The Pittsburgh Penguins concluded their preseason on a high note with an exciting overtime victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The final score was 5-4, marking their fifth consecutive win. This thrilling match showcased the team’s resilience as they rallied back from a two-goal deficit.
Game Highlights
Sidney Crosby played a pivotal role in the Penguins’ victory. He scored a crucial goal late in the third period to equalize the game and secured the win by netting the decisive goal just nine seconds into overtime. Despite not having forward Bryan Rust available due to a lower-body injury, the Penguins’ power play proved vital, contributing two goals to the scoreline.
Key Players and Contributions
- Sidney Crosby: Scored the game-tyinggoal and the overtime winner.
- Rickard Rakell: Scored the first power-play goal and emphasized teamwork.
Rakell noted the importance of perseverance during the match, stating, “We could easily have gotten frustrated, but we stuck with it.” His efforts on the power play were significant, helping to lift the team back into contention.
Coaching Insights
Head Coach Dan Muse acknowledged the value of the preseason to prepare for the regular season. After trailing 3-1, Muse called a timeout that helped refocus the team. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong mindset, saying, “You can be down by a couple of goals and it’s far from over.”
Looking Ahead
The Penguins are gearing up for their opening night on October 7 against the New York Rangers. Players like Crosby and Rakell, despite limited preseason appearances, have demonstrated their readiness with three goals each. Rakell expressed excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the team’s collective goal of improvement.
As the Penguins move forward, tough decisions regarding personnel are on the horizon. Coach Muse stated discussions will commence soon, aimed at finalizing the team’s roster for the regular season.
