The Pittsburgh Penguins pulled off one of their most dramatic comebacks of the season on Sunday, storming back from a 3-0 deficit to stun the Boston Bruins in overtime.
Tommy Novak played hero, scoring just 17 seconds into the extra period to complete the improbable turnaround.
It’s the kind of win that could save a season. The Penguins, playing without their top stars, had been struggling lately with back-to-back losses threatening to derail their playoff hopes.
For Novak, it was a moment to remember. He’s now scored in two straight games – something he’s only managed to do three times this season.
The victory couldn’t have come at a better time for Pittsburgh. With a record of 32-17-14, they’re clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 78 points.
That puts them just one point ahead of the charging New York Islanders and within striking distance of the Carolina Hurricanes in the Metropolitan Division.
The win felt especially sweet given how things started. Down three goals late in the second period, it looked like another frustrating night for the Penguins faithful. But sometimes hockey has other plans.
“We just didn’t quit,” Novak said after the game. “Even when we were down, there was this feeling on the bench that we could turn it around.”
And turn it around they did, in what might end up being one of the most important victories of their season.
