, the Penguins effectively controlled the puck and eliminated any Ranger shooting chances.
Seven minutes into OT, Sidney Crosby hurried the puck into the zone, then passed to winger Pascal Dupuis. Dupuis attempted to return the pass but the puck deflected off of a New York skate. Hossa corralled the loose puck for Pittsburgh and fired a shot past New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
After the game, Hossa described it as a "broken play" but he managed to score regardless.
With the win, Pittsburgh showed both tremendous talent and an ability to recover from sudden momentum shifts.
The overtime victory finished the series 4-1 for the Penguins and they are now advancing to the Eastern Conference finals where they will meet their cross-state rivals the Philadelphia Flyers.
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