Penguins Forwards Shine in Thrilling Comeback Win

Coach Dan Muse praises the impact of Anthony Mantha and Elmer Söderblom in Pittsburgh's 8-3 victory over the Islanders.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:52am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors, depicting the dynamic movements and action of a hockey game through overlapping planes and sharp angles.A cubist interpretation of the Penguins' thrilling comeback victory, capturing the raw energy and momentum shifts of the game.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins overcame a 3-1 deficit with seven unanswered goals to defeat the New York Islanders 8-3 in a thrilling comeback victory. Head coach Dan Muse highlighted the standout performances of forwards Anthony Mantha and Elmer Söderblom, who each played a key role in the team's rally.

Why it matters

This statement win showcases the Penguins' offensive firepower and ability to overcome adversity, which could be crucial as the team navigates a demanding late-season schedule and looks to secure a playoff spot in a crowded race.

The details

After falling behind 3-1 in the second period, the Penguins scored seven unanswered goals to secure the victory. Anthony Mantha scored a pair of goals, including the go-ahead tally, while Elmer Söderblom, acquired at the trade deadline, netted the team's first goal to help shift the momentum. Coach Muse praised both players' skill, size, and ability to create problems for opposing defenses.

  • The Penguins played this game on April 3, 2026.
  • Sidney Crosby recorded his 1,100th career assist in the game, bringing him to 1,753 points, just two shy of Steve Yzerman for seventh all-time.

The players

Dan Muse

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who praised the performances of Mantha and Söderblom in the team's comeback win.

Anthony Mantha

A Penguins forward who scored two goals, including the go-ahead tally, in the team's 8-3 victory over the Islanders.

Elmer Söderblom

A 6-foot-8 forward acquired by the Penguins at the trade deadline, who scored the team's first goal and had an immediate impact in his new system.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' star center, who returned from a lower-body injury and recorded two assists, including the 1,100th of his career.

Scott Mayfield

An Islanders defenseman who fought with Söderblom during the game.

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What they’re saying

“He's been showing it all year, you know, just great poise, great hands. He's got that long reach too so it's hard to defend and just makes him dangerous, especially when he has space to to kind of cut across the way he does there. He had some some really good looks tonight. Some chances too that didn't go in, but yeah, he's been showing it all year.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

“He was awesome tonight. You see, like every game he's found a way to make some impact, and you know he's getting in on the forecheck, being around the net. I mean, he's just so hard to defend. It's everybody he's played against, like it's when he gets that puck down low. I mean, I don't know what the answer is in terms of how you defend a guy that size who can hold on to pucks and cut back the way he does. And he's getting to the net front, obviously the fight too, and so just really strong game from him.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Penguins will look to build on this momentum as they continue their demanding late-season schedule, with five games in the next seven days. If they can maintain this level of play, they could make a serious push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Penguins' thrilling comeback victory showcased the team's offensive depth and resilience, led by the standout performances of Anthony Mantha and Elmer Söderblom. This win could be a turning point as Pittsburgh navigates a crowded playoff race down the stretch.