It is hard to believe that a game this early in the season could make or break the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Wednesday night's home game against the Buffalo Sabres was a confidence builder nevertheless.
The Penguins were behind 2-0 before many of the fans were settled in their seats. Two shots on goal from Buffalo and some sloppy play from Tristan Jarry came quickly at the start of the game.
Yikes!!! Jarry gets chased with more than 8 minutes left in the 1st period after giving up 3. Hoping Blomqvist steps up and provides the comeback spark. #LetsGoPens
— Johnny Gibson (@Gibvoice) October 16, 2024
Jarry was pulled in favor of Joel Blomqvist after the Penguins went down 3-0.. Things began to improve. Blomqvist continues to impress with his defensive skills, keeping his arms tight to his body as he defends the goal. He had spectacular body saves. His defense and the continued impressive work of the Penguins' third line put the team back in contention. Some crazy 4-on-4 and even 3-on-3 action ensued.
The night belonged to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin
It was as if the Penguins knew they had to win this game after their legends etched their names even further in the NHL recordbooks.
Sidney Crosby got it started with his 1,600th point. Shortly after that, Evgeni Malkin scored his 500th career goal with an assist from Crosby. The two were more interested in earning a team win, but they must be somewhat relieved to have achieved those records that everyone has been discussing since the 2024-2025 season opened.
In the same game, Crosby reached 1,600 career points, and Malkin scored his 500th career goal.
— Kyle Garcia (@Kopitar4HOF) October 17, 2024
One of the best superstar duos the NHL has ever seen.#LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/EWyfAK21HI
It was a back-and-forth game that ended up with an overtime goal scored by, you guessed it, Sidney Crosby, sealing his legend status on a big night for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins move to 3-2 on the season, trailing the Metropolitan Division-leading New Jersey Devils who are 4-2.
When do the Penguins play again?
The Penguins host the 1-1 Carolina Hurricanes at 7 PM on Friday, October 18. The game is slated to air on NHL Network.
A lingering question the team faces is at goalie. Blomqvist is inexperienced but more effective than Jarry has been so far this season.