Penguins Stun Bruins in OT Comeback

Tommy Novak scores 17 seconds into overtime to lift Pittsburgh to 5-4 victory

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period to defeat the Boston Bruins 5-4 in overtime on Sunday. Tommy Novak scored the game-winning goal just 17 seconds into the extra period, capping a wild comeback for the Penguins, who were playing without stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Why it matters

The Penguins' comeback win over the Bruins, a top team in the Eastern Conference, demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to win tough games even without their two franchise players. This result could be a momentum-shifting moment in the Penguins' season as they look to solidify their position in the Metropolitan Division playoff race.

The details

Anthony Mantha scored two third-period goals to help the Penguins rally from a 3-1 deficit. Egor Chinakhov and Connor Dewar also scored for Pittsburgh. Pavel Zacha recorded a hat trick for the Bruins, while David Pastrnak added a goal. The Penguins' comeback was their second this season in which they overcame a three-goal deficit.

  • The Penguins trailed 3-1 in the third period.
  • Dewar and Mantha scored 33 seconds apart to tie the game at 3-3.
  • Zacha completed his hat trick to give the Bruins a 4-3 lead, but Mantha tied it again with 8:42 left in regulation.
  • Novak scored the game-winning goal just 17 seconds into overtime.

The players

Tommy Novak

The Penguins forward scored the game-winning goal in overtime to complete the comeback.

Anthony Mantha

The Penguins forward scored two third-period goals to help his team rally from a two-goal deficit.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' franchise cornerstone was out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury.

Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins' other franchise cornerstone served the second game of a five-game suspension.

Pavel Zacha

The Bruins forward recorded a hat trick in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.