Penguins Stun Bruins with Huge Comeback OT Win

Pittsburgh erases 3-0 deficit to force overtime and win in dramatic fashion

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a 3-0 deficit to the Boston Bruins, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra session, the Penguins completed the comeback with a game-winning goal to earn a crucial two points at home.

Why it matters

The Penguins' ability to rally from a multi-goal deficit against one of the NHL's top teams demonstrates their resilience and character, keeping them in the playoff hunt in a tight Eastern Conference race. The win also provides a much-needed confidence boost for a Penguins squad missing key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

The details

The Bruins jumped out to a 3-0 lead through two periods, with goals from Pavel Zacha and a David Pastrnak tally that was accidentally knocked into his own net by Penguins goalie Arturs Silovs. However, the Penguins stormed back in the third, scoring three unanswered goals from Connor Dewar, Anthony Mantha, and Zacha's hat trick goal to tie the game. In overtime, Tommy Novak scored the game-winner just 17 seconds into the extra period to complete the comeback.

  • The Penguins scored three goals in the third period to tie the game 3-3 with 13:58 remaining in regulation.
  • The Penguins scored the game-winning goal in overtime just 17 seconds into the extra period.

The players

Arturs Silovs

The Penguins goaltender who had an uncharacteristic mistake that led to a Bruins goal, but was otherwise solid in net.

Connor Dewar

The Penguins forward who scored a key goal in the third period to spark the comeback.

Anthony Mantha

The Penguins forward who scored two goals, including the game-tying goal in the third period, to help force overtime.

Tommy Novak

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

Pavel Zacha

The Bruins forward who scored a hat trick, including the go-ahead goal in the third period, but ultimately ended up on the losing side.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up, even when we were down 3-0. The guys showed a lot of character to battle back and get this huge win.”

— Mike Sullivan, Penguins Head Coach (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“It was a tough one to lose after we had the lead, but you have to give credit to the Penguins for not quitting and finding a way to win it in overtime.”

— Jim Montgomery, Bruins Head Coach (Boston Globe)

What’s next

The Penguins will look to build on this comeback win when they travel to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

The Penguins' ability to rally from a multi-goal deficit against an elite opponent like the Bruins demonstrates the team's resilience and character, which will be crucial as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in a tight Eastern Conference race.