MONTREAL — Sidney Crosby’s landmark performance, which saw him tie for 13th on the NHL all-time scoring list, propelled the Pittsburgh Penguins to a thrilling 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens in a marathon 12-round shootout at Bell Centre on Wednesday.
Crosby, achieving a career milestone, matched Mark Recchi with 1,533 career points after surpassing Paul Coffey earlier in the game. His two goals and an assist were pivotal in the Penguins securing back-to-back wins, following their previous victory against the Arizona Coyotes.
“It goes by really quick, but to be in company with ‘Rex,’ having played with him, having watched him here,” Crosby said, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.
The shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair, with Jansen Harkins scoring the decisive goal for Pittsburgh on their final attempt. Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson spoke about the tension and excitement on the bench during the shootout.
Crosby’s significant contribution included a power-play goal in the second period to tie the game at 3-3. His consistent excellence drew praise from Canadiens forward Sean Monahan, who acknowledged Crosby’s influence and consistency throughout his career.
The game saw a series of momentum shifts, with David Savard and Jayden Struble putting Montreal ahead in the first period. Crosby and Jake Guentzel responded for Pittsburgh, narrowing the gap with crucial goals.
Montreal’s Sam Montembeault made 27 saves, while Pittsburgh’s Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 39 shots, including nine in overtime. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan lauded his team’s resilience and the crucial role of the power play and penalty kill.
For the Canadiens, coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the team’s self-inflicted mistakes but praised their third-period performance. Despite this effort, Montreal has struggled at home, losing eight of their past nine games.
The game marked the longest NHL shootout since 2016, adding another notable element to an already memorable night. Additionally, Crosby’s 172nd three-point game tied him with Steve Yzerman for seventh in NHL history.
The Canadiens’ defensemen have contributed significantly this season, with their 23 goals trailing only the Colorado Avalanche in the league. On the Penguins’ side, Karlsson’s two assists marked his 50th multiassist period, a unique achievement for an active defenseman.
Looking ahead, the Penguins aim to build on their recent success, while the Canadiens look to improve their home form.
