Penguins Defeat Bruins in Overtime Thriller

Tommy Novak scores game-winning goal just 17 seconds into OT

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a late deficit to defeat the Boston Bruins 5-4 in overtime on Sunday. Anthony Mantha scored two third-period goals to help the Penguins rally, before Tommy Novak netted the game-winner just 17 seconds into the extra period.

Why it matters

The Penguins were playing without star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, making the comeback victory even more impressive. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for Pittsburgh and keeps them in the playoff hunt in the competitive Eastern Conference.

The details

After the Bruins built a 4-2 lead late in the third period, the Penguins stormed back with two quick goals from Anthony Mantha to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, Tommy Novak scored the decisive goal just 17 seconds in to complete the comeback win for Pittsburgh.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • Novak scored the game-winning goal 17 seconds into overtime.

The players

Tommy Novak

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Anthony Mantha

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored two third-period goals to help the team rally back.

Sidney Crosby

A star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was not in the lineup for this game.

Evgeni Malkin

A star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was also not in the lineup for this game.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up and kept fighting until the end. It was a huge win for us, especially without some of our top guys.”

— Tommy Novak (TSN Canada)

What’s next

The Penguins will look to build on this overtime victory as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Penguins' ability to rally from a late deficit and win in overtime without their star players demonstrates the team's resilience and depth, which could prove crucial as they fight for a postseason berth.