What a 2024 year it has been for the Penguins. They have had their ups, and they have had their downs. There have been way more ups than there have been downs. Yes the Penguins did not make the playoffs last season in 2024 and they are currently right outside of the playoff picture now, but that does not mean 2024 was not a memorable year.
Michael Bunting brings the house down against the Lightning
It was very late last season for the Penguins where they were right outside the playoff picture and a win over Tampa Bay could temporarily put them back in the playoff picture.
Recent newcomer Michael Bunting made sure that happened, as the Penguins blew a 4-1 lead in this one as the Lightning tied it 4-4 mid third period. But that is when Bunting went to work and brought the fans on their feet with the game winning goal late in the third period.
What a memorable moment this was and Pens fans from in the arena to around the world, had belief that the team was going to make the playoffs after this win. Sadly, was not the case but what a defining moment.
Karlsson's OT winner against the Red Wings
This game was two games after the Lightning game and this one was back and forth. The Penguins blew a 5-3 lead in this one late in the third period and it went to OT yet again.
That is when Karlsson brought the PPG Paints Arena crowd to their feet and to a frenzy with quite a shot as the crowd roared and for the time being the Penguins held a playoff spot again.
This was another memorable and defining moment in 2024 for the Penguins.
A rare road win against the Devils
The Penguins always have a tough time playing in New Jersey against the Devils. The Devils have had the Penguins number for years. But super late in the season in April, when the Penguins had to have it, they pulled off a comeback.
The Penguins erased a 3-1 third period deficit with 5 goals in a span of 10:26 to close out the Devils, pick up a huge road win, and a huge 2 points at the end of the season.
This was quite the memorable and defining moment for the Penguins in 2024.